Freemie System FAQs
Is Freemie® really discreet?How do I mask the noise of my pump while at my workstation?
How should I dress so that I can use the Freemie system inconspicuously?
Why isn't the Freemie System compatible with my Medela* Freestyle* pump?
Will it work for me if I have large breasts?
Is Freemie® comfortable?
My company provides breast pumps for employees to use at work. Can we get quantity discounts?
Is it hard to use?
I already have adapters and bottles with my pump. Why do I need the Freemie® system?
I’ve never heard of the Freemie before, how do I know it works?
Does the Freemie system feel different?
What if I pump more than 4 ounces?
Why isn’t the Freemie® system compatible with the pump I bought?
What if I need a different breast funnel size?
What kind of bra works best?
Can I pump with it all the time?
How do I know it’s safe?
What about BPA, DEHP, and latex?
Do I need to read the manual?
I live outside the United States. Where can I buy it?
What if I’m just too self-conscious to pump around others? Isn’t this something I’m supposed to do in private?
Is Freemie® really discreet?
Dr. Dao has pumped inconspicuously in an airplane seat, at conferences and meetings, in restaurants, and even on live television—and you can too. You may feel a little self conscious initially, but the odds are people won’t even know you’re pumping. After all, how much more discreet can you get than by pumping completely and fully dressed? The Freemie devices are easy to conceal with the proper clothing. See the link below for Freemie Fashion Tips.
How do I mask the noise of my pump while at my workstation?
In most cases, newer pumps are quieter pumps, and the popular backpack pumps already muffle the pump’s sound. . . Keep in mind that in many environments, background noise masks the sound of the pump. Plus, the Freemie system comes with its own length of tubing (plus spares!) that connect to the tubing on your pump, so you can conveniently place the pump in a discreet location such as on a chair or under your desk. Dr. Dao used her Freemie system at work for more than a year, placing her pump on another chair beside her desk. She pumped while doing patient charts and taking questions from nurses and other staff. When talking to consultants by phone, she found that the person on the other end of the line couldn’t even hear the pump running.
How should I dress so that I can use the Freemie system inconspicuously?
You can wear the Freemie® system with the bras and clothing you already have. Keep in mind that whether your breasts are large or small, the devices and your breasts together will generally conform to the basic shape of your bra. Be sure to plan your wardrobe before use so you can make placement and removal easy and inconspicuous if that is necessary in your situation. For specific ideas on how to dress for your situation, check out Freemie Fashion Tips.
Why isn't the Freemie System compatible with my Medela* Freestyle* pump?
This may be the number one question we get: The Medela* Freestyle* is a different type of pump than Medela's hospital pumps, and the popular Pump in Style, which are compatible with the Freemie system. The components for the Freestyle are not interchangeable with the hospital and Pump in Style adapters, according to Medela's customer service. The first version of the Freemie system was designed to work with the larger hospital pumps. Importantly, in addition to allowing you to keep your clothes on so you can be around others while pumping, the Freemie system also gives you the ability to be mobile to deal with interruptions in a busy environment while you're pumping. Simply turn off your pump, disconnect the Freemie system's tubing from your pump's tubing to move about without having to bring the pump along, then return to the pump, reconnect in an instant and resume pumping when you' re ready. (Dao Health is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medela. * See compatible pumps.) More versions of the patented and patents pending Freemie system are in development, but no announcements are imminent.
Will it work for me if I have large breasts?
Breast size almost isn’t a factor in determining whether the Freemie system is right for you. Breasts tend to conform around the Freemie devices and help fill the shape of the bra. The important thing is to wear a bra that keeps the Freemie® devices positioned upright so that milk properly flows down the funnel and into the collection area. If this question is still a concern for you, be sure to watch the “Getting Started” videos on our site so you can watch how to position the devices easily. Again, check out Freemie Fashion Tips.
Is Freemie® comfortable?
The number one comment we hear from customers is how comfortable Freemie® is. Many moms have reported that the Freemie devices are more comfortable than the pump equipment they’ve been using. The Freemie® devices are compact and naturally shaped, letting you move more freely because you don’t have to hold something against your breasts and lean forward, or wear a special strap system, bra or bustier. Since your regular bra is doing the work, your shoulders, arms, wrists and fingers don’t get tired pressing funnels against yourself in a stationary position for long periods. Since the time pressure is eliminated from your pumping session, you won’t feel the need to increase the suction of the pump to the maximal tolerable level. Plus, many of the posture problems aggravated by holding the collection devices with traditional pumps are eliminated. Unlike many hands-free bras and strap systems, with the Freemie system, you won’t have to support the full bottles and flanges through the end of your pumping session. With the Freemie, from beginning to end your bra will support the weight of your milk right inside your bra! Nothing heavy is hanging off of your breasts requiring you to get into an awkward position for an extended period. If you live in a cold climate, the advantages of keeping clothed and warm are obvious. But there is psychological comfort as well; many women tell us that just the idea of keeping their clothes on motivated their purchase, because it makes them feel much more comfortable about pumping in the workplace when otherwise their coworkers might accidentally walk in on them and see them frontally undressed.
My company provides breast pumps for employees to use at work. Can we get quantity discounts?
The short answer is yes. Dao Health supports employers who support breastfeeding mothers. For details, you need to go back to that link in the last sentence...
Is it hard to use?
Freemie® is a new innovation that is quite simple to use, and you can become an expert in no time. Once you invest just a few minutes in the user manual and “Getting Started” videos you’ll be able to assemble, insert and start pumping in a quick minute. Be sure to practice at least once at home to make sure you’ve got the hang of it before trying to use it at work. The single most important pointer we give is to make sure it’s assembled firmly, to ensure you get proper suction. And of course you can call us toll-free (877) 288-4140 if you need assistance.
I already have the adapters and bottles that came with my pump. Why do I need the Freemie® system?
If your goal is to breastfeed for the recommended first year of life, and you must endure periods of separation from your baby, then this tool can help. Many women abandon breastfeeding because they can’t find a private place and make sufficient time to pump to keep their milk supply up. Unfortunately, when moms miss or delay pumping, their milk supply may diminish. Because of the pace and demands of the modern work environment, typically nine out of ten women returning to work give up breastfeeding. After having invested hundreds of dollars in a quality pump, these moms end up spending much more on expensive formula that is inferior to breast milk, and often experience the emotional loss of giving up breastfeeding. The Freemie® system saves time, improves productivity, makes pumping a freer experience, makes your pump more useful and versatile, and helps you reap all of the financial and health benefits of breastfeeding that you had hoped for when you decided to breastfeed. We hope you will be telling us long from now about how you were able to wear out your hospital grade pump, thanks to the Freemie system!
I’ve never heard of the Freemie before, how do I know it works?
It’s simple; Dr. Dao wouldn’t put her name on it if it didn’t work. Dr. Dao oversaw the design of the Freemie system herself, not just as a physician, but also with the experience of a woman who had to pump exclusively for the first several months of her preemies’ lives, until they were strong enough to transition to the breast. She joined the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine to seek out and learn from the leading physicians and policy makers in the world in the area of breastfeeding. She herself is now published in the medical literature on the challenges women face while trying to sustain lactation while traveling. She pursued and tested and refined her vision for the Freemie system and brought it to market because she felt a personal and professional responsibility to help mothers everywhere successfully breastfeed if they are able and choose to do so. Dr. Dao personally tested the first production Freemie® system for over a year to ensure that it works as intended, and that proper guidelines for use are provided. But don’t just take our word for it – feel free to review what some of the moms who have been helped by the Freemie® system have said.
Does the Freemie system feel different?
The Freemie system is designed to adapt to your pump, which creates the suction rhythm you've gotten used to. So whatever pump rhythm you like, just leave it set and relax – and pump hands free!
What if I pump more than 4 ounces?
At the present time, each Freemie® device will hold 4 ounces of milk. If you pump more than 4 ounces because you regularly miss or delay pumping sessions, the Freemie system can help. Since you don’t have to find a private place, undress, don special bras or straps, or interrupt your work, you can pump with the Freemie system before you become engorged. If pumping more frequently is not an option, you might even consider purchasing 2 sets of the system so that you can switch out full ones with empty ones to minimize the interruption and the total amount of time you spend next to your pump. If your production consistently varies by the time of day, use your Freemie® during periods of lower production, and your regular pump equipment during periods of higher production to cut down on the number of times you have to go to a private room to undress and pump. Alternatively, if you regularly pump more than 4 ounces but don't need to stray far from your pump, you can turn off your pump halfway through your pumping session, wait until your milk stops dripping and collecting while you continue to accomplish other tasks, then remove the Freemie devices from your bra, transfer your first batch of milk to storage, and then reassemble and re-insert the Freemie devices to start pumping again until you finish emptying your breasts.
Why isn’t the Freemie® system compatible with the pump I bought?
The first version of the Freemie system is compatible with the most popular hospital grade pumps available and in use today by women all across America. Dao Health cautions you that use with an unapproved pump is to be avoided, as it may cause damage to your pump or injury to you. The patented and patents pending Freemie® system is a revolutionary new innovation that will become compatible with other pumps in the future, as it is adapted for different pump designs. See the current list of compatible pumps.
What if I need a different breast funnel size?
If you can comfortably pump with your original pump equipment (typically a 24 mm funnel) then Freemie® will probably work well for you. At this time, the Freemie system is only available in a 25mm standard size breast funnel that fits most women. Freemie® has been successfully used by women of all shapes and sizes. However, some women do benefit from different funnel sizes during different periods of time in the course of lactating.
What kind of bra works best?
Experiment with all of your bras to find what works best for you. The goal is to create a seal between Freemie® and your breast tissue to create suction from your pump, and keep the devices sitting upright in the bra. Generally a snug bra that prevents Freemie® from tipping or losing its upright position is recommended.
Can I pump with it all the time?
It depends on you, your situation and your needs. We certainly hear from many women that they never even carry their original equipment anymore. But if you use it just a few times a week to help you keep up your supply and continue breastfeeding, we’ll consider it “mission accomplished.”
How do I know it’s safe?
Your baby’s health is important to us. Unlike many products on the market today we choose to make 100% of the Freemie® system here in the USA so that we can ensure the safety and quality of the Freemie system. You can rest assured that it’s safe. The manufacturer of the Freemie system, Dao Health, is a licensed and inspected quality manufacturer located in Sacramento, CA. Dao Health uses only certified, food safe materials and components sourced exclusively from approved quality U.S. suppliers. Each device is inspected and tested to ensure that rigorous quality standards are met.
What about BPA, DEHP, and latex?
The Freemie system is free of BPA (bisphenol A), DEHP (Bis 2-ethylhexyl phthalate), and latex.
Do I need to read the manual?
Just like any new technology, you have to learn how to use it properly. There are simple procedures to learn which will ensure that your Freemie devices create suction and that you don’t spill your milk after you’ve pumped. You can learn everything you need to know to start pumping in about 15 minutes by reading the user’s manual, watching the “Getting Started” videos in your package, or watching the videos here on our website. You’ll probably be expert by the second or third use. It may be new, but it’s not that complicated.
I live outside the United States. Where can I buy it?
The Freemie system is brand new, and is currently available for purchase inside the United States. We're working on the necessary government approvals to be able to make it available for all of you in the EU and other countries where people have expressed a strong interest, and frustration that our shopping cart won't let you complete a purchase. We're sorry we can't help you yet, but these things take time. We're planning to be there for you when the next baby comes!
What if I’m just too self-conscious to pump around others? Isn’t this something I’m supposed to do in private?
Hmmm - … Answer: You don’t need to feel self-conscious. Your coworkers – if they even realize what you’re doing - will quickly adjust to this new fact of life in the 21st century. Just explain to them that you are on the cutting edge, “utilizing the greatest and newest innovation in breast pumps since the invention of the electric pump early last century.” Seize it as an opportunity to educate them on the importance of your baby’s health, and your familial bonds. It’s positive. It’s progress. It’s history. It’s right. And it’s the choice you’ve made for your baby.
