Medela Disposable Nursing Bra Pads

Price: $10 for 60, medelafeedingus.com

Features and benefits:

• Effective protection to prevent leaks and maintain dryness
• Extra thin design with contouring pleats and adhesive tape
• Super absorbent material with a leak-resistant pocket and extra liner
• Discreet under clothing with a smooth, feminine shape

What the Resident Moms say

Reviewed by: Sarah
Mom says: With a one year old daughter who is still nursing during the day, I have had to wear nursing-friendly clothes for quite some time.  After trying the Medela nursing pads, I was able to wear a “regular” bra and shirt again, as the pads are contoured and can be discreetly hidden beneath most shirts well.  Other brands of pads are much too bulky, but the Medela pads have a thin design.  There is one adhesive strip on the liner, which is much better than cloth pads and helps it stay put during the day.  However, while trying these pads during the night, I had trouble with them falling out and I would have preferred to have had stronger adhesive to keep it in place.

The Medela nursing pads have a better absorbency than many other brands of disposable pads that I have tried.  When my daughter was younger and I was leaking much more, it was irritating to wear pads with a plastic liner.  I felt like I was changing them all the time to keep feeling dry and to prevent soreness.  The Medela pads wick away the moisture and keep me feeling comfortable all day.  I have minimal leaking now and was able to put on a new pad in the morning and not change it until I was going to bed.

Though the Medela pads are slightly more costly than comparable pads, like the Lansinoh disposable pads, I would be willing to pay that minute difference to be able to wear my regular clothing and a thinner bra once again.  They are also individually packaged, so I can easily carry several in my purse to conveniently change them as needed.
Pros:  Absorbency, comfort, contoured fit
Cons:  Weak adhesive liner
Rating: B+

Reviewed by: Kimber 
Mom says: These pads are a great! They are very thin making them discreet, yet they are very absorbent. They are not bulky even when totally saturated. They are larger in diameter than most other brands which means better coverage and less chance of leakage. The adhesive on the back is very helpful, especially when wearing camisoles instead of bras. The pads are very soft and did not further aggravate sensitive nipples. They seem to have moisture wicking qualities as well.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend these to other moms.
Pros: Absorbent, soft, discreet, provides great coverage
Cons: A little on the expensive side, large diameter might not be to the liking for very small breasted women
Rating: A

Reviewed by: Lin
Mom says: Overall the Nursing Bra Pads worked well.  I did not have any leaks while wearing the pads and they are a lot thinner than the other brand I have tried.  The one problem I had was with the adhesives.  They did not really work to keep the pad in place.  I would buy these again.
Pros: Thin, absorbent, affordable
Cons: Adhesive does not keep pad in place
Rating: B

Reviewed by: Misty
Mom says: The Medela breast pads are some of the best disposable breast pads I have used.  They are discreet, absorbent, and stay in place well.  I have been unable to wear some of my shirts due to the fact that the outline of the breast pad was clearly visible under them.  I was able to wear those shirts with the Medela breast pads.
Pros: Discreet; absorbent; reasonably priced
Cons: None
Rating: A

Reviewed by: Kelly
Mom says: Since using the disposable nursing bra pads I’ve experienced a sense of confidence because I know I won’t leak while I’m out shopping. The pads are very absorbent and are kept in place by the adhesive tape. They are so effective in preventing leaks and I feel comfortable while wearing them because they aren’t bulky. These bra pads are on my list of favorite breastfeeding products!

Pros: Absorbent materials, thin design, individually wrapped (good for sharing with other moms!)
Cons: None
Rating: A

Reviewed by: Amy
I have been nursing for quite some time, and have been using a different brand of nursing pads. They were working okay, so I never thought to try another brand. Now I will stick to the Medela nursing pads for sure! They are much thinner, lighter and comfortable. I really like the fact that they are each individually wrapped. I also think the little sticker on each pad is a bonus, keeps them securely on the bra. I no longer lose my pads after nursing sessions!
Pros: Nursing pads are thin
Cons: None
Rating: A

Reviewed by: Allie
Mom says: I have and continue to exclusively nurse my 8 month old son. Needless to say I am familiar with using bra pads. I have been using a different brand but was excited to try these! After the first use I was instantly happy and will be switching from my old brand. I love how they are individually packaged which makes it wonderful to stash a few within the diaper bag without worrying about getting anything on them. The contour worked great because all I had to do was unfold and it was ready to curve to me without having to do much adjusting! Not only did it fit will but it also absorbed well. I didn’t have any worries of leaking through or of the pad not being absorbent. The pad does have the benefit of having an adhesive strip on the back to help keep the pad in place but I found that it wasn’t a big help for me. I am blessed as some would say so the adhesive wasn’t useful for me when I would sit to nurse but I was happy to see that a brand did have that option. All in all I am beyond happy with my experience with the Medela Nursing Pads!
Pros: Individually wrapped with a contoured fit. Adhesive strips on the back to help hold to inside of your bra.
Cons: None
Rating: A

Reviewed by: Sandra
Mom says: The Medela disposable nursing bra pads are comfortable to wear and leave skin dry after leakage. They fit well and do not show through bra and clothing. Are extra thin for discretion. Individually wrapped for hygiene and convenience. Material inside doesn’t get clumpy and bulky. However, the outer lining can be a bit noisy when moving so that it is more apparent that you are wearing a nursing pad.
Pros: Extra thin design, good contoured shape and dryness protection.
Cons: Somewhat greasy.
Rating: B

Reviewed by: Christie
Mom says: I live in South Carolina and am a first time mom to a now 15 month old little girl. I had my doubts about on if I would be able to breastfeed the whole time, and thanks to the Medela Pads, we have been able to do so. The Medela nursing pads were great at keeping myself and my clothes dry, even during the night when we had more leaking then during the day time.
Pros: Super absorbent
Cons: The nursing pads weren’t “sticky” enough and came off easily.
Rating: B

Medela Tender Care Lanolin Advanced Nipple Therapy

Price: $10, medelabreastfeedingus.com

Features and benefits:

• Offers soothing relief and provides protection for dry, sore, and tender nipples
• Made with all-natural ingredients and 100% safe for mom and baby
• Glides on smoothly and gently with a no-mess application
• No need to remove before breastfeeding

What the Resident Moms Say

Reviewed by: Kimber
Mom says: This nipple therapy worked fine. It did provide relief and seemed to help heal some cracks. It took about 3 days of use to see big results, but the moisturizing qualities were noticed immediately. My baby didn’t seem to notice or mind the ointment on my nipples either. I myself tasted a little bit (I wouldn’t use it until I had tasted it for myself) and the taste is mild and unobtrusive enough.

It was a little greasy and thick feeling so I had to “air out” before applying it which made it difficult to use when doing on-the-go feedings. I also did not see much difference in this treatment compared to previous treatments with coconut oil.

Overall, I’d probably recommend this to moms who are a little put off by more “natural” treatments like coconut oil.
Pros: No obtrusive taste or smell, moisturizing, convenient packaging
Cons: Greasy, thick feeling, on the more expensive side
Rating: B+

Reviewed by: Sarah
Mom says: The Medela Tender Care Lanolin came at the perfect time!  My one year old daughter has 8 teeth, and she has recently been biting me accidentally, causing much soreness and irritation every time I would nurse her.  I used it after each nursing session and within only a day or two, the pain was gone.  The lanolin has a very smooth consistency and is easy to apply.  It is so much easier to use than similar products, which are thick and difficult to squeeze out of the tube.  A little bit goes a long way, so it’s not necessary to use more than a minimal amount to see results.  The Medela Lanolin is also made of all natural ingredients and is completely safe for baby.  I was concerned that my daughter might notice a difference with the taste, but she nursed just as much and did seem to mind that I had the lanolin on.

I would recommend always being sure to wear nursing pads when you use the lanolin, as it can stain if it gets on clothing.  It is, however, easy to wipe off your fingers after you apply it, unlike other, greasier formulas and creams.
Pros: Smooth, helps soothe soreness, all natural ingredients
Cons: Stains
Grade: A

Reviewed by: Lin
Mom says: I didn’t experience any cracking so I don’t know how well it works for that, but I found the lanolin to be very soothing.  The one problem I had was the difficulty in squeezing it out of the tube.  It took a lot of squeezing before even a little came out.
Pros: soothing, don’t have to wash off before feedings, does not stain
Cons: difficult to squeeze out
Rating: B

Reviewed by: Misty
Mom says: I am a nursing mommy that understands the sometimes uncomfortable side of breastfeeding.  The Medela Lanolin cream really does help to relieve the dry, chapped feeling.  It is also a good moisturization tool for the chapped area around babies mouth that sometimes occurs.  I highly recommend this product.
Pros: Effective moisture; thick, yet spreadable
Cons: None
Rating: A

Reviewed by: Kelly
Mom says: The lanolin has been a great relief for me. I notice that when it’s almost time for my menstrual cycle, my nipples get sore and tender. I’ve been using the lanolin when this happens and I can tell how soothing it is afterward! It is easy to apply and safe for baby too because it is made with natural ingredients, which is a plus. I will definitely be purchasing this.
Pros: All-natural ingredients, safe for baby
Cons: None
Rating: A

Reviewed by: Amy
Mom says: My nipples are sometimes sore after a long nursing session. The Medela lanolin lotion is very soothing and moisturizes my skin well. However I do not prefer the consistency of it, it’s a bit sticky and tacky. Therefore I won’t use it unless I absolutely need to. The smell of the product is acceptable.
Pros: Lotion is soothing
Cons: It’s a little sticky
Rating: A-

Reviewed by: Allie
Mom says: I was hesitant to use this cream for fear of my son ingesting anything harmful but was immediately assured of its safety after a little research. I do (and have) exclusively breastfeed my 8 month old son and haven’t used any form of cream for my nipples. I knew of the creams but didn’t have a desire or need to try them for myself. After a week of using the lanolin after every nursing and shower, I was pleased with how soft my nipple area was and the difference it made. The cream went on smooth and was easy to wash off without having a greasy feeling. After using it for a week, I will be sure to keep a tube on hand as well as recommend it to all my nursing mommas.
Pros: Smooth feeling when appealed and leaves the skin feeling soft
Cons: The tube was a little tough to expel the cream.
Grade: B

Reviewed by: Sandra
Mom says: When nursing for the first time, my nipples became sore and tender. Sometimes even cracked. The Medela tender care lanolin definitely helped soothe them, as well as other dry, cracked skin areas. Easy open cap allows for quick dispense, glides on smoothly to offer a shield of protection. Does seem a bit greasy.
Pros: All natural ingredients, safe for mom and baby.
Cons: Somewhat greasy.
Rating: A

Reviewed by: Christie
Mom says:  The Medela Lanolin was great to use in the beginning when we had latching problems and my skin became very sensitive and irritated.  It helped with the soreness and made it easier to nurse.
Pros:  Non-greasy
Cons:  A little pricey
Rating: A

Medela Quick Clean Breast Milk Removal Soap

Price: $8.99, medelabreastfeedingus.com

Features and benefits:

• Removes stubborn breastmilk residue up to 3 days old.
• Clinically tested under physician supervision not to cause skin irritation.
• Safe and hypoallergenic with no added fragrance or taste that might discourage baby from breastfeeding.

What the Resident Moms say

Reviewed by: Megan
Mom says: Now having two kids, two and a half and five months, the days go by so quickly. One of my daily chores is washing out bottles so that there are enough for the next day to come. My five month old has never had formula so her only nutrition is breast milk. I have found that breast milk is very difficult to get clean and very sticky! Typically to get a bottle looking decent I have to use hot water, soap and a bottle brush.

Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap helped to make this process a little faster. Once I soaked the bottle parts in the sink, I found hot water worked better than warm water, I was able to scrub less with the brush to reach my desired results. In fact most pieces I didn’t have to scrub at all. Once I rinsed the bottles looked great. Unfortunately when they dried they were once again cloudy (which is something I hoped the product would take care of). I would recommend this to a friend, but unfortunately it’s not the miracle I was hoping it would be for sparkling clean bottles. The bright side, my five month old wasn’t bothered by it at all so no weird taste or perfume left in the bottle after cleaning.
Pros: Has no smell, convenient pump, hypoallergenic, clinically tested
Cons: Doesn’t seem to do any better of a job than regular soap
Overall rating: C

Reviewed by: Allison
Mom says: I was really excited to try Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap. I work part-time, and at the end of each shift I come home with a container full of pump parts with breastmilk residue. When I first tried the soap I was a bit skeptical. It seemed quite watery to me and I couldn’t imagine it getting everything really clean. But after a few minutes of soaking and rinsing, it really seemed to do the trick! I really like having a quick, easy way to clean my pump parts without having to scrub each little piece.
The bottle advises you to fill the sink with water and 3 squirts to let your parts soak. However, I tend to think of my sink as a not-very-clean place. I don’t really want my pump parts soaking in there. Besides which, I only have a handful of parts to wash at a time. So instead of soaking in the sink, I just used a large bowl to soak my pump parts so that they weren’t in contact with the dirty sink surfaces.

My daughter is getting older, my milk supply is tapering off, and I’m reaching the end of my need for cleaning breastmilk residue, but I would recommend this to other pumping moms for a quick and efficient way to clean their pump in between uses.
Pros: Quick, easy, no scrubbing
Cons: Another bottle on the countertop
Overall rating: A

Reviewed by: Melissa
Mom says: I have been breastfeeding and pumping for a while now. I have notice that after I pump, I have noticed that after I wash the parts I would still see some milk residue. When I first used Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap I actually let it soak for a little longer then it suggested. It did a good job in cleaning the pump attachments. I also like the fact that it is hypoallergenic with no added fragrance since my baby ‘s food touches these products. It’s a nice product.
Pros: Cleans great!
Cons: Price is a little high for a small bottle. I tried checking in the stores but was hard to find. I could only find on the internet.
Grade: B

Reviewed by: Samantha
Mom says: Finally a soap meant to clean breastmilk residue!! The soap works great. The first time I used it, my pump flanges and bottles were squeaky clean.  There was no film left and I didn’t have to scrub to get it clean.  I would, however prefer that the soap was applied directly to the pump parts and bottles instead of having to soak them.  I’m a very busy mom and don’t want take the extra steps required to soak the parts.  Overall I would give this product a 4 out of 5.
Pros: Pump bottle makes cleaning a snap, gets pump parts and bottles clean with ease, fresh scent
Cons: You have to soak the parts–should just be able to wash and go
Overall rating: A- . Would be an A+ if you didn’t have to soak the parts in a particular ratio.

Reviewed by: Shayna
Mom says: I am a mom of a 7 month old. I primarily breast feed and pump. I love Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap because I can fill the sink with hot water and soap before I start pumping and when I’m finished throw all the pieces in and attend to the baby. When I’m ready to rinse, the pieces are all clean and dry without spots. I also used it on a bottle that had been lost for about a week and it came out perfectly clean with no scrubbing.
I have looked online and the prices seem really reasonable but I have been unable to find the product in the local stores. Since a bottle lasts for 25 washes it won’t be hard to stock up when we go to Babies R Us.
Pros: Easy to use, safe for baby, last for a lot of washes
Cons:  Hard to find in a small town
Overall rating: A

Reviewed by: Elizabeth
Mom says: I have been breastfeeding my son for a year now and I am washing bottles from daycare, pump parts, storage bottles, etc. daily.  I was so excited to be given the opportunity to try Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap.

I have been using regular dish soap to wash my bottles and pump parts but always felt there was a breast milk residue that still was on the bottles and especially the tiny parts of the pump accessories no matter how many tiny bottle/nipple brushes I had used.

I followed the directions on the bottle.  Filled up my sink, put three quirts in and let all the bottles and parts soak for about 5 minutes.  After those few short minutes I picked up the first bottle and could instantly tell the breast milk residue was no longer there.  This was never the case with regular dish soap.  Using the bottle brush probably wasn’t even necessary!  I love this stuff!  Just wish I would have had it sooner as my breastfeeding days are coming to an end soon.  I will be telling all my new mom friends to check it out!
Pros:  No mess bottle, hypoallergenic, quickly dissolves breast milk and leaves bottles squeaky clean!
Cons:  Expensive
Overall rating: A

Reviewed by: Marie
Mom says: The first of its kind that I have seen. I was amazed and how quick and efficient this soap works. The soap had no smell and a light liquid that’s thin. Mixed with soap it bubbles up fast and with just 2-3 squirts you can feel the warm water has enough soap, I soaked my breast shields, tubes, membranes for five minutes then rinsed, everything came out spot free after air drying.

Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap I find very useful at any time. I have a bottle upstairs as well as in my kitchen for quick cleans of my breast pump parts and pacifiers I would certainly recommend this to any mom. It cleans bottles, pacifiers and other baby items too. No scrubbing is very helpful when you are busy caring for your baby and really need to wash items quick. I love the ability to remove the pump and replace it with the cap it came with for easy storage and travel. Great product!!
Pros: pump and cap option, no smell, fast working, does what it says, no residue left over, 6oz in the bottle which is plenty.
Cons: it seems to be limited in stores. I only see it at babies r us. And price. 8.99 is a little high for soap. Might as well just buy the steam bags Medela makes.
Overall rating: A

Reviewed by: Mary
Mom says: I work full time and pump twice a day at work. Medela Quick Clean Breastmilk Removal Soap definitely worked well when I didn’t have the time to hand wash each of my pieces. I have two sets of pumping parts so I usually just get both sets dirty, stick them in a plastic bag, and wash them every evening. It was nice to be able to just put these in the sink using the recommended three pumps per gallon of water. It cleaned them up really well. It didn’t seem to leave any trace of milk behind on my pumping parts, and then I wiped them dry afterwards, put them back in my plastic bags and they were ready to use the next day. I still feel the need to sanitize them at least once a week or at least wash them with hot water and soap to give them a good scrub – but it’s only because it just feels right to me. It’s nothing against the product! I plan to continue using this product because it is a great timesaver on nights when I just don’t want to spend all the time handwashing each piece.
Pros: Quick and easy to use, straightforward directions, timesaver
Cons: Still have to sterilize parts on occasion
Overall rating: B

Reviewed by: Samantha
Mom says: As a working mom of two under two, one of the daily chores is cleaning the breast pumping components, bottles for collection and feeding bottles.  The Medela Soap works as advertised; however doesn’t stand out as being superior to a dye-free, scent-free dish detergent.
Pros: good dispenser, no suds
Cons: price, smells like window cleaner.
Rating: B-

Reviewed by: Monica
Mom says: I run an in-home daycare and many times I don’t get to clean my daughter’s bottle immediately after she eats.

The breast milk soap is wonderful. I soak her bottles in it and the milk comes off so easily. I even gave it the 3 day test by leaving a bottle sit and it did a fabulous job cleaning the bottle. I’ve recommended this product to my family and friends who are breastfeeding. I love the fact that it is unscented. My daughter is very particular to scents, she won’t breastfeed if I am wearing perfume or scented lotion. So having the soap be unscented is important to me.
Pros: Unscented; does what it says!
Cons: Pricey – I don’t know if I would pay $8.99 for it
Mom rating: A

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Product: Medela Calma Bottle

Price: $17.99-$19.99

Locate it Here

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

• The flow control valve allows your baby to control milk flow.
• Milk only flows when your baby creates a vacuum.
• Mimics natural feeding behavior: your baby can feed, pause and breathe, similar to breastfeeding

Reviewed by: Meg B

Resident Mom™ Says: I absolutely love the Medela Calma bottle. I have a nine month old and it would be an understatement if I said she is very picky when it comes to bottle feeding. She took right to it and had no problem feeding from it, even if it breaks my heart that she would rather hold the bottle herself trying to be a big girl. It has a completely redesigned nipple that at first looks somewhat alien, but its performance is like no other. No mess and easy clean up are always a plus in our household along with just about everyone else’s. Another great thing about this bottle is the flow speed goes according to your little one, there is no buying high flow or slow flow nipples anymore.

Pros: Mess Free, Multiflow nipple

Cons: A lot of parts

Resident Mom Rating™: A+

Reviewed by: Shawnna

Resident Mom™ Says: Every outing without my breastfed 4 month old was planned to avoid feeding times and the guaranteed refusal of a conventional bottle. The Medela Calma is better than a conventional bottle but has glitches. Breastmilk is only released when a vacuum suction is created but then it seems to stream out in large quantities which caused my baby to spit out a lot of breastmilk. Due to the vacuum suction I also had to put breastmilk on the nipple every time to get my daughter to initiate sucking which was a hassle. There are 3 separate parts that make up the top of the bottle which added to the cleaning time for my already busy schedule. Even with the downfalls, I still find the bottle to be useful since my daughter will accept it. I also like that that the nipple is always the same so there won’t be more parts to buy in the future.

Pros: One size nipple; No leaks
 when turned over.

Cons: Pricey; Releases breastmilk in large quantity; Multiple parts

Resident Mom Rating™: C

Reviewed by: Catrece C

Resident Mom™ Says: This was a little different for Emily, having been the first time on a bottle. The nipple was on the bottle was pretty close to what she had been use to using so this made it a little easier as the set up what basicly the same. The bottle itself is easy to hold in one hand and has a good shape that makes it easy for emilt to try to hold as well. As we only had 1 bottle for reviewing we had used another brand for the 2 nd feeding it did not go as well as the first, much harder for her to latch on to and the basic bottle design was a bit more bulky for her.

Pros: Easy to use and great nipple.

Con: Hard to wash and no package deal available to get several bottles.

Resident Mom™ Rating: Grade B+

Reviewed by: Tiny Dancer

Resident Mom™ Says: I was really excited about this product because I own a Medela pump and feeding kit but hate the nipples on the bottles that came with the pump. They let the milk flow so fast that my daughter will gulp 5 ounces down in seconds flat and howl for more not realizing she is actually already full. I like how the nipple on the Medela Calma Bottle has vacuum suction making bottle feeding more like breastfeeding. It slows down her feeding, she doesn’t suck in any air, and we had no spit ups! Hooray! I also love that since this was Medela I could pump right into the bottle and the nipple was interchangeable and could be used on the bottles I already had. However the nipple itself is a little complicated to put together and has too many parts to assemble, disassemble and clean. Don’t think you’re going to quickly throw this nipple on top of a bottle when baby gets hungry. The three parts that are supposed to snap together are like a puzzle and with a screaming baby you better be Grace under pressure trying to get this bad boy together fast. My first time using this bottle I didn’t put the nipple together correctly causing two ounces of my hard earned breast milk to land right in my lap. Gasp! Breastfeeding mothers know that’s like tossing gold in the trash. I ended up assembling the nipple in advance and leaving it like that so I could just quickly throw it on top of a bottle when I needed it. After a while it did become easier though. Then to wash it you have to take all the pieces apart and wash them separately. That’s four things to wash in place of two. Maybe I’m a little lazy but no thank you on the extra work. If they could find a way to make this product (which I actually did love) less complicated to put together and wash, this would be our bottle of choice.

Pros: Slow feeding, Vacuum Suction, Works with Medela pumps and bottles

Cons: Complicated, Too many parts to assemble, disassemble, and wash

Resident Mom™ Rating: B

Reviewed by: Mary C.

Resident Mom™ Says: My little man is pretty stuck on the Medela products, and the Calma bottle is as great as I was hoping for! Due to being tongue tied when he was born, we used the Medela Special Needs Feeder for the first couple months as we were trying trying to breast feed. The Calma bottle is quite similar to the Special Needs Feeder, but with a much improved design. There are more pieces than some traditional bottles, but it’s so much easier to use than the special needs feeder and doesn’t leak like the special needs feeder so easily does. I love that he controls the flow and amount of milk he gets, just like if he was nursing. The shape of the nipple really promotes a proper latch, even better than Breast Flow or the Special Needs Feeder! I really believe if this bottle had been available sooner, we might have been able to successfully nurse!

Reviewed by: Wendy

Resident Mom™ Says: With 3 small kids under the age of 4, having a bottle this convenient was a blessing! My 4 month old loves this bottle and I loved that she only got the milk that she needed! There was no difficulty with her learning how to use this bottle. Also, there wasn’t another mess to clean up. This is a great bottle for any little one.

Pros: Baby gets milk only when she wants it,shape of the nipple

Cons: Price

Resident Mom™ Rating: B

Reviewed by: Mary

Resident Mom™ Says: My little man is pretty stuck on the Medela products, and the Calma bottle is as great as I was hoping for! Due to being tongue tied when he was born, we used the Medela Special Needs Feeder for the first couple months as we were trying trying to breast feed. The Calma bottle is quite similar to the Special Needs Feeder, but with a much improved design. There are more pieces than some traditional bottles, but it’s so much easier to use than the special needs feeder and doesn’t leak like the special needs feeder so easily does. I love that he controls the flow and amount of milk he gets, just like if he was nursing. The shape of the nipple really promotes a proper latch, even better than Breast Flow or the Special Needs Feeder!!! I really believe if this bottle had been available sooner, we might have been able to successfully nurse!

Pros: The vacuum system allows less air to pass through from bottle into the belly, nipple shape promotes latch, infant-controlled flow, no leaking, compatible with regular Medela bottles

Cons: Cannot use nipple brush to clean parts, larger hole in nipple can allow extra air in anytime mouth is removed from bottle

Resident Mom™ Rating: A-

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Product: Medela Easy Expression™ Bustier
Price: $33.99
Buy It Here

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

-Gives you the freedom to do other things while pumping.

-Easy to wear, use and wash.

-Cotton/Spandex blend is comfortable on its own or over a nursing bra or camisole.

-Machine wash, tumble dry.

-Available in white or black.

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ Sherrie

Resident Mom™ Says: I’d been pumping for about four months when I received the Medela Easy Expressions Bustier. I had never planned on acquiring a bustier – thought it was just another unnecessary accessory. But using the bustier has allowed me to reclaim the 30-45 minutes a day that pumping takes. Yes, you REALLY CAN work and pump at the same time.

The bustier is a very straight-forward item. Put it on, get the shields situated, zip up, and then attach the bottles. It takes just an extra minute of prep time, but has freed both my hands to continue working at my desk and responding to emails while I pump.

I was concerned whether the bustier would “hold up” the bottles as they got full. Surprisingly, this was a non-issue. The bustier was comfortable to wear and easily supported the weight of glass bottles filled with milk.

Ladies – you may not “need” the bustier, but I won’t pump without it now.

Pros: 1. Hands-free pumping. 2. Hands-free pumping 3. Hands-free pumping!
Cons: The holes for the shields; they are placed a bit too wide for my body, but I’m still able to make it work.

Resident Mom™ Rating: A

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ Kara

Resident Mom™ Says: I really like how this product frees up my hands and is comfortable as well. Though the sizing was a tad big when I followed the sizing instructions. This only thing I would change is I would love to see removable adjustable straps on it because it is somewhat difficult to put it on while also trying to line up my pump to my breasts. Overall I would definitely recommend this product to anyone frustrated with having their hands tied up by holding on to the pumps while pumping. Though I would try pumping without it first to make sure this is something that would be of worth to you.

Pros: Obviously being hands free!, Breathable, comfortable, washable.
Cons: No straps to help with putting it on!, A little pricey for what it is I think. I like it as a gift but probably wouldn’t buy it for myself.

Resident Mom™ Rating: B

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ Claudia

Resident Mom™ Says: The Medela Easy Expression bustier was OK for me. I felt when I used the bustier I needed more support to hold up my pump. It seemed to be tilting and did not correctly support my nipple to properly pump. I tried washing dishes but was worried of getting water on my pump. Overall I would rate the bustier a 5 out of a 10. I’m not completely satisified since it required me holding my pump with my hands to properly use my pump. I would also recommend that it come with a belt so you could use it while cleaning or cooking. That way the pump unit could be carried in the belt and it truly make it hands free.

Pros: 70% hands free. I had to prop my bottle that’s connected to pump on counter while washing dishes to have some support
Cons: I felt I had to hold my pump to properly support me

Resident Mom™ Rating: C

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ Sasha

Resident Mom™ Says: I love the Medela Bustier! I have a 3 month old son and have been using the Medela Freestyle to pump here and there for about 9 weeks. I recently began using the hands free bustier and it truly makes pumping a nicer experience. Before the bustier, I would have to sit still while pumping, which was both a nice excuse to relax and frustrating because as we all know, there are always a million things to do. Also, I would usually only pump one side at a time, despite having a double pump, because I found it too tricky to hold both pumps and navigate the buttons. I did try the hands-free set up that comes with the freestyle, but it was a little precarious and required the use of a nursing bra. As I am still at home with the baby, I live in sleep and wrap bras and found the idea of putting on a nursing bra just to pump, quite a turn-off.

The bustier allows me freedom. Not only can I comfortably pump both breasts at once, but I can do so hands-free and while taking care of the baby and things around the house. I have to admit, the more I used it the more comfortable I became with moving around the house. At one point, I began pumping after every feeding (due to concerns about supply), which would have been much more difficult without the bustier. I was able to change my son’s diaper, give him a bottle and do various other household chores, all while pumping. I quickly learned not to do anything that involved too much bending. I became overly comfortable at one point, bent to pick up some toys and began to spill milk on the floor.

My only slight concern with the bustier is the fit. Because each size fits such a broad range of bra sizes, mine was a bit tight in the elastic and loose on top. I think it would be great if they provided an option for thick comfy straps to provide extra support. This way the elastic band isn’t doing all of the work. I often found myself readjusting and doing the tube top shuffle to ensure everything remained in the correct place.

All in all, I enjoy the bustier. It allows me to accomplish more and use both of my hands while I pump.

Pros: Great hands free pumping; mostly comfortable to wear for 10-15 minutes; quick/easy to use
Cons: Elastic can become a bit uncomfortable if worn directly on the skin for too long; sags a bit and needs to be pulled up

Resident Mom™ Rating: B+

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ April

Resident Mom™ Says: I have been exclusively breastfeeding & pumping breastmilk since my little one arrived, 7 ½ months ago. It has been a regular part of my daily schedule and it is definitely the most rewarding things I’ve accomplished. I learned of hands free pumping wear when I had been pumping for a couple weeks. It has truly made my life that much easier when I can multitask, eat, read, or perform other daily activities at the same time as providing my baby with breastmilk. I use a hands free pumping bra for all of my pumping sessions, including at home & at work. I have the medela and another brand for comparison. I’ll say both do have pros and cons.

Pros: White, easy to close with front zipper
Cons: Shrunk after first use, nonadjustable in size, front holes became distorted with size difference which lead to more hand manipulation to have successful pumping session,& front holes were one size fits all.

Resident Mom™ Rating: C

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ Amanda

Resident Mom™ Says:
The Medela Easy Expression Bustier is a must-have in my book.  I am a breastfeeding mom who works full time.  Like many, I was nervous about returning to work after my maternity leave.  But being able to provide breastmilk for my little one while I was away at work helped me mentally with the transition and assisted in bonding during alternate care.  The bustier made the commitment to continue to provide pumped milk so much easier!  Before it, I had tried other methods for hand-free pumping.  None of them worked for me.  I was never truly hands-free until I got the bustier.  Before, I was spending time away from work tasks pumping.  With the bustier, I can shut my office door, put on my bustier, and pump away while I type, review files, etc.  Without this product (which I have even been able to use while driving), I would not have been able to continue to pump as often as I should and inevitably my milk supply would have decreased with my return to work.  But instead, I was able to pump as needed and not lose time at work doing so.  
 
Regarding the features…it is incredibly easy to use and very comfortable.  The zip-up front allows me to just drop the cups on my nursing bra and put the bustier on under my raised or opened shirt. I do not have to get partially undressed to pump.  The fit holds the cups close and allows for good suction (unlike other methods that can result loose suction and spilling).  The openings are just large enough that I can slip the flanges in from the front but not so large as to cause the flanges not to be held securely in place.  The material is soft and is tight enough to serve its purpose without being uncomfortably constricting.  It washes well and has maintained its shape and stretch.  
 
So, are there any cons?  For me, there is not.  But that is because I have the perfect fit.  However, I could see where for some, especially if they are in between sizes or have a rapidly changing post-partum body, that it might be preferable to have a more adjustable product (others have hook and eye attaching panels that allow you to bring the size in or let it out).  But I think comfort is sacrificed for adjustability.  I am one of those people that is between sizes…I ordered up and the bustier fits wonderfully (so I would suggest that if you’re a little iffy on size, that you might get the larger of the two).
 
Pros: Ease of use; portability
Cons: Not adjustable

Resident Mom™ Rating: A    

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ Amy

Resident Mom™ Says:
I had a product very similar to this with my previous children but had given it to a friend so I was excited about being able to try this product with my new baby.  It is handy to have a hands-free setup so I can eat and read a book as I’m pumping.  This product is easy to put on and it is easy to see/adjust the breastpump shields in the hole openings since they are just round cut-outs.  

I was, however, disappointed in the product because it doesn’t hold the shields very securely and the bottles, especially when they are full, pull down on the fabric and my breasts. I ended up having to prop the bottles up on my legs or a table to stop them from feeling like they were falling. I found that if you put the bra on upside-down with the elastic band on top it seemed to fit better and hold the shields a little more securely, but not enough where I would be comfortable not holding or propping up the bottles. Plus, this product is not at all adjustable so if you loose weight or if your nipples aren’t centered in the pre-cut opening the only way to adjust it is by making an alteration.  

This product also doesn’t work well with non-standard size breast shields as the hole is too big for the smaller shields and the hole is too small for larger shields.  Overall this product is better than having no hands-free system, but I would recommend other products over this one.
 
Pros: It’s easy to put on and freed up my hands for short periods of time
Cons: Not adjustable. Does not hold breast-shields/bottles securely

Resident Mom™ Rating: C   

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ Anne

Resident Mom™ Says:
I am a mom of a 2-month-old boy and 18-month boy. I was excited to be chosen to review the Medela Easy Expression Pumping Bustier especially since being a mother of two I feel like I never have enough free hands, which is why I really liked the Medela Easy Expression Pumping Bustier. Using the Medela Easy Expression Pumping Bustier I was able to pump and still have my hands free to tend to my 18-month old son at the same time. The Bustier held the pump suctions in place quite well. If you were looking for a great pumping bra, I would definitely recommend the Medela Easy Expression Pumping Bustier.
 
Pros: Very comfortable cotton material; front zipper it is extremely easy to put on and use.
Cons: Doesn’t allow for my 2-month old son to nurse on one side while I pump on the other– the hole was not large enough for him to get a proper latch.

Resident Mom™ Rating: I give this product a B only because I would have like to nurse one side while pumping the other at the same time, otherwise it would have gotten an A.

Reviewed by: Resident Mom™ Kristen

Resident Mom™ Says:
I really like the concept of a hands-free breast pump, and when I was given the chance to review something that could help me do that, I was on board! Not only does the Medela Easy Expression Bustier give me time to pump while my child is sleeping, but I can get other important things done, too! Taking care of a 4- month-old and working on a product review blog at the same time isn’t easy, but the Medela Easy Expression Bustier made it very easy for me to multi-task. It was very easy to use, but sometimes I had to hold the pump up against my breast because the suction just wasn’t there.  I had received the small bustier, and didn’t think I needed an extra small, but that may have been the problem. 

Pros: Easy to use; hands-free; good for busy or working moms
Cons: Occasionally had to hold pump because of suction issues

Resident Mom™ Rating: B    

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Product: Medela Pump In Style® Advanced On-the-Go Tote
Price: $280
Where to Buy: Click here

Features and Benefits
Pump In Style Advanced is a daily use breastpump designed for moms who pump several times a day. All Pump In Style Advanced breastpumps offer portable convenience for quiet, discreet pumping anywhere.

What is 2-Phase Expression® technology?
Through research, Medela learned that there are two distinct phases of how babies breastfeed. The Stimulation Phase is fast and light sucking to start milk flowing followed by the Expression Phase, slow and stronger sucking to deliver more milk faster. Pump In Style Advanced breastpumps have exclusive 2-Phase Expression technology that mimics a baby’s natural nursing pattern.
Click here for more info

Reviewed By: Resident Mom™ Ashlee

Resident Mom™ Says: As a stay at home mom to four kids I’m always on the go. I loved this pump for the simple fact that it offers electric or battery operation. It gave me the flexability to pump anywhere, even in the car. (Granted the 9v adaptor is sold separately but it is still an option.) I also liked that it was quiet and the bag was large enough to also put extra bottles, breast cream and breast pads. I even put a picture of my daughter in there for when her and I aren’t together, as it is said to help produce more milk. The only thing I found to be a slight inconvenience was holding both bottles to pump and not leaving me with a free hand.

Pros: It comes with cold pack and bottle storage; comfortable and easy to use
Cons: Pricey

Mom Rating: A

Reviewed By: Resident Mom™ Sharon

Resident Mom™ Says: With my first baby I had issues breastfeeding (not producing enough milk) and the breastpump I had was not powerful enough to extract any milk. I just had my second baby seven weeks ago and with the Medela Pump In Style Advanced On-the-Go 2 Phase Expression technology I have been able to produce enough milk and not resort to supplementing with formula. I had doubts that pumping would work for me this time, but I have been pleasantly surprised! It is great to pump and store my milk so that my husband can handle the middle of the night feedings! The Pump In Style is easy to set up – I only had to sterilize the parts, then it was ready to go. The instructions are easy to understand and the tote bag makes it convenient to store all of the accessories and to carry with me wherever I go. I like that it is a double pump; pumping takes less time than a single pump and it helps increase the milk production better than a single pump. My pediatrician actually recommended that I try a double pump with baby #2 due to my issues breastfeeding baby #1. I would definitely recommend this breastpump to expectant moms planning to breastfeed.

Pros: Easy to use; convenient to take with me; lots of storage for accessories
Cons: Being a double pump it is a little cumbersome handling both breastshields and bottles at once; expensive

Mom Rating: A

Reviewed By: Resident Mom™ Mikelle

Resident Mom™ Says: I am a first time mom and was loaned a five-year-old Pump in Style Advanced and had been using that for the last three months. I was thrilled to get the new model. The let-down feature is nice, you are able to shorten the length of time for that phase. The previous model didn’t have that and it makes the pumping more comfortable and more similar to breastfeeding. The parts are all easy to use and clean and the tote bag and storage tote are handy and function well. I wish there were some inside pockets in the tote bag though. I like that there is a “working surface” as a side panel on the tote bag, it is useful when away from my coffee table.

Pros: Great tote bag; portable; good suction; let-down phase button; shorter pump time; comfortable breast shields
Cons: No inside pockets in tote; instructions about cleaning the diaphragm are vague; no instruction on when to change membranes

Mom Rating: So many positives! I give this product an “A”

Reviewed By: Resident Mom™ Lauren

Resident Mom™ Says: When my first son was born I was committed to breastfeeding and doing whatever it took to make that happen. However, my husband’s and my schedule is so crazy that it quickly became very difficult to keep up with it. I had purchased a breast pump early on that we found on sale and it was such a hassle with a million parts to take apart and put back together and it was almost more painful to use then it was at the beginning of nursing.

Needless to say with all these factors in play we came to realize about four months in that my milk supply was low and inconsistent so my poor son wasn’t always getting what he needed, even when we supplemented with formula because we never knew how much he was getting when he nursed. When I received the Medela Pump In Style Advanced On-the-Go Tote, I was amazed by how easy it was to use. There were less parts to put together and take apart and it was actually comfortable. It did not hurt my breasts as the previous pump I had tried did.
This pump made it possible to allow my son to continue to get breast milk even though my supply was low.

My favorite thing about it was the two phase expression: it stimulates the way a baby expresses your milk (light and quick to get the milk to let down, followed by long and slow sucking to get the milk out faster). These two phases occur automatically, the first phase going for two minutes then switching into the second. However, if your milk lets down quicker you have the option to simply push a button and move on to phase two.

The other thing that is great about this pump is the design of the bag and all the additions. The tote is really roomy and looks like an actual tote, not a breast pump. It has the motor right in it so it just appears with unzipping of the side. Then you also receive a cooler that fits four medela bottles (also included) and an ice pack. After all these are in the tote, including the ac adaptor and the battery pack you still have plenty of room for other things like a purse, wallet, water bottle, some snacks and another shirt! It really is VERY roomy.

Pros: Efficiency of pumping; size of tote and design
Cons: A little pricier than other pumps.

Mom Rating: A

Reviewed By: Resident Mom™ Nicole

Resident Mom™ Says: I am a busy mom of four trying to juggle many things at once. My son was a preemie, and due to multiple issues breastfeeding alone just didn’t work out for us. I am currently exclusively pumping and it isn’t easy. Having a breast pump that is easy and efficient is an absolute necessity for me. I can’t say enough about the Medela Pump In Style Advanced On-The-Go Tote. I have tried other pumps and it is by far the best breast pump on the market. It is very easy to set up and use. The ability to pump both breasts at the same time is fantastic. The vacuum suction was great and wasn’t uncomfortable at all. The 2-phase expression technology allowed me to pump a lot more milk in half the time. I believe it works just as well if not better than the pumps used in hospitals. I also love the style and storage ability of the tote bag. No one will know you are carrying around a breast pump inside. It has plenty of room to store all the parts you need on the go. I am beyond happy with the Medela Pump In Style. My supply recently started to decrease and it has allowed me to continue to give my son breastmilk even though breastfeeding didn’t work out for us.

Pros: It is stylish, lightweight, comfortable and most importantly…very efficient.
Cons: It’s expensive but worth every penny.

Mom Rating: A+