Finding the right breast pump has been a game-changer in my breastfeeding journey. The Momcozy M9 hands-free breast pump has provided peace of mind and is very easy to use
When I was pregnant, breastfeeding was something I had a “I’ll try it and if it works it works, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t” attitude to. But even though it was much harder than I ever thought it would be, I felt like it was something I wanted to keep going with. After a long battle, I can now, five months in, say breastfeeding is so much easier. Although I have immense understanding for those who decide not to continue with it, part of my journey of easing the pressure was having a hands-free breast pump at my side.
Although I’m by no means saying a breast pump can fix complex issues such as latching or tongue tie, having the option of pumping and giving it in a bottle has been very reassuring in times of difficulty. When I was worrying if my baby was getting enough milk, it was invaluable having the option of giving him milk in other ways.
Breast pumps can be a hugely pricey investment, there’s no doubt about that. And because you use it for a limited time, you want to make sure you’re buying the right one. Although there are plenty of manual breast pumps out there, I opted for an electric, hands-free pump, as I thought it would be the most efficient and convenient option. Although I only have one child, I have found it quite overwhelming to always have your hands full and having no downtime, so having a hands free pump has been a convenient, pain-free game-changer.
I chose to try the Momcozy Mobile Flow Hands-Free M9 double Breast Pump, which retails at £269.99, but you can look out for offers regularly. The powerful breast pump is designed to support busy, on-the-go mums, and features up to 300mmHg suction power and 15 intensity levels.
With the pump being hands free, it’s taken the stress out of the situation. I can keep reading a book while my baby naps, or keep playing with him if he’s awake. Simply stick it in your bra, control it from the app and let it work its magic. I can barely feel it as I go about my day, making multitasking so much easier. A must for any busy parent.
I’ve also seen others rave about it being key in increasing their milk supply, but this isn’t something I’ve needed to use it for.
It’s relatively discreet, and although it’s not completely invisible, with a slightly baggy top it’s not too noticeable. It also comes with a carry case to store the pumps and all the extra bits, such as the storage boxes and lids.
I was also curious about whether it would fit my breasts, but with four different flange sizes, I found it has a snug, comfortable fit. However, you do have to be very careful to choose the correct flange size or it could cause discomfort. I also have had some situations where it hasn’t worked because the nipple wasn’t correctly placed inside the flange, so you do have to be quite precise.
That being said, the BPA-free silicone pump is easy to use once you’ve found the correct fit. I was quite overwhelmed at the start, as there are three pumping modes, two specialist patterns – Milk Boost and Milk Relief – and MyFlow Mode available via the Momcozy App. But once I’d had a play around with it, it became second nature.
I love that you can personalise your sessions to achieve what you want. And because there are so many suction levels, I was able to find one that worked for me. Because I don’t use the pump every day, I’ve mostly used the ‘stimulation’ and ‘expression’ features, as I’ve only ever used it for 10-15 minutes at a time. Mimicking what a baby would do, the stimulation mode starts with quick and short sucks to get your milk flowing, while the expression mode is a deeper and slower pattern. There’s also a mixed mode, which combines both.
Having an app to use alongside the pump is also great because it means you can track milk volume, send reminders, and control the pump remotely. For me it works really well being able to pop them in my bra and carry on with other tasks, or playing with my baby.
At first, I was worried about how big and clunky the pumps would be, considering they are battery-operated. But they are surprisingly compact and lightweight. The battery itself lasts about six sessions per charge, which means you don’t have to worry when you’re out and about, as you don’t need to be tethered to the wall. As I don’t use the pump every day I’ve found I can go long stretches without needing to charge it.
They are also surprisingly quiet. So although I’m yet to use them when I am in public, I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable using them. Another clever feature is the closed design, which means the milk is contained in the catcher once it’s expressed, so you don’t have to worry about removing it immediately to prevent spills and leaks.
One thing I didn’t realise with a breast pump, although it makes total sense now, is how often you have to clean and sterilise them. The pump comes apart really easily and can all be cleaned, apart from the pump motor itself.
After each use, I wash the parts with hot water and soap, and then rinse them thoroughly and air dry. It needs to be sterilised at least once a day too, and I didn’t realise you shouldn’t use a microwave or UV steriliser due to the high temperatures, as it could cause it to shorten the life of the pump. Instead, you can sterilise it in boiling water for five minutes. It’s definitely one of the more tedious parts of having a pump, but it would be the same with whichever pump you have.
When it comes to reassembling, the only struggle I’ve had is refitting the valve, which has to be screwed onto the milk collector. This has to be a really tight fit, so sometimes I’ve found it quite challenging to screw it on tight enough.
All in all, the Momcozy M9 has been a game-changer for me. It’s provided peace of mind during times of stress, and when I go back to work I will feel comfortable knowing I can express milk easily. Thanks to its convenient size and efficient and quiet pumping system, I couldn’t recommend it enough.
