Two mums put the Elvie breast pump to the test
Elvie is the wireless, app-controlled solution for mums who pump. It's designed to sit discretely in your bra, offering unparalleled freedom. Two mums tried it out, with differing results.
Nicole and Laura are both first-time mums looking for a breast pump. Laura had a caesarean birth and her baby was initially too weak to breastfeed. Without a breast pump, the baby would have missed out on this vital first milk. Nicole pumps ahead so that she can leave the house on her own from time to time and so, as she puts it, «Dad isn't left on his own with a hungry child.» The Elvie device came to both of their attention, promising no less than a revolution. On its blog, the company explains how it wanted to develop a small pump. Its competitors' products look «akin to something that might be used for dairy cows.» Rather than a suction cup, which feeds the milk into the container through a tube, the Elvie keeps everything contained in a compact, anatomically shaped device.
Because it's battery-powered, the Elvie pump can be taken anywhere and worn in your bra while it's working. In the makers' minds, mothers pump while doing ballet on stage and enjoying their freedom. What a load of rubbish.
The milk containers are easy to detach from the pump and close to stop any spillages. The pump is solidly built, which you'd expect for the price.
Nicole and Laura tested the double set for four weeks. I've changed their names for this article but, rest assured, the women in question are real.
You've both been testing the Elvie for a few weeks. What do you like about it?
Nicole: I really like the whole design. It's streamlined with no unnecessary bells and whistles. I can actually pump and manage to do something else at the same time. Obviously, I can't make any big movements, but cooking or washing is fine. It even works well when I'm driving. The individual parts are self-explanatory and easy to clean, and they can even go in the dishwasher. Nevertheless, I wash and disinfect it by hand.
Laura: My situation is different because I had a caesarean. The Elvie was hugely helpful for me. I didn't have it in hospital and I couldn't sit upright even with 100 cushions behind me, which meant that the normal milk pump often spilled. It was an absolute nightmare: precious first milk spilled out when I removed the pump because I couldn't sit upright enough. With the Elvie, I can make myself quite comfortable on the sofa – it would have made things so much easier after my caesarean. If I'd had the Elvie from the start, I'd have saved myself a lot of tears.
What didn't work as well for you?
Laura: According to the instructions, I'm supposed to put on the breast shield first and then click the pump on. I found that tricky. I couldn't simply click the pump on when the breast shield was already in my bra. And the markings are on the bottom of the breast shield, so I didn't even see them.
I just put everything together first and then put the pump in my nursing bra. That works fine. The only slight spillages are when I bend over too far every now and then. But that makes sense because the Elvie doesn't sit as securely when you bend.
Nicole: I had similar experiences. For me, the Elvie needs to considerably improve its battery life too, as it only lasts three pumping sessions. That's not enough for me when I'm out and about.
Elvie claims that the pump is invisible in your bra. In the ad, mums are shopping or drinking coffee and pumping at the same time. Does it actually work like that?
Laura: Kind of. The pump itself is easy enough to hide. But I certainly wouldn't say it's invisible. It stands to reason that you can clearly see it. It easily adds two cup sizes – not exactly inconspicuous. So far, I've braved taking the rubbish out with a jacket over the top. There were no puzzled looks, but my boyfriend immediately commented on my enormous boobs.
Nicole: It's definitely not invisible. On me, it looks more like a botched boob job. It might be less obvious for smaller bra sizes, but what breastfeeding mum has small breasts? I also find the pumping noise an issue. It's probably impossible to avoid it entirely. And the pump has a bright light on the power button, which you can see through your clothes. That's being picky, though; it doesn't bother anyone when I'm at home and I can hide it well with a scarf or something when I'm out.
Another feature is the app. Nowadays everything has to be app-controlled, which makes most of them too much work for me. What's the Elvie app like?
Nicole: I used the app a lot, especially at the start, because it was just fun to play around with. It's really exciting to see how much milk is coming out in real time. I don't use it anymore, though. It's much more practical to use the pump with the normal power button. Also, the connection often drops and the milk volume display on the app isn't particularly accurate.
Laura: Yeah, the amount is rarely correct, which is stupid when I want to pump a specific amount and end up having to watch the clock. Still, I like the app. It shows me the time and a rough amount, and I can compare pumping sessions to find out roughly how long it takes to pump a particular amount. The app also offers a lot of videos and tips. A little tip from me: when you first connect to the app, check that you don't mix up the left and right so that there's no confusion with the pumps.
What else should potential customers be aware of?
Nicole: The pumps have to sit really well in your bra so that they don't move. If they move while you're pumping, it hurts like hell...
Laura: I'd definitely get the double set. I pump to have milk for feeds, and only rarely just to empty one breast due to a blocked duct, or something like that. I also wouldn't have managed with just one pump at the start. My cup would have «runneth over» on the other side. Too much information?
Not at all – that's valuable information. Finally, would you buy the Elvie again?
Nicole: Honestly, no. I've since tested a Medela model and found that it pumps much better. Although I don't have my hands free, pumping takes 10 minutes and I end up with much more in the container than I did with the Elvie pump. I also think it's very pricey for the performance you get.
Laura: I disagree. Despite the high price, I would buy the Elvie again. After all of the tears and the hassle of only being able to use the other pump sitting down – and not even being able to do that properly because of my caesarean – for me, the Elvie is more than worth it! It's great to be able to «just pump» because it's not stressful if I have to comfort the little one at the same time. It means I can be away for longer and freeze a small stash in advance.
Thank you both for your contributions and all best to you and your families
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Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
