My Honest Review of the Elvie Pump
Overview
If you’re reading this, you’re likely a new mama or soon to be one! Either way congratulations! My Camille was born in June, so while I’m still pretty new to this mom gig I wanted to share my pumping experience using the Elvie. I’ve pretty much been exclusively pumping from the beginning. I tried breastfeeding and it was not an enjoyable experience for either of us. Reminder that however you choose to feed your baby is 100% amazing and worthy of celebrating. Fed is best!
There’s a few well known hands free pumps out there, and after tons of research I finally decided to pull the trigger on the Elvie. It’s definitely not inexpensive, so wanted to make sure I was choosing the “right” one and happy to say that overall, I’m relieved I got it. The other contender was the Willow pump. I ultimately went with the Elvie primarily because the containers store more milk and the pumps are smaller/more discreet. I had heard the Willow could be kinda loud, which I was worried about coworkers being able to hear over Zoom once I get back to work. The cost is pretty much the same, so that wasn’t a factor for me. I get 3-4 sessions with each charge which is about half the battery life of my Spectra, however this was expected. The Elvie battery is much smaller, but the nice thing is the Elvie charges super fast so it’s never a problem for me.
They sell solo pumps and sets of doubles. I went with the doubles since I’m exclusively pumping. The set comes with everything you need: (2) pumps, (2) USB chargers, (2) sets of flanges size 24 and 28, (2) containers, and (4) duckbill valves. They also sell the size 21 flange separately. Before you order any pump I recommend measuring so you know your size. There is a decent amount of trial and error when it comes to flange fitting, I wish it were easier!
My overall recommendation is it’s very much worth it! However, I wouldn’t say the Elvie should be used as the only pump. I would still recommend a “hospital grade” pump (like Medela or Spectra) and the Elvie for when you’re on the go. The Spectra is the pump I use when I know I’ll have a moment of peace or when Nicky is around to help with Camille. The Elvie is what I use for night pumps or when I’m multitasking.
Aside from the obvious benefit of being free from any cords/dangling bottles, I breakdown the other other pros and cons of the Elvie below. The pros outweigh the cons BY FAR for me, plus being able to multitask has been a huge help for my sanity. Thanks to the Elvie I can get way more done, hold my baby at the same time, and never have to be tethered to an outlet.
Elvie pump fully assembled as well as the additional containers and duck bill valves
Pros
Multiple containers to catch milk - Unlike my Spectra S1 which only came with one set of bottles, the Elvie comes with two. This makes cleaning the parts slightly less monotonous since I can clean both at the same time, allowing me to skip a clean each pump.
Mobile app - It’s pretty awesome you can control the settings both on the pumps and through the app. It measures your daily milk output and overtime gives you an average per breast. While it’s not 100% accurate I found it to be directionally good enough to get a sense. Comes in handy during those early morning pumps when you’re barely awake and can’t remember how much you got!
Easy setup - Was pretty easy to get started despite my mom brain and sleep deprivation. The app walks you through setup and there’s also printed instructions that it comes with.
USB chargers - Perfect if you need to charge in the car or at work.
Mental health/sanity - I can not stress this enough, but the time that my Elvie gives me back would be worth it on its own. Pumping is a full time job and takes a big commitment so anything that allows me to be more efficient is a game changer.
Cons
More parts to clean compared to my Spectra (5 per pump compared to 3)
Not as easy to self express while pumping.
Not sure I get as much milk compared to my Spectra S1 - I still use my Spectra for “power pumps” and use the Elvie primarily during the night pumps when I’m half asleep or when I have other stuff that needs to get done.
Pro Tips
Don’t bend over too much, can trigger the container as“full” if too much milk hits the sensor. This pauses the pump, which isn’t the worst thing, more a minor annoyance.
Make sure all parts are dry before using to ensure best use.
Don’t put in a bottle sanitizer, I’ve heard it can warp the containers. All the parts (except the motor hub) are top rack dishwasher safe which is what I use for deep cleans.
You don’t have to use a nursing bra if you don’t want to! I’ve actually found my sports bras work well since they provide more support and are more durable than the nursing bras. I just use a few of the old ones I don’t care about getting stretched out.
Once you know your flange size, order multiples of the parts. This will save you time and the headache of constantly washing after each use!