How To Use Medela Freestyle Hands Free
Learning how to use your Medela Freestyle hands free pump can be a little daunting, especially if you are a first time pumper.
That’s why I put together this easy to follow, step by step guide on how to use Medela Freestyle hands free pump so you can use your Medela Freestyle pump like a pro!
- If you prefer to watch your how to guides, there’s a video how to guide right below. Then, you can skim the written guide for more details.
- If you prefer to read your how to guides, scroll past the video, and you’ll find my written guide.
Editor’s note: Pumping Milk is reader-supported, meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you buy after clicking an affiliate link. Learn More.
Medela Freestyle Hands Free Inclusions
First things first, when you get your Medela Freestyle hands free pump, whether you are purchasing it new or get it second hand, you need to ensure that you have all the parts and that they are in good, working condition.
When you purchase a Medela Freestyle hands free breast pump, included in your box is:
- Pump Motor * 1
- Milk Collector (5oz) * 2
- Tubing * 1
- Silicone Membranes * 2
- Silicone Flange 21 mm * 2
- Silicone Flange 24 mm * 2
- Power adapter * 1
- USB-C Charging cable *1
- Instructions for use * 1
If you have purchased your Medela Freestyle pump new and find anything missing or damaged, reach out to Medela’s customer support for help right away.
For those using a second-hand pump, make sure that all the key components are in good working order. Replacing parts like the membranes, flanges, and tubing can be a smart move to avoid issues with hygiene, leaks, or loss of suction. One of my favorite things about the Medela Freestyle hands free pump is that there are only a few parts to it, so it does make replacing parts easier.
Lastly, make sure you have the correct flange size for your nipples. If your nipples are smaller, you might need to buy flange inserts separately.
I should point out that with the Medela Freestyle hands free you also have the option to swap to the collection cups to a Medela PersonalFit Flex pumping set, however I won’t be covering this set up in this article.
Medela Freestyle Hands Free Components
Here is a breakdown of all the components and features of the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump:
Pump Motor: The core component generating suction for milk expression. It is portable and can be attached to your wrist via the lanyard.
Milk Collector: A BPA-free container that attaches to the breast shield, designed to safely collect expressed milk. The Medela Freestyle hands free cups have a 5oz capacity.
Tubing: Flexible silicone tubing that connects the pump motor to the breast shields, essential for transferring suction.
Silicone Membrane: This is the bright yellow, silicone part that attached to the flange. Its job is to create a vacuum seal in the pump’s valve system, crucial for maintaining effective suction and preventing leaks.
Flange: The part that fits around the nipple to create a seal, available in various sizes to ensure comfort and efficient milk expression.
Power Adapter: A device that connects the pump to an electrical outlet for charging or direct use, typically paired with a USB-C charging cable.
USB-C Charging Cable: A cable that provides power to the pump motor, allowing for battery charging or direct use.
Power Button: This button turns the pump on and off, initiating or stopping the pumping process. It is located on the side of the pump motor.
LCD Touch Screen: Displays key information like suction level, pumping mode, and battery status, making it easy to monitor and adjust settings.
Suction and Mode Control Buttons: Buttons that allow you to adjust suction levels and switch between different pumping modes to suit your comfort and milk flow. On the Medela Freestyle Hands Free pump these buttons are on the LED touch screen and can only be accessed when the pump is turned on.
Medela Freestyle Hands Free Assembly
Now you’re familiar with the component and have all your parts, in good working order, let’s move on to assembling your Medela Freestyle hands free pump.
Now this might seem straightforward, but this is one of the most critical steps to using your pump. If your parts are loose or incorrectly assembled your pump will not work effectively.
I do love that the Medela Freestyle pump comes pre-assembled in the box, which makes it easier to understand how the parts fit together.
However, before using it for the first time, it’s important to disassemble the pump and thoroughly sanitize all the components.
Maintaining cleanliness while setting up your Medela Freestyle is vital for both your health and your baby’s. Here are some hygiene tips:
- Always wash your hands before touching any pump parts.
- After each use, take apart the parts that come into contact with breast milk, including the flanges, membranes, and milk collection containers. Clean them with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry or dry with a clean towel. As a bonus, the Medela Freestyle parts are dishwasher safe, so you can also use your dishwasher to clean them.
- Regularly sterilize these components, especially if you pump frequently. This can be done by boiling the parts for a few minutes or using a steam sterilizer. Be sure to keep the pump motor unit dry and free from any moisture or milk residue.
- Store your breast pump and its parts in a clean, dry environment when not in use to avoid contamination.
Here’s my full step by step guide on cleaning a Medela pump.
Once all the parts have been cleaned and sterilized, you can reassemble your Medela Freestyle pump for your first session.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you reassemble your Medela Freestyle Hands-Free pump:
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any components.
Step 2
Take your yellow silicone membrane and attach it to the flange.
There are two areas where this attaches: the flat circular diaphragm and the valve at the end of the flange tunnel.
- For the diaphragm section ensure you push down for a good seal.
- For the valve you will need to slightly pull the silicone to stretch it over the end of the flange tunnel end, making sure it has clipped into place.
Step 3
Connect the flange with the main body of the collection cup.
- First line up the gap in the silicone rim with the pouring spout at the top of your collection cup, you’ll need to line them up to prevent any spillage as well as make it possible to pour your breast milk once it has been pumped.
- Lift the flange top over the pouring spout, then firmly push the flange into place, ensuring that the flange rim is properly connected to the cup. You should hear a sound as the edges of the rim clip into place.
- Once in place, I also like to ensure a good seal by pressing my thumbs around the rim.
Step 4
For double pumping, repeat steps 2 and 3 for your second collection cup unit.
Step 5
Attach your tubing to the collection cups via the flat yellow connections. These can be placed in either direction that you find comfortable.
For single pumping, take your second flat yellow connection and push it firmly into the port on the top of the yellow, y-shaped tubing splitter. This will prevent air from entering the second tube and thus maintain for suction.
Step 6
Connect the tubing to your pump motor by pushing the yellow triangular nozzle on your tubing into the triangular port located at the base of your pump motor.
Step 7
Turn on your Meldela Freestyle hands free breast pump by pressing the power button, located on the right side of your controller. You will see the LCD screen light up.
Now, your breast pump is ready for your first pumping session!
But before your start, let’s go over the pump’s controls, including the suction level and mode settings so you can ensure that you are on the right pump setting and optimizing your pumping session.
Medela Freestyle Hands Free Control Panel
When you first power up your Medela Freestyle hands free pump you will see the buttons and LED screen light up. As I mentioned earlier, the control panel is touch screen so you will not see your buttons unless the pump motor is turned on.
Here’s a breakdown of the controls:
On/Off Button: Use the power button to turn your pump on or off.
- To turn the pump on or off, press and hold the power button for 3 seconds. You will here an activation noise.
Play Button: Press the play button located at the bottom of the LCD screen to start your pumping session. You can pause your pumping session by pressing the play button for a second time and press for a third time to re-start.
Pumping Mode: The Medela Freestyle offers two pumping modes:
- Stimulation mode for letdown
- Expression mode for milk removal
The LCD screen indicates the current mode at the bottom of your LED screen:
- Stimulation mode is a single droplet
- Expression mode is two droplets
You can switch between the two modes using the arrow and droplet button.
Suction Level: The screen shows the current suction level, which you can adjust to your comfort.
- Press the + button to increase the suction level.
- Press the – button to decrease the suction level.
- The current level will be shown as a number with an L in front of it on the screen. Just to note, this is only shown when adjusting your suction levels, after a few seconds the timer will replace the level number shown. However, the suction level is also shown as the dots under the timer which are shown at all times.
I highly recommend experimenting with different suction levels to find what feels comfortable and effective for you. Start with a lower suction level and gradually increase it until you find the right balance.
Just keep in mind that the strongest setting may not be the most beneficial for milk extraction as it is also strongly connected to your comfort levels.
Timer: The Medela Freestyle hands free comes with a built-in timer that starts automatically when you begin your session, making it easy to keep track of your pumping time.
Battery Status: The battery life is shown by three white bars at the centre top of the display (just above the timer). When the battery is low, one bar will blink.
Error Messages: The LCD screen will display error messages if there are any issues, such as a blocked tube or low battery.
How To Connect Medela Freestyle To Medela Family App
One of the things I love about the Medela Freestyle hands free pump is that it can connect to the free Medela Family App.
You can use your Medela Freestyle pump without connecting to the Medela Family app, however the app is a convenient way to track your pumping sessions.
Within the app you can see your pumping data such as mode, level, timer, and battery usage in real time.
You can also record your volume expressed (for each breast) as well as add notes.
You cannot control the pump remotely via the Medela Family App, but that said, I do think the advanced feature of a tracking app is a big plus.
- To connect your Medela Freestyle hands free pump to the Medela Family App you will first need to download the app onto your device via the Apple store or Google Play.
- Once you have registered and logged into the Medela Family app turn your pump on.
- Next click on “Connect pump” in the top right, then “Set up a new breast pump” and follow the set-up and pairing instructions on the screen.
How to Use the Medela Freestyle Hands Free Pump
You’re now ready to use your Medela Freestyle Hands Free Breast Pump! Follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth pumping session:
Step 1: Clean Your Hands
Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to maintain proper hygiene.
Step 2: Assemble the Pump
Ensure that all parts of your Medela pump are clean, sterilized, and fully assembled.
Step 3: Position the Flange
Place the flange over your breast, aligning your nipple so that it is cantered and can move freely within the flange. Gently press the flange against your breast to create a secure seal.
Step 4: Secure the Pump in Your Bra
Your Medela Freestyle pump is hands free, but you still need a supportive pumping bra to hold them snuggly in place.
So, after positioning the flange, secure your pumping bra ensuring your bra holds the pump securely in place without being too tight or too loose.
Step 5: Turn the Pump On
Turn on the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Pump by pressing the power button. The display will illuminate, showing the current settings.
If you are also using the Medela Family App, this is the point to log in and connect your pump.
Step 6: Select Mode and Adjust Suction
Choose the pumping mode that suits your needs:
- Begin with the stimulation mode to encourage letdown.
- Start with a moderate suction level and increase gradually as needed. I suggest starting at a 2 or 3.
- Once your milk starts to flow, switch to expression mode for efficient milk extraction.
- Adjust the suction level to ensure comfort – there should be a gentle tugging sensation, not discomfort or pain.
- Continue pumping for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 7: Monitor Your Progress
Keep an eye on the milk flow during your session. Monitoring helps you detect and resolve issues like low milk output or weak suction.
Step 8: Turn Off the Pump
When your session is complete, turn off the pump by pressing the power button.
Step 9: Remove the Pump
Carefully break the seal between the breast shield and your breast using your fingers. Lean slightly forward as you remove the pump to avoid any spills.
Step 10: Transfer the Milk
Since the Medela Freestyle doesn’t store milk directly in the collection cups, carefully pour the expressed milk into a storage container. Start by detaching the motor, then use the collection cup’s spout to pour the milk safely into your container.
If you are using the Medela Family App for tracking your milk output, this is a great time to record it in your tracking app so you don’t miss it.
Step 11: Clean the Pump Parts
After each use, clean all parts that have come into contact with breast milk to ensure proper hygiene. Your pump motor and tubing does not come in contact with breast milk, so you only need to clean the three parts of the collection cup and flange inserts if used.
Step 12: Check the Battery
After pumping, check the battery level on your pump. If necessary, recharge it to ensure it’s ready for the next session. The charging port is located at the back of the pump motor.
Step 13: Store the Pump
After cleaning, store the pump and its components in a safe place, ready for your next use.
Medela Freestyle Hands Free Replacement Parts
Regardless of the brand or model of breast pump, it’s essential to remember that some parts of your breast pump will need regular replacement to ensure optimal performance.
If you notice a decline in suction with your Medela Freestyle pump, your first step should be to examine the pump components, especially the yellow membrane. Check for any signs of wear, such as fraying or stretching, and replace them if necessary.
It’s generally advised to replace silicone parts like membrane every 1-3 months. Other accessories should be replaced based on how frequently they’re used.
Here is the full list of Medela Freestyle Hands Free replacement parts available:
- Hands-Free Collection Cups Complete Set
- Silicone Membrane
- Silicone Flange 21 mm
- Silicone Flange 24 mm
- Silicone Flange 27mm
- Tubing
- Flange Inserts
- Medela PersonalFit Flex Pumping Set
You can learn more in my guide on how often should you replace breast pump parts!
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Your Medela Freestyle Hands Free Pump
If you encounter problems with your Medela Freestyle Hands Free Pump, here are some common issues and solutions:
1. Loss of Suction
- Possible Cause: Worn or damaged membranes.
- Solution: Inspect the membranes for any signs of wear, such as stretching or tears. Replace these parts if necessary.
2. Milk Flow is Low
- Possible Cause: Incorrect flange size or poor positioning.
- Solution: Ensure the flange fits properly and is centred on your nipple. If the flange is too small or too large, consider switching to a different size.
3. Pump Won’t Turn On
- Possible Cause: Battery issues or a loose connection.
- Solution: Check that the pump is fully charged. If it still won’t turn on, try connecting the charger to ensure it’s not a battery issue.
4. Pumping is Uncomfortable or Painful
- Possible Cause: Suction level too high or incorrect flange size.
- Solution: Lower the suction level to a more comfortable setting. Verify that the flange fits properly and isn’t causing discomfort.
5. Milk Leaking from Flange or Tubing
- Possible Cause: Improper assembly or damaged parts.
- Solution: Check that all components are assembled correctly and that the seals are intact. Replace any damaged parts to prevent leaks.
Although troubleshooting can solve most issues, there may be times when you need additional help.
In such cases, it’s wise to refer to the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Pump manual for more detailed instructions.
If you continue to experience problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to Medela’s customer support. They can offer expert advice, assist with further troubleshooting, and provide information on warranty coverage and replacement parts to ensure a seamless pumping experience.
You can contact Medela support by filling out their contact form.
Final Thoughts on Using the Medela Freestyle Hands Free Pump
The Medela Freestyle Hands Free Pump is designed to make your pumping experience as convenient and efficient as possible.
By following these steps for setup, use, and maintenance, you can ensure a comfortable and productive session each time.
Remember, regular care and timely replacement of parts are key to maintaining optimal performance.
And don’t hesitate to consult the manual or reach out to customer support if you encounter any issues.
