Freemie Liberty Mobile Hands Free Breast Pump, Grey

I pump almost exclusively for my 2 month older daughter, due to a couple of reasons. So, I have been hooked up to a machine constantly for the last couple of months. My primary pump has been the Spectra S1, which I think is a fantastic pump. There are so many positive things about it, but this review is not for that. So, I will skip over that part.It is not unusual for me to be doing chores, or to be taking care of the kids (4 year old and newborn) while trying to pump. Needless to say, that can be very difficult and frustrating. So, I wasn't 100% satisfied with my level of mobility with the Spectra. The Freemie Liberty has been a wonderful solution to this problem. The suction is perfectly adequate for what I need. I can express milk fine on setting 5 or 6, and it goes up to 10. I have not seen a decrease in the amount I am pumping. I can now move around with minimal restriction (I can make myself some food, or change a diaper without having to carry around a pump, it just clips right onto my pants.) The cups themselves are pretty great. I am able to use the 28mm flange with no modifications (they do sell some inserts for people who may have sizing issues). I have not had any issues with the suction not working, or placement being difficult. My only caution is to make sure pieces are put together securely, and that the tubing is at the 12 o'clock position, or your milk will spill.I spent a lot of time going back and forth debating on whether or not to get the pump, or if I should just buy the collection cups separately and hook them up to the Spectra. It appears that Amazon does not sell the collection cups that come with THIS pump. They sell another version also made by Freemie (maybe an older model?) The Freemie website does carry these collection cups (and the other style), which are compatible with a Spectra and other pumps they list. I know that some people have complained about the other version of the cups, which is why I wanted to mention that these are different. I can't compare the two, since I only have this version. But, I have not had any problems.While this pump has a lot going for it, of course, it is not perfect. I don't think the battery life on my pump is quite as good as I was expecting. I pump for 30 minutes at a time, and I see a significant decrease after 2 sessions. But, it is chargeable by USB, so if I am out and about, there is always the option of charging it with a portable charger. You can pump while the pump is charging. My biggest gripe with the Freemie is the cost of additional parts. I like to have more than one set of flanges (or in this case collection cups). One extra set on their website cost me $79.95, plus another $19.95 for 4 extra valve pieces. This pump already runs for $300. I think the extra parts need to be more affordable.The bottom line for me is that I am very glad I decided to make this purchase. It has made my life easier!A few observations comparing the Freemie Liberty and Spectra S1, listing what features I prefer on that pump above the other...FreemieImproved mobility (pump is lighter and smaller, and it clips on instead of carrying around by a handle)More discreet pumpingCollection cups are more comfortable and less awkward than the bottles/hornsNo pumping bra necessary!Adjustable auto off timer (Spectra shuts off after 30 minutes, but I don't know about a way to program a different auto off setting)SpectraLonger battery lifeMore affordable replacement partsI am less afraid of dropping it, because the handle is bigEasier to spot, due to vibrant color

I was really hopeful that this product would provide hands-free pumping options that would make working/moving around while pumping easier. Unfortunately even after reading the instructions carefully and using the pump numerous times, I have found that it does not work as advertised. The suction is not strong enough to express much milk (even on the highest setting), and if I moved around with the pump on the milk would leak or spill or stop expressing. I found I had to sit in a chair and press the pump firmly on my breasts for it to work at all. This ended up being less convenient than my original Medela pump in style pump. I will not use this pump moving forward.

Update! - I just pumped more than I ever have. So much easier getting ready for work. I am not sure why there are bad reviews on this. I'm so happy with this purchase because feeding my son solely breast milk is very important to me. And this is making that more possible... Working and being the best mom you can be is hard.I was a little skeptical because of the reviews that I read. Well some of the reviews anyway we're not that great. But I just got this in the mail today and I have to say that it is a fantastic product. I was thinking that I was going to buy this just to use at work so I didn't feel so exposed using my Medela Pump. I even bought one of those bras that hold the cones so you can be hands-free with the Medela Pump but still felt like it just wasn't on its weight. So I put this on underneath my nursing bra which I find to be very comfortable. The suction is so much better with this pump it's very comfortable. I don't feel so confined to one area. I don't know why I see some reviews where this product does not work for people because it is amazing and I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders from the stress of working 13-hour shifts at night and trying to fit in pumping. You can still see this under your shirt but it definitely does not look as terrible as the more commonly used breast pumps. I already have an issue with let Downs but this pump work so wonderfully but I'm not having any issues. This is still very new to me but I have a feeling that I'm not going to have any issues whatsoever with it. I definitely recommended if you are a working mother. I know that it'll work for me due to the fact that I work at a desk for 13 hours I'm not too certain about if you were walking around Exedra. The point is I absolutely love this product and I necessarily did not want to spend the money on it but I think it was worth it and it will make pumping less stressful for me.