The Winner of the Medela Freestyle Pump

Best pumping story? When my 2.5 year old told the neighbors (while outside with Daddy) that I couldn't come outside because I was pretending I was a cow.

*blinks*

:) Good stuff.

(And why do I need this pump? Our PIS is too bulky to take camping and this would be PERFECT.)

Well with my pump going through 1 1/2 babies and me at work, it's almost at the end of it's life cycle. I've been walked in on a few times, spilled milk, forgotten it on the counter overnight, forgotten my hands free bra, not had time to pump and been very engorged, everything you can imagine with a breastfeeding working mom. I really wouldn't trade it though. All the funny pumping stories I can think of are worth it.

I suppose the best I can think of is one day I was down in the NICU (I'm a nurse and there's a pumping room in the NICU), a pediatrician that I work with was there, he didn't realize I was a breastfeeding mom and begin lightly teasing me, here was our conversation:

Doc-What are you doing in here in the NICU?
Me-I'm using the back room.
Doc-The bathroom?
Me-The back room.
Doc-Don't they have bathroom upstairs?
Another Doc-She's going to the pumping room, she's a breastfeeding mom.

The original Doctor got crimson and was entirely embarrassed. Mostly I thought it was especially funny because he was a pediatrician and couldn't handle the mention of breasts.

I don't need to be entered--just felt like sharing!

God smiled on me a few months ago and prompted Medela to offer me a free Freeystyle in return for filling out a survey. This pump is a Cadillac. I love how it has a timer so you know how long you've been pumping. And I LOVE-love the memory button that keeps track of intensity and length of stimulation so you can do the same thing the next time!

I need this pump for my wife. We have a baby due a little over a month and haven't been able to afford the kind of pump we want/need.

This pump looks amazingly easy! With my last child, I used a manual pump while continuing to work. It was a pumping nightmare! I continually developed mastitis because I couldn't completely empty the breast, and more often than not, I walked out of the conference room (where I pumped) with the "non-pumped" side dripping with breastmilk.

What a luxury item this would be! It would definitely be more healthy for my baby-to-be to use a pump such as this one.

My best pumping story would have to be getting walked in on while pumping at work. I had a nice room to pump in and I worked in a hospital at the time. The only problem was it didn't have a lock. I posted a sign on the outside of the door each time I was in there, but one day one of my co-workers walked right in and saw me "in action." It was quite embarrassing, but we are still able to laugh about it today. I happily pumped and breastfed my daughter while working full time for 11 months. It was a huge accomplishment for me, so the embarrassing moment was well worth it! :)

I shared an office with my boss for a little while.

Me: Hey, can I use that empty office?
Male Boss: Why?
Me, fingering my pump: Because...I need it.
Boss: Why can't you just stay in this office with me?
Me: Because I need some privacy.
Boss: But why?
Me: BECAUSE I NEED TO USE MY BREAST PUMP, is that what you want me to say? Breast pump. Pump. PUMP. NURSING, for the baby.
Boss gone scarlet: Oh, uh, yeah, uh, sure, just lock the door.

Hey! When a girl's gotta pump, she's gotta pump!

I want this pump for my darling little first-grandchild-to-be. My daughter is due August 1 and I'd love for her to have a better breast pumping experience than I had (the old-fashioned manual pumps - ouch!). This Medela Freestyle looks like the best idea to come along in breast pumping in a long time!

This is probably not that interesting or funny in comarison to what other women have to say but I will definitely share it.

When I went back to work after my son was born I worked in a cubicle farm. Of course that makes it a little difficult to pump but we did have an empty office from some turnover and that was the one that I would use for pumping. Our Office Manager was a VERY conservative gentleman from India who was very uptight and a bit annoying at times. One time I was pumping and he was looking for me. When I got done someone told me that he was looking for me so I went to find out what he needed. He asked me what he needed and then proceeded to say "what do you do in that office a few times a day?", which if he paid any attention I actually had a homemade doorhanger that said "Pumping in Progress, Please Do NOT Disturb". Anyway, I said "that's where I go to use my breast pump since I am still breastfeeding my son." The look on his face was PRICELESS!! He looked shocked and startled and was barely able to stammer out "oh, okay, that's fine, thank you" and grabbed the phone to call someone. Me and my co-workers laughed about that for weeks!

Oh, my other pumping story is a bit more painful. My son had recently gotten his first two teeth and decided that biting mom would be a fun past-time. I was trying to feed him one day and he bit me twice so I decided that he would get a bottle and I would pump in that instance because I just could not be bitten again. I sat him in his swing and proceeded to try to pump. Then I felt the excruciating pain and looked down to see that I was actually bleeding while pumping! I was shocked that he'd bitten me hard enough for me to bleed and immediately had to stop pumping on that side. That was definitely a memorable moment.

Thanks for letting me share! :-)

I don't have any good stories about pumping. I have never pumped. I have recently given birth to my third child. This child is my first experience with breastfeeding. My first two kids were both bottle fed. I had some trouble with the birth of my first son, and was led to believe that I wouldn't be able to nurse him. I was uneducated and so upset that I didn't even try with my next son. Now I am ready. I have been SO scared to do it. I have been breastfeeding my daughter for about 5 months. I am amazed at how wonderful it is. She is so healthy and strong. I am so happy that there are sites like this to help build confidence in women like me. I was so eager to just breastfeed that I didn't even look at breast pumps when I was pregnant. Now I am looking to share feeding time with my husband. He misses having the experience that he had with our first two kids. I have been shopping around, and am realizing that we will not be able to buy a pump. We don't any enough money. We are desperately trying to stay out of debt. This pump looks amazing. Hopefully I will be able to try it one day. Good luck!

My best pumping story is not funny or anything. I feel very fortunate to work for a company that has a great mothers room program. There are three different rooms that I can go to in my office complex (varying distances from my cube) that have private cubbies that I can pump as long as I need to. So, nobody has walked in on me or seen me hooked up. There are other moms that I have bonded with and share pictures and stories - that has been one of the best parts besides feeling closer to my son during the work day.

My pumping story might sound simple. My daughter now is a year and two months. Eventhough, I work fulltime, I still BF her exclusively as I pump frequent.. One day a collegue asked me what brand of formula milk that i give to my daughter. I said, 'None as I feed her my own milk'. He than replied, 'You are such a cow'.

I am expecting with my first child. The reason why I need this pump is because, my husband and I live in an area where our closest family member is a 9 hour car-drive away. We are both working and with housing market crisis, my dreams of working part-time has been put on hold. The reason why I want the free-style pump is so I can multi-task. I could do some things around the house or when I am working from home (I am allowed to telework as part of my maternity leave), pump and work at the same time. The freestyle pump will be my "little helper" as we enter the world of parenthood.

I bought a pump made by The First Years when I was pregnant(only because it was the cheapest). I used it once - it worked fine. The second time - no go. The suction didn't work and it was very painful. I was attempting to pump because my three-week old was sick and refusing to eat. She ended up in the hospital for three days with viral menengitis.

My friend loaned me her Medela Pump In Style. My boobs were in heaven! I thought pumping was supposed to hurt, but with the Medela, it was wonderful. I was able to pump and store my milk at the hospital, then bring the unused (frozen) milk home with me when my daughter was discharged. Sadly, my friend needed it back ASAP, so I had to say goodbye.

I priced the different Medela pumps and they are all out of our price range right now. So I must forge ahead with my crappy pump (unless I win :).

I would love to have this pump! Last year I had twin girls 12 weeks early, I had a terrible time with trying to build up my milk supply because neither of my babies could lack on. I spent many hours with my rental pump only to get 3 oz. of breast milk a day. Finally when my babies could come home I was still pumping because neither one wanted to latch. I was so upset because I badly wanted to BF my babies. I am pregnant again (only one baby this time!) I plan to do everything in my power to breast feed and I need to help establish my milk supply. We can't afford a pump so I would LOVE to win this!

I'm due in October and excited to breastfeed. I've heard horror stories of manual breast pumps and would love to have this one!

When I returned to work I was a paranoid pumper; determined to keep up my supply I employed a variety of tactics to ensure success. Thankfully, they worked, my stockpile has outgrown our refrigerator freezer and we have purchased a small chest freezer to contain the bounty. Recently, another pumping mama friend confided that her baby has been drinking more than she's been able to pump. I shared my tips & tricks but also offered to share some of my stockpile. It hasn't come to that yet, but she said that it comforts her to know she has a back-up and it feels great to be able to offer to help. My daughter is almost 9 months now and I am confidant we'll make it to the 1 year mark with no formula needed. Supplementing with formula (or using it exclusively) is certainly not the end of the world. It is just, for me, ensuring my daughter had only breast milk was my "stand" - I may leave her for work, but I can keep breastfeeding!

Hi
I am due in 2 weeks and will go back to work 6 weeks after birth. My work day are more around the 10 to 12 hours shift. I'll need a pump that is light weight and allow me to pump wherever I am because I also have to move or travel a lot. The freestyle seems to be an ideal pump for a busy Mom on the go!

Well...I have had many interesting experiences pumping for my son. My son will be a year this week and we're still breastfeeding which is amazing considering what I've done to get to this point. I stayed home with my son for 6 months which made it easier to breastfeed exclusively. I went back to work when he was just 6 months old, pump in tow. I am a NICU nurse and while it may seem to be the most appropriate and accommodating place to support a breastfeeding woman, it was and is still not the case. Because the pumping room is located inside the unit and federal regulations prohibit food/drinks in our unit, I've had to pump in our break room. A majority of the nurses are women and very accommodating but I've had male respiratory therapists, janitors, maintenance and even managers walk in while I have been pumping, some not as tolerant as others. I've even had to endure the condescending looks and disapproving comments. I am always covered up and appropriate but it has been a struggle to find a time and a place in my very busy work day. I've pumped many a time in the car...I've even tried to pump driving with a hands-free pumping bra (my husband isn't particularly fond of that practice). The most interesting place I've had to pump was in the bathroom at NBC studios while waiting to see the Ellen Degeneres Show. It was THE only place available to pump and I had to do it standing up facing a line of women waiting to use the restroom. It was either that or get engorged. I opted for the former, explaining my way through that 20 minute session. I've pumped on airplanes, at the zoo and many other places. We've made it a year and I truly believe it was because I made the commitment to my son to provide him with the best possible source of nutrition as long as I was physically capable of doing so.

I'd like to win this pump because I'm looking for ways to support my wife during her pregnancy and having this taken care of would be a nice surprise for her!

I think it was the morning I woke up to find my toddler had unpacked my pump, plugged it in (no, I don't let him!), attached all the pieces together, lifted his shirt, and was pumping away. :D

The best part about pumping was that it allowed me to store up some milk so I could actually make it to weekly health care appointments (1 hour away) while my husband fed our son. My husband was able to enjoy the delight in feeding our son . . . an experience up until that point was solely my own.

The first time I pumped, my husband was cracking up at how elongated my nipples were during suction. He made me laugh so hard I almost spilled some of the milk.

I've exclusively breastfed all of my three kiddos and haven't ever been able to justify spending money on a really good pump since I stay at home. However, I would love to have one for emergencies and to be able to occasionally go out and still give baby the best possible nutrition!

I've only been pumping for a week, so no good stories yet, but I would love to be able to return my rental to the hospital!

I was pumping directly into a storage bag and accidentally squished the bag up from the bottom. It spilled all over the library book I was awkwardly reading one handed!

My story is kind of the after effect of the pumping, our first child was about 1 month old and we went to the park with our church hometeam. About 40 people where at the park and I went to pump. I came back and guess i was not done and the breast pad didnt want to work properly. I was in a conversation with my fathers boss when my husband kept saying loudly I had something on my shirt. I said, thanks and ignored him knowing what it was. He wouldn't let it go and kept pointing it out. Finally a friend who has two kids told him, umm let it go its breast milk. I was so embarrassed but got over it.

I don't have a pumping story, but I do have a terrific breastfeeding story... Before my milk came in I was a huge 36DDD---after my milk came in, I was like a massive size R or something hideous. Yikes! Well, just as a joke--and for shock and awe purposes---I had my mom take a picture while my daughter was nursing to send to my sister with the title, "Don't be jealous!" I included a few other cute (and acceptable) pictures of our baby and cc:'d my mom. When she received the email for some reason she didn't realized the huge-boob breastfeeding shot was included and forwarded them on to two other ladies that she thought might enjoy some cute baby pics. They were in for a BIG surprise (pun intended). How embarassing!

I borrowed a hospital grade pump right after my daughter was born since I had an oversupply issue and the first time my husband saw me using it he started laughing and saying that I looked like I was a cow in a milk factory (which is precisely what I felt like!). I only ended up purchasing a hand pump since finances were tight at the time but we managed to breastfeed for a year. It would have been great to be able to have a nice and efficient pump but maybe I could win one for the kids I still plan to have!

I'm expecting in December and plan on breastfeeding for the first 3 months but then have to return to work and can't afford to purchase a breast pump so we'll be using formula. I would love to win this pump so that I could continue providing breast milk for my baby.

I guess my best pumping story was explaining to my son how the pump worked. He thought the pump put milk into my body!

What a fantastic giveaway. I've been pumping at work using the rubber band method for a few weeks, and this looks like a godsend. My favorite pump story is when my 2.5 year old holds the pump parts up to his chest and says "I'm pumpin some milk for my baby!"

Ever since my son was 4 months old, he has been a fussy, distractible nurser (he's 9 months now). While occasionally he'll surprise me, he pretty much won't nurse in public ever, anymore - will only nurse in a quiet dark room with no one else in it! So you can imagine how apprehensive I was when we planned a weeklong vacation which would require two 3-hr flights and a layover. Needless to say, DS wouldn't nurse on planes or in airports, so I had to pump. I pumped in the waiting areas at the gates....just got down on the floor with the stroller in front of me! The funniest moments were when people would walk close or walk by and I would sort of hunch over and just hope nobody asked me what I was up to! But we got through the whole vacation without supplementing, so I count that as a job well done.
I've been coveting the Freestyle ever since I heard about it...that PIS sure was a heavy lug on international flights! It even went with me to the beach when I was going to scuba and my in-laws were going to give DS a bottle. Something smaller and lighter, but just as efficient, would be all I need.

Well my pumping story involves my 11 year old niece, who is a great help, but the other day asked why i pumped, and i explained to have milk for Spencer when i am working, she the said, well why not formula, i said because i want him to have the best possible and breastmilk is it...she reply..oh, that really have a purpose, i just thought there were there for boys to look at.

Oh, I forgot to add my other favorite pumping story, this one not funny: I'm proud to say that when I still had oversupply (prior to 4 months), I was able to send 160 oz. of pumped freezer stash I was certain I'd never use to the Mothers' Milk Bank of Ohio!

I would love to win this pump! I'm due with my first child in Feb and I know from my friends that a pump will allow you to get out of the house every once in awhile. I will also need it if I decide to go back to work. Please pick me! I could really use this!

I have lots of good pumping stories, but here's one frantic one:

I recently went out of town for 3 days without my husband and kids. I packed my pump in my carryon for the trip there because I was terrified that my baggage would get lost in route and I would be an engorged wreck the entire trip without it.

I pumped and dumped while on the trip, stealing away to my hotel room between meetings.

For the trip back, I packed the pump in my suitcase. I planned on carrying the suitcase on as I did on the trip there.

Much to my horror my flight was canceled. I was able to rush and get an earlier flight. But the flight was full and someone met me at the door to take my baggage. There was no room to stow it overhead.

I handed it over, not thinking.

Then 20 minutes later at 3,000 or so feet I realized that my pump was in the bag and they checked it through to my destination. I was going to have a few hour layover before my connecting flight and I wouldn't be home until after the baby's bedtime.

My boobs started to ache knowing that they would not be relieved.

When the plane landed I anxiously waited for people to deplane. There was a family two rows ahead of me with a baby. I was so desperate that I almost suggested they let me borrow their baby for a few minutes. (No, I wouldn't have actually nursed someone else's baby!)

I made my way to the front and out to the counter. I frantically explained to the woman that I really needed my bag. I really needed to pump. Is there *any* way that she could have someone get my bag.

I'm not sure if she sensed pain in my eyes or if she was a former nursing mother, but she said she would try.

She asked what my bag looked like. Um, black like everyone else's. Drat. Oh, wait, I tied a pink bandana to the handle.

She ran down to look. A long line started forming at the counter behind me, people tapping their toes. I kept reassuring them that she would return.

And she did. Carrying my suitcase with my beloved pump inside. She directed me to a family restroom where I was able to plug in my pump and get relief.

Morals of the story: Never let your pump leave your sight if you are traveling without your baby and always tie something colorful to your luggage.

Well, I haven't needed to pump yet as I'm 20 weeks pregnant, but one of my friend's hubby was making fun of her while she had her double pump on, so she hooked him up to it - double hickies for him :) Also, last night on the way home from a church trip, we got on the topic of breastfeeding/pumping. Why a 26 year old guy brought it up is beyond me :) Good times...

Why I need this? With my first baby I rented a hospital grade pump - was ready to BF exclusively. Had a terrible experience, baby had high latch, all sorts of complications, I gave up at about 10 weeks. Felt horrible about it. Now baby #2. I didn't rent a pump b/c I was pessimistic. Now she's 6+ months, still BF, and I don't have a pump! Having one would be so helpful...

I have only been pumping for 3 months with my 1st baby so no great stories yet. I keep my Medela pump next to my computer & pump every morning while I check my emails. I just lean against my desk with the breast shields to hold them on & be hands free - wouldn't this freestyle unit be handy! I bought my pump in style before these hands free ones came out. Still love my pump in style though.

I have only been pumping for 3 months with my 1st baby so no great stories yet. I keep my Medela pump next to my computer & pump every morning while I check my emails. I just lean against my desk with the breast shields to hold them on & be hands free - wouldn't this freestyle unit be handy! I bought my pump in style before these hands free ones came out. Still love my pump in style though.

Hi I don't personally need a pump, but my daughter will (she is due in December). Here is my breast pump story: My youngest child was in NICU for 4 weeks, during the first 3 weeks of his life, I had to pump breast milk, as he was not strong enough to be put to the breast. The very first time I went to visit him, after I had been released from the hospital, I was getting on the elevator, and my milk let down! Talk about a nightmare! I had just pumped right before leaving home, and thought that would hold me until later. Thank goodness for the wonderful nursing staff in NICU, they provided me with a scrub top to wear home, and a nice quiet place to pump, again.

One of the first couple days back at work I was borrowing a friends pump and not use to having to pump in the one and only bathroom at work. One of my bosses was out so I locked myself in there to pump. When I was done I forgot to unlock the door. So when I tried to go back I couldn't get in. I had to have a guy at work crawl through the celing of a neighboring office to get in the office and unlock the door to the office so I didn't explode later!

No babies (yet), but we travel A LOT. I've heard a portable, good breast pump is a must. While some of the hand pumps have been recommended for travel, I have also heard terrible stories of the nozzle or other parts breaking, and them not being as comfortable when they latch on. When you're trying to breastfeed as long as possible during that first year, why make it more difficult for yourself? I'd love this pump, start off on the right foot! :)

I'm due in August, but I'll need to go back to work fulltime soon after that. After all the research I've been reading, I really want my baby to be able to stay on breastmilk for as long as possible, but the only way I'm going to be able to achieve that is to have a good pump. The hands free one will be perfect! I can actually keep working!

I was totally NOT planning on pumping. I have a one year leave of absence at work, so I knew I would be able to breastfeed whenever I needed to. However...the best laid plans...

Ru snuck out a good 6 weeks early, and was unable to breastfeed. (first because of the CPAP, then because she didn't have the strength, then because we had to supplement the breastmilk)

Last week we were cleared to stop supplementing. Now at 2.5 months old she doesn't know how (or doesn't care to work that hard) feed directly from the breast. We have a rental, so winning this would sure save us some money, especially if we can't convince her to start nursing properly!

I would absolutely love to win this because I have an Avent Isis manual pump and it takes me FOREVER to pump both sides. It is not convenient because it takes so long and I don't have anywhere to store my pumped milk. Thank you for this opportunity.

Our son is due any day now. I may not actually need to use it so I am entering with the possibility of sharing the pump with friends of my La Leche League who might be in need.

My first daughter was in the NICU for two weeks and had to be tube fed for awhile. We were able to borrow a huge pump for a couple of months. When my second daughter was born, she wouldn't breastfeed and we couldn't borrow a pump so we fed her formula, even though I would have liked to BF her. We want to have another kid in a year and I really want to breastfeed, but I'm afraid that baby wont latch either so my hopes of them getting breastmilk will be gone. This would help out so much to calm my fears.

No baby yet (very soon though!), but have you seen the prices of good pumps? I can't afford that I definitely need a good one since I"ll be working full time.

I would pump due to mastitis and my son loved the sound of the pump. We jokes that it was "talking" to him.

I think my best pumping story is just the shear duration. I am so proud to say I pumped for over a year to provide my son with only breast milk for his first year of life. I'm actually finished pumping now, but would love to have an newer pump for my next baby so I can be sure I am able to do the same. My old pump was bought used, to technically this is baby #3 for it!

My best pumping story? Well, the most memorable pumping time was when I was pumping away and I looked down & instead of milk, blood was coming out - so scary! So I freaked out and called the doctor and got everything all figured out, but it was quite the ordeal! So maybe not the best of stories, but it's the one I remember! :)

My baby is due in October and I need this pump because a lot of my job involves being on the phone or working on the computer. I would love to be able to have my hands free while pumping.

Hm, I don't know if I really have a great story. I mostly want this pump because all I had with my first was a manual and it was miserable and slow. I'm hoping for a good one next time around so I can pump longer!

My baby is due in October and I need this pump because a lot of my job involves being on the phone or working on the computer. I would love to be able to have my hands free while pumping.

I'm expecting my first in September and would love this pump! I really don't want to have to get a manual one - thanks for the contest!

I wish I had a good pumping story. I would only pump once a day so I could have some once my son started soilds. I did it at night, on our porch, and no one was ever around. My husband was always kind enough to wait for me to come out and never walked in on me!

My twins were born premature. In order for me to breastfeed, I had to pump while they were in the NICU. Initially, our insurance paid for a pump, but that was only for one month. After that time, we still needed one as my girls wouldn't latch on. Some of my friends on a message board pitched in and bought me an electric pump. It saved our nursing relationship. Shortly after that, we were able to get the girls exclusively to the breast. I've always been so grateful to those friends who helped me out when I needed it most.

Although, a few years ago, I loaned that pump to someone else with a baby in the NICU and they later took off with it and I haven't seen it or them since.

I had borrowed my sister's pump in style (which I am so jealous of) to take with us on vacation- It was a fairly long ride so I bought the car adapter. On the ride I was pumping and had thrown a blanket over me for privacy- I guess I had gotten pretty involved in the conversation because I failed to notice the blanket had slipped off- no big deal I thought... until I looked out the window next to me and looked up at the trucker next to us- he obviously had never seen anyone pump before and was looking at me like I was from outerspace- In my rush to cover up I ended up spilling milk all over my lap- When we stopped to clean up I got lots more stares from people who I could just see thinking--- "Poor lady--- Couldn't make it to the rest stop..."

when I first started pumping, I was so frustrated. It seemed like I would pump and pump, to no avail. I didn't realize the tiny diaphragm was slightly bent up, so the suction wasn't efficient. I had worked myself up to tears for nothing...

I borrowed one with my first three but had to give it back so I could really use one for my third and this would be wonderful. thanks.

I've learned to use a lot more of my body since having 6 month old twins. This includes using my feet to check my email on my laptop while pumping. If I had this hands-free pump I could get a lot more done without having to use my toes!

I've learned to use a lot more of my body since having 6 month old twins. This includes using my feet to check my email on my laptop while pumping. If I had this hands-free pump I could get a lot more done without having to use my toes!

Well i am due later this year - my husband is going to be the stay at home parent so I will surely need this. I started this company in November and one of the first things I noticed were the clear glass doors (and a few windows) on all the offices. Though I wasn't yet pregnant I wondered, "where will I pump?" The only room in the whole place that has a regular door (outside the overcrowded small bathroom) is the room with the computer servers are stored.

So the other day I asked a coworker who had a kid a year ago - did she pump and where? Luckily one of the IT people is female and a parent - she gave her a key to the server room! Too funny!

At my last job a coworker was pumping and we had bi-weekly business trips to another state. The client was getting annoyed with her frequent and long trips to the restroom and I overheard him complaining about it to one of our coworkers. "What is she doing in there, reapplying her makeup?" The coworker shrugged through he knew what was up. I let my female coworker know and at a fancy restaurant for lunch she excused herself to head to the restroom and said, "no, I am NOT off to reapply my lipstick, I am off to pump food for my poor daughter who is left at home while you hem and haw over the color of your web page. thank you." After that she was SUCH my hero! And the client blushed and luckily didn't get mad - in fact he sped up his decision process and we only had to return for one more business trip!

I am due in August and I have heard that Medela pumps are awesome. I would love to win one and put it to good use!

When I was born - weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds - I was a bit yellow. Instead of daily improvement, as is the norm, the jaundice got progressively worse. My mom had to quit nursing me -- for mother's milk was suspected of contributing or causing baby's yellowness. Mom was convinced that her milk was not the culprit but when I was transferred to the ICU when the bilirubin number escalated alarmingly, she was impelled to rent an electric pump from La Leche League to make certain her maternal supply didn't run dry in the interim.
Sadly she looked on as I was bottlefed formula in the Intensive Care Unit, where I spent the next couple of weeks. To this day, she quotes the ICU nurse (who wasn't used to handling a full-term hefty infant): "We call her Butterball --- she actually drains a full four ounces of Similac in one sitting!!"
P.S. I wasn't fussy. Following the short-term ordeal (and a procedure that restored equilibrium to my delicate system), I was happy to take up nursing - exclusively - again in my mom's loving arms, for many
more "fulfilling" months.
Now, over thirty years later, I happily and excitedly look forward to motherhood (am due before summer's end).
But alas, times have changed and while I'd like nothing better than to stay home and be a full-time mom, we cannot afford such luxury. Following my maternity leave, I will (sigh) return to the work force -- but am determined not to deprive my baby of the nutrition custom-made for her/him and plan to make good use of my coffee breaks. No chit-chat at the water cooler; I will be busy pumping and preserving, to ensure that baby gets what s/he deserves, for only the finest will do! (I had a good teacher!)

I'd like this pump so I can give it to my sister-in-law who is expecting in January. She is a nurse and will need to return to work but wants to breastfeed.
Thanks!

I plan on breastfeeding our baby girl and have heard great things about this pump! I'm afraid to purchase anything until I read a zillion reviews and make sure my money is going to a worthy product.. winning would save me some bucks to work my the next item on my list.. car seats!

My daughter had a really hard time with nursing and so I had to exclusively pump for the first month and a half. I was so sleep deprived from waking up to pump, feeding, and washing bottles that I didn't even notice I put all the perishable groceries away in the pantry until they started to stink a day later. She learned to breastfeed eventually and I got more sleep!

I have not yet given birth, but my partner gave birth to our son six months ago. Her m.o. for pumping is to balance the horns while she types on her computer (she's a writer), so the Freestyle would be great for her!!

Hi! I am expecting my first child and being that I am a schoolteacher, I am hoping to be able to sneak to an extra bathroom in an unused classroom to be able to pump on my lunch break. I really hope it works out!

I need this pump because we are trying to start a family and there is no way I would buy a top of the line pump for myself.

When I returned to work after my 12 weeks of maternity leave, I only had 8 bags of milk in the freezer. I was ultra-paranoid about not being able to keep up with my daughter. I kept a spreadsheet at work to track the ounces pumped versus the ounces fed. I slowly, but surely built up a huge freezer stash. By the time that I stopped pumping at work (around 17 months), I had plenty of milk in the freezer to keep her going for several more months at daycare, and I continued to nurse at home. In fact, we had to end up throwing a lot of milk away because it was going bad. We moved 3 times during that time and my freezer stash made the move each time. Anyway, we are going to start trying for baby number two and I would love to have a hands free pump this time around. I've spent more hours than I'd like to count in the mother's room holding the horns to my breasts. I will have my own office this time around and look forward to the chance to talk on the phone or work on the computer while pumping. I also think my old Ameda Purely Yours has seen better days.

my best pumping story didn't happen to me. i was in a restroom stall in an airport and the woman next to me was pumping. I heard the methodical telltale noise and saw the cooler by her feet. This was before 911 and the ban on liquids.

Just this morning I was pumping in the mothers' lounge in the building where I work (after kicking out 2 maintenance men who like the comfy rockers and dimmable lighting in there) and I flipped on the TV to find an old episode of "I Love Lucy" where Lucy and Ricky are traveling in Italy and are forced to spend the night in a barn. In the morning, Lucy has to figure out how to milk a cow! I thought it was quite funny and ironic that that episode happened to be on while I was pumping!

I could really use a new pump, since mine went through 8 months of exclusive pumping for my son in 2004-2005 and I've now been using it for nearly 5 months of pumping at work for my daughter. It's seen better days!!

Lets see, my brother in law walked in on me breast feeding shortly after my daughter was born. and saw me exposed. The milk used to squirt my daughter in the eye as she was trying to latch on. Many good breast feeding stories, those are just a few! ;) Great giveaway, thanks.

I would love to win this. I'll be going back to work in August, so I'll have to pump for my little boy.

I pumped all throughout my student teaching. One day I was in a small dark room, pumping away and a child came in and with wide eyes asked, "is that bag a bomb or a chicken incubator?" I couldn't stop laughing!

I pumped all throughout my student teaching. One day I was in a small dark room, pumping away and a child came in and with wide eyes asked, "is that bag a bomb or a chicken incubator?" I couldn't stop laughing!

Luckily I was staying at home with my son when he was breastfeeding, but every once in a while it was nice to be able to have a babysitter and get a little time away without formula. (He would only spit it out anyway.) So I used a hand pump, and not very well I might add. Getting a good seal wasn't easy and when I did my nipples would get huge!

For my next child (due this fall) I would like top be able to pump in relative comfort and from what I have heard about the Medela breast pumps, this is what I need. Plus if it really can be hands free I am all for it.

Well, I can answer both questions! I would love to win for my third baby due in October and as to a breastfeeding story well, after nursing both my kids for over a year there are WAY too much stories, but honestly through any discomfort and time spent it was one of the most worthwhile things I've ever done! Thanks I would love to win!!

no baby yet :( but I definitely will need a pump as I want to breastfeed for as long as possible, and I will have a very short maternity leave.

I came into the kitchen where my pump parts were drying on the counter to find my 2 year old holding a breast cup up to his chest and announcing that he was "pumpin some milk"

When my son was 6 weeks old, we had our first night out, to a restaurant with no place to pump except the bathroom.

Two women walked in on me. The first was really nice and sympathetic but the second was older and clearly put out by my "public" display. She came around, though, and told me "good luck!" as she was leaving.

I need this pump to ease my over-worried mind for my first breastfeeding experience!

I have lots of good pumping stories, but here's one frantic one:

I recently went out of town for 3 days without my husband and kids. I packed my pump in my carryon for the trip there because I was terrified that my baggage would get lost in route and I would be an engorged wreck the entire trip without it.

I pumped and dumped while on the trip, stealing away to my hotel room between meetings.

For the trip back, I packed the pump in my suitcase. I planned on carrying the suitcase on as I did on the trip there.

Much to my horror my flight was canceled. I was able to rush and get an earlier flight. But the flight was full and someone met me at the door to take my baggage. There was no room to stow it overhead.

I handed it over, not thinking.

Then 20 minutes later at 3,000 or so feet I realized that my pump was in the bag and they checked it through to my destination. I was going to have a few hour layover before my connecting flight and I wouldn't be home until after the baby's bedtime.

My boobs started to ache knowing that they would not be relieved.

When the plane landed I anxiously waited for people to deplane. There was a family two rows ahead of me with a baby. I was so desperate that I almost suggested they let me borrow their baby for a few minutes. (No, I wouldn't have actually nursed someone else's baby!)

I made my way to the front and out to the counter. I frantically explained to the woman that I really needed my bag. I really needed to pump. Is there *any* way that she could have someone get my bag.

I'm not sure if she sensed pain in my eyes or if she was a former nursing mother, but she said she would try.

She asked what my bag looked like. Um, black like everyone else's. Drat. Oh, wait, I tied a pink bandana to the handle.

She ran down to look. A long line started forming at the counter behind me, people tapping their toes. I kept reassuring them that she would return.

And she did. Carrying my suitcase with my beloved pump inside. She directed me to a family restroom where I was able to plug in my pump and get relief.

Morals of the story: Never let your pump leave your sight if you are traveling without your baby and always tie something colorful to your luggage.

Best pumping story? When I went out for a night on the town (black tie affair) with my husband, making him carry our ancient pump around, only to discover as my breasts pleaded that I had left my breast pump bottles at home. Ugh.

I would love to win this. I'm on my second bf baby who is 4 months old. My 22 month old is always trying to "help me" pump. He likes to hold the bottle and giggles and squeels if I let him help me. He always asks "what's that, what's that, milk?". He's such a big help! I could use another pump but I'd really love to win this for my sister who is pregnant and also wants to nurse but will be working. Thanks!

I was pumping at work (I'm a teacher) and they changed recess from outside to indoors! Imagine 30 screaming 9 year-olds running into the room! :-)

I dont have a breastfeeding story, as this will be my first child. I would love this nice pump however, to aviod all the scarry, painful stories Ive heard about mothers with other breast pumps. Im worried enough, it would be nice to have one less thing to worry about.

Mine isn't so much a story, as an experience... :)

I'm fortunate to have my own office, so I'm able to pump at work. But, there was no lock on the door. Plus, there's a huge window right next to the door.

Well, I work in an elementary school, so posting a sign wasn't going to cut it - so for weeks (months?), I pumped with my back against the door, all the way over in the corner. No one could come in, no one could see me through the window. Occasionally somone would TRY to come in, but my body blocked their entrance - they would call out, but I never answered....too akward!

A good pumping story, huh? Here's the best: I was trying to amp up my supply when DS was about 2 weeks old. I was nursing him on one side and pumping on the other because he couldn't wait anymore. I had just stopped nursing him 20 min before (growth spurt). That was not easy. I had my husband helping hold him on one breast while my aunt helped hold the pump shield on the other.

I am due in 12 days and I would LOVE to have this pump! I love Medela and I rented a Symphony last time.

I am still pregnant, but I need this pump because I don't have one and I don't know how I'm going to be able to afford one of the quality I will need for going back to work full-time!

My first business trip I had to find a place in the airport to pump that had an outlet and that happened to be a family restroom. I had just 'hooked up' and started pumping when there was pounding at the door. I said I would be a few minutes but the pounding continued with a man shouting that he had to clean the bathroom. I explained again I'd be out in a few minutes but the pounding continued. I finally shouted "I'M PUMPING BREASTMILK!" and never heard a peep again!

My three year old at first thought my pumps were horns and tried to blow on them.

I don't have a pumping story, but I would love to gift this to my sister's who's expecting! Thanks!

I don't have a baby yet....recently lost a pregnancy, but I know that God WILL bless us with a baby someday, and I would love to breastfeed. When that times comes, it would be great to have an easy-to-use pump like this. I especially love that the bottles are BPA-free! Thanks for this great giveaway!

I am expecting our first child this October. After our son is born, I will need to return to part-time work. Rather than transitioning him to formula, I want to make sure I'm still able to give him the best nutrition I can and a good quality pump will enable me to do this.

Hi! I am a full time working, pumping mommy! I was given my current pump and of course 1/2 of it died this week - go figure! Anyway, I had a great pumping interaction with my son this week. I had forgotten to bring any horns/bottles to work and needless to say, I was very full when I got home. I knew I needed to pump, but also knew little B-man needed to nurse. So I did what any unmodest mommy would do. Sat on the floor, got topless, and started pumping on one side. My little guy was very intrigued with the pump - so he crawled over and poked at it and then he noticed a free breast and started snacking and then noticed the dog and started laughing then back to snacking then time for more investigating and then more snacking...and so on till I finished (are boys always intrigued by nipples?! LOL)

I am due in January, and am having a really rough pregnancy with being on bedrest since 6 weeks thus far. I would like something to be a little more convenient and reliable at this time as it took me 18 months to conceive. When I was in college I did a research study on the importance of breastfeeding children and found it to be critical. I plan to breastfeed, but with our finances will have to return to work only after 3 weeks of maternity leave and will need this pump to be able to continue to feed my baby the important milk that aids in their growth and development. As a physical therapist I cannot afford at this time to buy a pump as I cannot work now due to the bedrest and will lose my job; therefore, could really use some help on buying a breast pump. As a physical therapist, I know the importance of breast feeding and want to give my baby this experience!

I am having another baby and plan on breast-feeding exclusively which i have never done before. When my son was born he wanted nothing to do with breast-feeding and I went through 2 different manual pumps and an electric before I gave up after pumping exclusively for 10 weeks. My next child I was a SAHM so a pump wasn't necessary but this time I am in School full time to get my teaching credentials and I need something easy and compact so I can pump between classes. I had already decided on a Medela, but when I saw this I knew its compact size would be the best for me.

This is my first child and of course want nothing but the best for my baby. (That is why I plan on breast feeding) I have read nothing but excellent reviews on the Medela and would love to have one of my own.

My don't have a funny breastfeeding story just a normal breastfeeing mommy story. Breastfeeding my baby was the most important thing to me. My mother, however, was very unsupportive of my decision. Therefore I educated as much as possible so I could give my baby the best, my breast milk, and for as long as possible. Thankfully I have a wonderful breastfeeder... and a boy who LOVES to eat!! I wanted to purchase a Medela pump but was unable to because of the cost so I got a different pump after much research. It works alright but not as good as the Medela my sister-in-law used. While on maternity leave I pumped between my son's feedings so I could get a "stash". Now that I am at work and pumping there during the day I wish more than ever I had a Medela pump. My son is a BIG eater... 2 1/2 months and eating 8 ounces at each feeding. So to pump that much at each pumping is not an easy task with my current pump. Having a Medela pump would make my whole breastfeeding experience even better and last a lot longer. Breastfeeding is such a wonderful thing and an amazing gift to give my children. Thank you Medela for making such a wonderful pump to help make working breastfeeding moms be able to breastfeed longer.

My pump-in-style is on it's last legs and as a full-time working mom, it's a necessity! I've been dreading replacing it - good pumps are spendy.

Best pumping story - hubby seeing me pump for the first time said "I guess it does work the same as milking a cow." Just what a 2 week post-partum mom wants to hear.

I have to admit - I don't have a pumping story to share because I have been hesitant to use my small, single breast pump, exclusive of a few situations (weddings, prolonged separations, etc.). However, despite my unwillingness, I will be returning to work in September and will need a pump to continue exclusively breastfeeding my eight month-old daughter. I have a lot of support for my breastfeeding decision in my life (husband, parents, friends), but there are so many people who have felt the need to tell me that I "won't last long" breastfeeding once I return to work because it will be too much of a hassle. Please! As if I would let something like that stop me from properly nourishing my baby! I plan on *confidently* nursing my baby until she is ready to wean and this pump would definitely help me do so. I refuse to let going back to work force me to change my feeding decision. And I look forward to proving all those nay-sayers wrong!

Thanks for your consideration!

I could use this pump because I am expecting a daughter in less than two weeks!:)

When I was born - weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds - I was a bit yellow. Instead of daily improvement, as is the norm, the jaundice got progressively worse. My mom had to quit nursing me -- for mother's milk was suspected of contributing or causing baby's yellowness back then. Mom was convinced that her milk was not the culprit but when I was transferred to the ICU when the bilirubin number escalated alarmingly, she was impelled to rent an electric pump from La Leche League to make certain her maternal supply didn't run dry in the interim.
Sadly she looked on as I was bottlefed formula in the Intensive Care Unit, where I spent the next couple of weeks. To this day, she quotes the ICU nurse (who wasn't used to handling a full-term hefty infant): "We call her Butterball --- she actually drains a full four ounces of Similac in one sitting!!"
P.S. I wasn't fussy. Following the short-term ordeal (and a procedure that restored equilibrium to my delicate system), I was happy to take up nursing - exclusively - again in my mom's loving arms, for many more "fulfilling" months.
Now, over thirty years later, I happily and excitedly look forward to motherhood (am due before summer's end).
But alas, times have changed and while I'd like nothing better than to stay home and be a full-time mom, we cannot afford such luxury. Following my maternity leave, I will (sigh) return to the work force -- but am determined not to deprive my baby of the nutrition custom-made for her/him and plan to make good use of my coffee breaks. No chit-chat at the water cooler; I will be busy pumping and preserving, to ensure that baby gets what s/he deserves, for only the finest will do! (I had a good teacher!)