BabyBuddha vs Medela Freestyle Flex

Are you trying to find the perfect breast pump? Here is a quick comparison of the BabyBuddha and the Medela Freestyle Flex to help you find the right pump.

The quest to find the perfect breast pump can feel like a never-ending journey. There are so many different models to consider, each offering its own features and benefits. Medela and BabyBuddha are two of the most popular and well-known brands. Over the years, they have released distinctive designs, all meant to make the pumping journey as convenient and comfortable as possible.

The Medela Freestyle Flex was the first rechargeable, hands-free, portable pump to debut in the industry, paving the way for other brands to release their own innovative, smart models.

How does the Freestyle Flex compare with the Baby Buddha? Today, we are exploring these two designs to see how they stack up.

Pros of the Medela Freestyle Flex

Both brand-new and seasoned moms alike often turn to Medela when they are ready to invest in a high-quality breast pump. The Freestyle Flex is the brand's compact, double electric model that's designed for on-the-go pumping. One of the taglines for the product is "pump anytime, anywhere" and it is true that the Freestyle Flex does offer an incredible degree of flexibility. Some of the features we love include:

• It's lightweight and small enough to fit into your purse for easy travel
• The built-in battery is rechargeable, so you never have to search for an outlet (lasts for up to eight pumping sessions!)
• It includes a USB port so you can charge it anywhere
• It includes a two-phase expression/letdown button
• It uses an intuitive touchscreen interface with a backlit screen for nighttime feedings
• It comes with Medela's comfortable PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields that optimize milk flow (two 21 mm, two 24 mm)
• Designed as a closed system so your breast milk stays separate from the tubing
• Components are easy to take apart and clean

Another reason to give the Medelea Freestyle Flex a second glance? The pump syncs easily with the Medela Family app. Free and easy to use, the app helps you track all of your pumping sessions. You can also track bottle feeding and diaper changing sessions as well as weight and length.

PersonalFit Flex™ Breast Shields

Medela's unique breast shields allow women to achieve the perfect, customized fit every time. You may need to change your pumping position or adjust your setup over time, especially as your breast shape changes, and it's easy to do so with these shields.You can move the oval rim 360 degrees to conform to your unique shape. This keeps your milk ducts free of compression so your milk can flow freely and comfortably. The best part? You can use these breast shields with all Medela pumps!

Cons of the Medela Freestyle Flex

There's not much not to love about the Freestyle Flex, but here are some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• The tubing and connectors are specifically made for this model and are incompatible with other Medela breast pumps
• The pump can be loud and vibrates powerfully when operating, which makes public pumping less discreet
• The suction power is not as powerful as other Medela breast pumps (such as the Spectra S1) even with nine vacuum levels
• The included lanyard goes around your wrist but is not long enough to offer a true "hands-free" pumping experience
• The tunnel length on the breast shields is shorter in this model, which can be uncomfortable for women with larger nipples

Pros of the BabyBuddha

The BabyBuddha is another type of portable, rechargeable breast pump. While it looks similar to a standard double-electric pump, it includes features that enhance usability and portability. Here are some of its top features:

• The suction is unmatchable, making each pumping session as effective as possible
• The motor is ultra-small but incredibly strong
• The excellent suction can help increase your milk supply and greatly reduces your pumping time
• The included lanyard goes all the way around your neck so you can truly go hands-free while you pump
• The small, lightweight pump works with a hands-free pumping bra, so you do not have to worry about any wires at all
• You can use the pump with certain components from other brands (e.g. Freemie, Medela, Spectra) to make it more discreet
• The components are easy to disassemble and are dishwasher-safe

Cons of the Baby Buddha

The BabyBuddha is one of the most powerful portable electric breast pumps on the market, but there are some issues to consider. Here are the top disadvantages:

• It is not super-quiet, so you exchange discretion for extreme power and portability
• It does not come with a dedicated pumping bra, so you will have to shop for one separately
• The suction is so powerful that it can make your nipples sore the first few times you use it
• It uses a long-pull suction pattern that is a little different from other models, which can take some getting used to
• The breast shields only come with 24 mm flanges, which may require you to "hack" it with smaller flanges from other brands
• The charge only lasts one hour, or about two to four sessions, compared to the Freestyle Flex's eight-session charge

The Bottom Line: What's the Best Breast Pump?

Trying to decide between the Medela Freestyle Flex and the BabyBuddha? They both have their pros and cons, and the right one to choose depends on which features you value.

If you are super active and you need a portable pump that allows you to keep up with your lifestyle, the Medela Freestyle Flex is a great pick. It's also good for those who value efficiency and want to get as many sessions out of their pump before they need to recharge. However, keep in mind that it isn't super powerful and it can be loud. On the other hand, the BabyBuddha is ideal if you value power, speed, and output. It is stronger than the Freestyle Flex, but you may have to hack it with outside components to get a comfortable fit. It can also be loud, and the battery life is shorter than the Medela option.

Find Your Breast Pump Today

Looking to add a Medela Freestyle Flex or BabyBuddha breast pump to your diaper bag? If so, you know that while these accessories are essential, they can also be expensive!

That is where we come in.

We're here to make the pump-buying process as easy and affordable as possible. From verifying your insurance benefits to working with your doctor, we'll take care of all the legwork and the paperwork for you. We will quickly ship your favorite pump right to your doorstep!

Ready to get started? Set up an account today or call us at (888) 977-2229 to learn more!

About the Author

Cindy Puppos is 1 Natural Way's Customer Service Manager, so she has a good idea of all the different and wonderful questions that moms have for her team. Thankfully, as the mother of two boys (who are now grown!) and a veteran of the company and breastfeeding, Cindy is always knowledgeable about breastfeeding, pumping and all the latest and greatest pumps!