When I’m asked to review something that I can’t test with my own family, I turn to my Facebook page and offer my readers a guest review opportunity.
These guest reviewers (a.k.a. parents) receive the products for free and get to keep them in exchange for their honest reviews. Like my own reviews on Mommy Gearest, receiving a product does not automatically earn a positive review.
divaLeanne, a first-time mother to a marvelous little diva-baby, got to try the Pump Strap hands-free pumping bra. With an appreciation for integrity, Leanne prides herself on being honest (sometimes too honest), in everything she does. A Jacquie of all trades, she currently works from home, managing her own marketing/PR company.
Seems appropriate to post this on the last day of World Breastfeeding Week.
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As a working mother, my time is not only disorganized, but very limited.
Gone are the days of having 20-minute “Hey, how are you?” chats with clients, family or friends, usually due to a hungry baby letting me know it’s time to be fed/changed/entertained.
I’m fortunate to have the help of my mother on Tuesdays and Thursdays who’ll often walk in to witness me cradling my baby in one arm to feed her, holding the phone in the crook of my neck, and typing on my laptop with my free hand. (Not so easy when she’s feeding on the right).
I’ve got to maximize my efficiency and the term “multitasking” has never been more relevant (or challenging).
As a nursing mother to a five-month-old, I’ve noticed a change in my milk production. Up until a few weeks ago, pumping out a four- to six-ounce bottle in the morning after the first feeding was a 15-minute endeavour; however, recently, the supply’s not been there and now 15 minutes gets me an ounce.
I can’t afford the time that it takes to sit there, pumping away, idly watching the television while holding my boob in one hand and the bottle in the other.
Enter The Nursing Mother’s Hands-Free Pump Strap.
THE GOOD
First thought – Leeloo from The Fifth Element, only less Gaultier. It’s a big neoprene band with an enormous Velcro closure at the back. Not exactly stylish, but it serves its purpose.
Initially, I didn’t think it would be able to do the job – supporting my breast while holding the bottle in place and actually getting milk to come out – but I was pleasantly surprised. I sat there (grudgingly) watching an episode of Wonder Pets, while my right breast was being pumped – hands-free! I didn’t know what to do with my hands as I watched the milk drip into the bottle and listened to “the team” save The Rat Pack.
A few minor adjustments here and there of the suction flange position, and everything was good to go.
It’s lightweight, convenient and fits easily into a handbag; simple to put on, too.
Reasonably priced.
THE GAFFE
Currently, it’s only available in the generic Caucasian skin-tone colour, but I don’t think this really matters since I’m not sure that this is something one would wear every day, under clothing, considering the slits for the nipples really make them stick out (unless you’re into the kinky look).
Not a gaffe per se, but it would certainly be an improvement to include a small pocket on the side for those who have (or, in my case, wish we had), a portable electric pump, making the entire system completely mobile.
Although it fit me pretty well, some supportive cups would be nice. When I’m engorged, I’m up to a D-cup and find that I usually have to hold and squeeze my breast while pumping to maximize the milk. Perhaps pockets with some removable padding would work nicely.
THE GEARS
4.5/5
So…where can you buy it?
- From Pump Strap (who will ship anywhere in the world)
- If you live in California, you can get it at The Maternal Connection retail store at the El Camino Women’s Hospital
chantal wiggins says
Hands free! sounds like that could come in handy:)
chantal wiggins says
Hands free! sounds like that could come in handy:)
Susan Holt (@susanholt) says
I thought I’d present an alternative product that overcomes one of the Gaffes mentioned, and has the additional benefit of being Canadian made.
I’ve been a pumping Mom from the beginning, and still pump twice a day at work, so my hands free PumpEase bra has been one of the best purchases I’ve made (next to my double electric Medela pump – literally my breastfriend).
As silly as it sounds, the fun pattern totally reduces the awkwardness of pumping at work, and even gives me a little lift when I’m pumping at home. (I chose the red with white polkadots pattern and feel like Betty Boop with it! )
http://www.snugabell.com/products/pumpease
Mommy Gearest says
Thanks for suggesting an alternative – I think it’s great to offer moms as much choice as possible.
Susan Holt (@susanholt) says
I thought I’d present an alternative product that overcomes one of the Gaffes mentioned, and has the additional benefit of being Canadian made.
I’ve been a pumping Mom from the beginning, and still pump twice a day at work, so my hands free PumpEase bra has been one of the best purchases I’ve made (next to my double electric Medela pump – literally my breastfriend).
As silly as it sounds, the fun pattern totally reduces the awkwardness of pumping at work, and even gives me a little lift when I’m pumping at home. (I chose the red with white polkadots pattern and feel like Betty Boop with it! )
http://www.snugabell.com/products/pumpease
Mommy Gearest says
Thanks for suggesting an alternative – I think it’s great to offer moms as much choice as possible.
Laura says
I never understood the point of these bras. I have found that after the first couple minutes of pumping, I can take my hands away, and the pumping supplies just stay in place from the suction. I always go on my computer while I pump. I’m an exclusive pumper so I pump A LOT, and I think if I couldn’t go on my computer while I pumped, I would not have been able to keep up with it for this long!
Mommy Gearest says
Then you are one lucky lady! There’s no way that would have ever worked for me. Maybe it’s a small boob/large boob difference? Mine are ample and there’s not enough suction to keep the cups stuck to me without holding on with my hands… OK, maybe if Dyson make a pump it would work.
Laura says
I never understood the point of these bras. I have found that after the first couple minutes of pumping, I can take my hands away, and the pumping supplies just stay in place from the suction. I always go on my computer while I pump. I’m an exclusive pumper so I pump A LOT, and I think if I couldn’t go on my computer while I pumped, I would not have been able to keep up with it for this long!
Mommy Gearest says
Then you are one lucky lady! There’s no way that would have ever worked for me. Maybe it’s a small boob/large boob difference? Mine are ample and there’s not enough suction to keep the cups stuck to me without holding on with my hands… OK, maybe if Dyson make a pump it would work.
debbie says
When I had my first I always found it so hard to do anything while pumping…then a friend of mine had twins and she showed me her double pump..I watched in aww as she made lunches, washed dishes, really did anything as she had her hands free! Im expecting #2 8 weeks and think it would be a dream to have the use of both hands free!!!
Mommy Gearest says
I didn’t have one of these when I pumped with The K Man, either. I would do it, watching Oprah, while he napped. I can’t even fathom how much more you’d get done using one!
debbie says
When I had my first I always found it so hard to do anything while pumping…then a friend of mine had twins and she showed me her double pump..I watched in aww as she made lunches, washed dishes, really did anything as she had her hands free! Im expecting #2 8 weeks and think it would be a dream to have the use of both hands free!!!
Mommy Gearest says
I didn’t have one of these when I pumped with The K Man, either. I would do it, watching Oprah, while he napped. I can’t even fathom how much more you’d get done using one!
Emilija Boyer says
it would be great to be able to do more while pumping (although i have had more time for blog reading in the hours i’ve spent alone with the pump…) right now the little one is small enough to sleep or entertain herself but that will change soon and i’m sure it would be great to be able to multi-task.
Emilija Boyer says
it would be great to be able to do more while pumping (although i have had more time for blog reading in the hours i’ve spent alone with the pump…) right now the little one is small enough to sleep or entertain herself but that will change soon and i’m sure it would be great to be able to multi-task.
Lauren Wirtzfeld says
Why I need one… cause I’ve spent too many boring hours with my pump 😛 And it is seriously hard using the laptop and pumping or anything else i try to do! I had to pump to top up this baby due to health issues at the beginning, then started pumping for a friend’s baby since she wasn’t producing enough so they didnt’ have to do much formula and she could have my milk as well has her mommy’s milk, so more time with the pump. Now that my baby is getting older pumping is getting harder, so a hands free would be awesome and good encouragement to keep up pumping for the two little girls (mine and my friend’s) 😀
Mommy Gearest says
I applaud you for sharing your milk with your friend; I think that is such a beautiful, selfless act of friendship.
Lauren Wirtzfeld says
Why I need one… cause I’ve spent too many boring hours with my pump 😛 And it is seriously hard using the laptop and pumping or anything else i try to do! I had to pump to top up this baby due to health issues at the beginning, then started pumping for a friend’s baby since she wasn’t producing enough so they didnt’ have to do much formula and she could have my milk as well has her mommy’s milk, so more time with the pump. Now that my baby is getting older pumping is getting harder, so a hands free would be awesome and good encouragement to keep up pumping for the two little girls (mine and my friend’s) 😀
Mommy Gearest says
I applaud you for sharing your milk with your friend; I think that is such a beautiful, selfless act of friendship.