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Elvie Electric double breast pump
Elvie vs Medela: Two electric double breast pumps in battle
3-5-2024
Translation: machine translated
Freehand, double-sided and everywhere breast milk pumping - that's the promise of the Medela Freestyle and the Elvie Pump. How well does it work? Is the more expensive purchase worth it? A breastfeeding mother tested the pumps and has a clear favourite.
Collecting breast milk in advance, preventing milk stasis or stimulating milk flow: there are various reasons why women use a breast pump. For many, expressing means regaining some freedom and flexibility - however, this initially involves a lot of work and time. Waiting patiently in the armchair with the suction device until enough milk has trickled into the bowl has little to do with freedom at first.
The latest breast pumps therefore promise multitasking. They do not require a cable, hold onto the breasts hands-free and are worn in a nursing bra. So that mums can do other things while pumping. The Elvie breast pump is regarded as a pioneer. However, with its high price, it is also the Mercedes of its kind. Other hands-free breast pumps are significantly cheaper, such as the "Freestyle Hands-free" from the equally renowned breast pump manufacturer Medela.
We send the flexible double breast pumps from Elvie and Medela into battle. A mum who had her first child at the end of last year tested the two pumps for us and rated them afterwards.
Elvie Pump
Medela Freestyle Hands-free
Elvie: practical handling, proud price
How is the commissioning and handling
Elvie is easy to install, provided you have the app. It guides you step by step through all the necessary preparations. And it also provides tutorials in case you are unsure about the pump universe. The handling is simple: you insert the two pump attachments into your bra so that they are largely invisible. Like most breast pumps, the Elvie has two pumping modes: stimulation, to get the milk flowing. And expression, a slower rhythm for milk production. The pumping strength can be adjusted over seven levels.
What makes the Elvie double breast pump good?
It is extremely handy, lightweight and, above all, quiet. And it can be worn in a loose bra, so an expensive "pumping bra" is unnecessary. As it is cordless and fits really well, you can also move around easily while pumping. I wouldn't wear it for dancing straight away. But doing something around the house on the side always works.
What are the minuses?
The price of the Elvie pump is steep. During operation, you have to keep an eye on the battery level. I had to recharge the pump almost every second time I used it, via a micro USB cable. For whatever reason, this worked best on the computer. The charging procedure takes around two hours.
Source: Katja Fischer
How is the app?
It's great. Starting with the instructions for choosing the right breast shell size - two sizes are included in the package as standard, with additional variants available to buy. The sessions can all be saved, evaluated and customised if necessary. This meant I always had an overview of my pumping intervals and, above all, the quantities I pumped. As a supplement, there is a programme for power pumping, which increases the milk flow. As everything can be controlled via the app, there's no need to keep a stopwatch or write a log.
Who is the breast pump suitable for?
Since Elvie is really easy to integrate into everyday life, it is certainly suitable for women who want to do other things at home on the side. Or for women who want to pump while travelling, for example in the car or at the office. But above all for women who tend to have too little milk. Frequent pumping with Elvie is pleasant and takes away stress. The power pumping programme can also help the milk flow.
What is your conclusion?
Although the pump has a hefty price tag, the investment is really worth it. Especially for mums who pump several times a day and don't need any additional stress in their daily routine.
Medela: solid, but twice as heavy
How is the start-up and handling
Rather intuitive: once all the cables are in the right place, installation is easy even without an app. You place the pump attachments in the bra, which must be purchased separately. They are connected to a control unit via thin tubes, which you then place in your trouser pocket or waistband. Here, too, suction takes place in two phases: first quickly to stimulate the milk flow, then more slowly to collect milk. There are nine suction strengths to choose from.
What makes the Medela double breast pump good?
It is a simple breast pump that works relatively mechanically and sucks well. The battery lasts for around six to eight pumping sessions.
What are the drawbacks
? The pump is very heavy and even with the Medela bra it only fits if you don't move much. Walking around is not only difficult because of this, but above all because you always have to carry the control unit around with you - and that is also heavy and above all loud and vibrating. That's why it can't simply be stowed away in your trousers or placed on the sofa. Unless you don't mind the constant hum.
Source: Katja Fischer
How is the app?
Unfortunately, it was quite error-prone when tested. The installation worked well, I was able to record the pumping and there were also useful videos with tips on the developmental stages of a baby. However, the app constantly crashed for me, hung up or was in a maintenance phase.
Who is the breast pump suitable for?
The Medela pump is certainly okay for women who are not dependent on pumping and for those who have a lot of milk and therefore only have short pumping sessions.
What is your conclusion?
The pump itself is really solid. But the high weight and the faulty app cause unnecessary annoyance.
Elvie or Medela - the reckoning
Who is the test winner for you?
Clearly the Elvie pump. It is easy and convenient to control via the app and thus ensures relaxed pumping. Although the Medela has slightly better suction behaviour, it definitely put more strain on my nerves. It is loud and heavy and has the disadvantage that it cannot be placed in the bra as a whole like the Elvie.
Would you afford the expensive Elvie yourself?
When I was researching breast pumps during my pregnancy, I thought the price of the Elvie was too high. After testing it, I changed my mind: I would buy the Elvie pump myself today in a heartbeat. It accompanied me through a challenging phase. I had very little breast milk, the Elvie helped me to get through it stress-free and even breastfeed for longer in the end. <p
Katja Fischer
Senior Editor
Katja.Fischer@digitecgalaxus.chMom of Anna and Elsa, aperitif expert, group fitness fanatic, aspiring dancer and gossip lover. Often a multitasker and a person who wants it all, sometimes a chocolate chef and queen of the couch.