Nice-Biz Article Archive

The Pump In Style includes a built-in insulated section with zipper enclosure. The compartment can hold up to 20-ounces of breast milk. 3-rectangular cooling packs keep the breast milk cold for hours and are great storage containers. Medela includes 20-CSF collection bags for storing, which I bought separately. There are measurement indicators in both milliliters, and ounces. Labels are included as well, so the date can be recorded. I do not recommend storing full bags in the insulated cell as it has the potential for making an enormous mess. They should go directly to the freezer or the refrigerator. I didn't like the twist tie arrangement, so I used them for storing frozen breast milk. The bags are long lasting and they freeze well; however, I had a difficult time propping them up so they won't fall.

Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator or in the freezer, depending on your needs. Freshly expressed milk may stand at room temperature for up to 4-hours. It is always advisable to keep fresh breast milk refrigerated. Breast milk will remain drinkable in the refrigerator for up to a week. You may store expressed milk in a self-contained freezer for up to 4-months, and up to 1-year in a deep freezer. Frozen breast milk can be defrosted in the refrigerator, in a bottle warmer, or with tap water. Absolutely do not re-freeze thawed breast milk.

Transportable
The Medela Pump In Style is a working moms dream. One can pump between meetings, and store in the refrigerator, or in the included insulator. Altogether, the complete unit weighs 7-lbs. This isn't heavy, but when filled with 3-frozen ice packs, and 4-full bottles it could weigh up to 12 pounds. The battery pack is great for on-the-go pumping, but it goes through batteries rapidly, so I did not utilize it much. Oh, and on the road pumping with the vehicle lighter adapter is readily available for an additional fee. I would have definitely invested in this had I known about it.

In evaluating this breast pump, there are infinite positives, although it is truly difficult for me to find negatives. Therefore, I believe the benefits outweigh any unsatisfactory points. If asked to present a con, I would suggest the following. Upon occasion, breast milk will leak into the tubing. This isn't a huge problem. If dry breast milk is discovered in the tubes, then sterilize them by boiling in a pan of water. Set the tubing out to air dry. So I found it best to sit up straight when pumping. For me, this pump was a way for me to offer my son breast milk on my busy schedule, so I definitely vouch for it!