Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

With my second child I thought I knew how to avoid bf complications that lead to pain and mastitis but I was wrong. In fact, I think improper pumping techniques caused me more pain than improper latch! A lactation consultant mentioned these cups as an alternative to other pumps and said they work differently with lots of praise from her clients. The price is reasonable for a pump alternative so I ordered one and gave it a try. It's pretty straight forward to use but I still recommend watching some YouTube videos so you know what to expect and if you're using it properly. Results surprised me so much I decided to continue breastfeeding since I no longer have the other issues. My first attempt was on a drained breast (from breastfeeding) yet I still got 1.5 oz out without any effort! I now use this simultaneously while breastfeeding on one side so that the baby stimulates letdown. On a full breast I can get 2.5-3 oz while focusing on feeding my baby on the other side. The catch is that this continuously stimulates my nipple so after using it I could achieve another letdown just by leaning forward over the baby. Gravity and the weight of the cup often does the trick for me. I got the flower stopper from Haakaa brand to plug it before I have a chance to transfer milk to a storage bag. These cups will topple easily if knocked. They can also get dislodged if baby kicks it during feeding. Pros: easy to use Comfortable alternative (especially for someone who hates the pump) Silent Light weight Hands free Reliable Cons : - Leaves my nipples stimulated after (not sure this is a con but I could keep collecting milk forever if I don't stop) - Easy to spill if you don't watch out - requires something to stimulate letdown. Sometimes I can achieve it with this tool and leaning forward but it's easier with a pump or the baby on the other breast. UPDATE: I ordered the same product from 2 other brands and they look identical, with different patterns imprinted in the silicone. However, the other ones would lose suction randomly and fall off. This is the only one that reliably stays put. UPDATE 2: After a month of use I am still pumping well with these! I've been able to use these at work and love them because they're easy to tote around, quiet to use in the mothers room, and super easy to clean! Virtually no set up, unlike the other moms using double electric pumps! At this point I've gotten used to them and am able to get on average 4.5 oz on a full breast. I now get about 20 oz a day in addition to breast feeding during mornings and evenings. It helps to massage and squeeze the breast while it's on to speed up the draining effect, and when the flow slows down, I lean forward and let it hang down. Gravity seems to cause another letdown for me if I'm patient and let it just do its thing. Highly recommend!! UPDATE 3: I’m still easily bfing at 11 months. As a working mom who travels, these are so much easier to carry and clean and they get through the X-ray at TSA without issue. I did end up buying the larger silicone pumps from a different brand because my milk supply got to be so much that I would pump 5-6 oz per breast per session. The larger cups seem to have stronger suction and a suction cup to securely balance on the bottom too.