Freemie collection cups are a completely different kind of milk collection system, where everything fits into your bra – no bottles and pump parts hanging off of your chest! I was really excited to try it with my third baby, and here is my Freemie review.
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Most pumping systems have three major parts – a breast shield (or flange) that fits over your nipple, a pumping mechanism (breast shield connector, membrane/valve, etc.), and then a bottle that the milk is collected in.
The Freemie has the same three things, but instead of being pumped into a bottle, the milk flows into a collection cup that surrounds the breast shields and pumping mechanism. Everything fits into a cup that you can put in your bra.
When are Freemies Useful?
Freemies have a few benefits – they can make it easier to move around and get things done, and they can be a way of going hands-free without having bottles hanging off of your chest.
Here are some examples of situations where Freemies can come in really handy:
- When your baby wants to be held while you pump, it can be easier to pick him up and snuggle when you’re using Freemie cups versus trying to work around pump parts and bottles.
- If your baby is older and likes to play with tubing when you pump, Freemies can make it easier to manage, because more of the tubing is concealed under your shirt.
- Pumping in public can be easier with Freemies, as you don’t need to use a nursing cover and it just kind of looks like you have larger breasts.
- If you have a mobile pump, it’s easy to go about your day while pumping – you can move around your house, cook, play with your baby, etc. The one thing to watch out for is that you might have some spillage if you bend over.
Closed vs Open System Freemie Cups
There are two different kinds of Freemie cups – closed system (also called Next Generation cups) and open system (also called Original cups). So what is the difference, and which ones should you get?
First, there are two types of breast pumps. Open system pumps do not have a barrier between the pump parts (and breastmilk) and pump motor, while closed system pumps do. The barrier on closed system pumps are usually called backflow protectors.
The type of Freemie cups that you should get depends on what kind of breast pump that you have. Some Medela pumps (the older ones, like the original Pump in Style and Freestyle) are open system, so you would get open system Freemie cups.
Most Spectra pumps, the Baby Buddha, and the Ameda Purely Yours are closed, so you would get the closed Next Generation cups.
If you aren’t sure which type your pump is, check the instruction manual for your pump (most of them are available online) or call customer service and ask.
Should You Get Freemie Cups, or a Freemie Pump?
This depends on a few things.
If you already have pump and you are looking for a hands-free solution, then I would suggest just getting the cups that go with your pump.
If you want more mobility than your pump can provide (for example, if you use a Medela Symphony), you may want to get a smaller pump.
You could get a Freemie Liberty or Independence pump, or you could get a portable pump with Freemie cups. Some popular mobility pumps include the Bella Baby, Baby Buddha, and the Spectra S9.
Some things to consider in deciding which to get include cost, suction strength (if you struggle to empty I would suggest getting the Baby Buddha or Bella Baby, if you need something more gentle I would recommend S9 or Freemie), and how comfortable you feel with using pieces from different brands versus an integrated solution.
Freemie Liberty vs Willow vs Elvie
If you are looking for a hands-free pump, should you get a Freemie Liberty, a Willow, or an Elvie?
The main difference between the Freemie Liberty and the other two pumps is that while the Freemie Liberty is hands-free and very mobile, it is not wireless. You still have to manage tubing. The Willow and Elvie are both completely wireless.
However, the price of the Freemie Liberty is much lower than the wireless pumps, so that might be a good trade-off for you.
If you decide to go with a wireless breast pump, here is a more in-depth comparison of the Willow and the Elvie.
Below is how each of these pumps looks when you’re wearing it, in case that is a deciding factor:
Image courtesy Adriana in the Facebook group. Used with permission.
Freemie Tips and Hacks
Here are a few additional tips for pumping with Freemies:
- If you find you’re not getting as much with Freemies as you’re used to, try a tighter bra. Having the correct amount of pressure is key.
- If you find the suction is not as strong as you are used to, try replacing the duckbills.
- I had a little trouble pouring the milk out of the collection cups into a bottle the first few times I tried it, so I would suggest practicing with water first. (Tip: Use a normal breast shield as a funnel when you pour breast milk. Just put it into the bottle you’re pouring into, and you’re a lot less likely to spill.)
- Make sure you have the right size flanges. Freemies come with 25mm and 28mm flanges; if you need a smaller size you can buy FitMie inserts to get the side you need. You can also use some standard flanges – including Pumpin Pals – WITH Freemie cups. (A mom in our Facebook group tested different flanges with Freemie cups to see what worked.)
Image courtesy Stephanie Valentine
Have you used these collection cups? Feel free to share your Freemie review in the comments!
References- Freemie. https://freemie.com/index.html
- “Freemie Help.” https://freemie.com/pages/freemie-help
I saw the tip about replacing the duck bill. I just got my pump and am really struggling. Like to the point that I think its a complete waste of money. The duckbill fits on the pump but is not super snug, no effort to take it off like the spectra duckbill. No other defects. Should I try to replace those already? My output is so much less than what I’m used to. I’ve tried multiple different bras (sports bra, 2 different nursing bras, and a pumping bra), different cup sizes. I’ve done all the troubleshooting listed on their website. Its so hard to tell if you stay centered because the cups get foggy from condensation.
So sorry you are dealing with this! Which pump do you have?
Does anyone know a hack for Medela and the CLOSED freemie cups ? I know they work with open but I have the closed system because I use it with my Buddha but I would like to use it with Medela also. Thank you !
Is the closed system freemie cups compatible with the Ameda Mya breast pump?
Hi Gabriella! It’s not listed as compatible but I did a search in the Facebook group and saw some moms that have used them together. Hope that helps!
Can these cups be used with the Unimom Minuet?
It’s not specifically listed as compatible but I *think* it will work with the CLOSED cups.
Can anyone tell me how to connect Freemie cups to the Bellababy pump? I might be an idiot but I can’t figure it out!
Carrie – are you on FB? I would join our group and ask there! I haven’t used a BellaBaby myself.
Which pumpin pal works in the freemie cups? I noticed there are two different kinds of pumpin pal flanges. One for Medela and another for spectra. Also can any pumpin pal fit in the 28mm freemie cup?
The mom who tried it said it only worked for the large medela ones (not the medium or small). I’m not sure about the Spectra ones, I don’t think she tried them. Hope that helps!
Does anyone know if it works with the Lansinoh pump?
It seems like you can with a little hack:
https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/TxBQBGLL5QVTM/ref=ask_ql_ql_al_hza
Do you have to use it with another pump? I have a medela in style from my first baby, but it is 4 years old at this point… still seems to work, but just want to check that the Freemie will work all on it’s own without another pump if I need it to.
You need a pump of some kind to use it, but Freemie makes a few pumps that you can use with it? If you just get the $60 cups, though, you need another pump. Hope this helps!
Since I got this pump it has been a blessing. I’m not sure why the people above have had so many issues. It doesn’t leak at the bottom, I’ve never had issue with milk going into the tubes. Yes it makes a low humming/vibrating noise when its on. But it really isn’t that loud and easy to ignore. If you pump a lot, and you go to pour, sometime the milk will go up into the duct, but you got to learn how to pour it so it won’t which is easy to do. I work at a desk 9 hours a day. I use this at my desk with ease. When I’m home I take them off unless I’m cooking or doing something that needs my time longer than a few moments. Other wise I just lay with my baby. I’m happy I got this and I have be telling all my new mommie friends to get it.
It is bulky, yes and will make you look a bit like Madonna. When I first put them on that was the first comment I made. “Great I’m Madonna now” And at first it was weird trying to do stuff and hold my baby when they were on. But after a couple of weeks its like they’ve been apart of me this whole time. Just takes getting some use too.
I’m very happy with this product.
Thank you so much for this awesome review!
I love the freemie pump for at work. Cons would be you can hear it and it does make you look like madonna. But if you wear a scarf you cant really tell by looking. It took some time to get use to, before I had the medela pump in style. Which is awesome btw. But I’ve switched to the freemie Independence for the mobility and discretion it provides for work. At home I’ve switched to a silicone pump .. which is prob my favorite.
That’s awesome to hear – I’m glad you like it!
question! If u need different size flanges then what the freemie comes with can you use your flanges that came with the medela? or do they have to be made by freemie?
Thanks!
Hi! They have to be the freemie flanges – the medela ones won’t fit into the freemie cup.
My spectra pump is a closed system that I use with the freemie cups. I’ve only used them a few times before going back to work next week, but I do notice that if I pump more than a few ounces the duck bill valve sits in milk. Once I empty my freemie cup into a bottle, there is milk left in the space where the tubes attach and I get condensation in the freemie tubes. I run my pump longer to remove the condensation, but my concern is that for my next pump session at work, leftover milk will backup into the freemie tubes. Has this been a concern for anyone else?
Are you using the original freemie cups or the closed system cups?
Good for when your up in the middle of the night and tired, But IT LEAKS OUT OF THE BOTTOM, GETS ON BRA OR NIGHT SHIRT! UGH, NEEDS A RUBBER SEAL! Wish there were other styles with seals.
I have the freedom and madela pump in style. I pump more with the Medela than the freemie.
I love/hate this product. The freemie is comfortable but the milk gets in the tubes and then in the pump. Very disappointed.
I’ve had that happen once, and it was because I didn’t have the parts inside positioned right. Double check everything, make sure you’re not leaning back too far, and it shouldn’t get in the tubes.
I have the same exact problem once I hit 2 ounces the milk goes in the tubes this pump sucks! I’m so dissaponted
Do you guys have the 40 dollar cups or the 80 dollar ones? The open system cups do have this issue. Closed system does not. That’s why its twice the price. If your closed system cups are doing this then you may be using them incorrectly and should consult a video or manual.