Wearable breast pumps have become increasingly popular in recent times due to their convenient and discreet nature. These pumps allow you to place a complete pumping unit directly into your bra, providing you with portability and privacy. However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, there are portable breast pumps available that attach to a wearable cup. These pumps tend to be slightly cheaper but still offer the convenience of wearability.
One example of such a pump is the Elvie Stride. Unlike the original wearable pump from Elvie, the Stride features wearable cups that connect to an external pump, making it a portable pump rather than a true wearable. Despite this distinction, I believe the Elvie Stride is actually the best pump that the company offers.
The Elvie Stride is incredibly easy to wear compared to other portable pumps I’ve tried. Both the Elvie Stride and the Pumpables Genie Advanced encourage wearing the motor base while you pump to enhance portability. The Pumpables includes a built-in clip and an additional lanyard, while the Stride comes with a hub cover and clip that can be attached to the pump. Although it requires some effort to put on due to its snug fit, once it’s in place, it feels lighter than the Pumpables and the similar Medela Freestyle pump. I found it to be the most comfortable to wear out of the three, as it stayed securely clipped to my soft workout shorts and dresses without tugging at my clothes while I walked and pumped.
The Elvie Stride features tubing that is shown in Elvie’s photos as worn under the shirt. However, I preferred to let the tubes hang out the front to avoid the hassle of threading them through my bra after each pumping session. One of the standout features of this pump is that the tubing clicks into a rounded centerpiece in the wearable cup, which can be adjusted to suit your comfort. Whether you choose to snake the tubing through the bottom of your shirt or allow it to stick up out of your bra, you have the flexibility to position the tubes as needed. The pump contains two tubes, one for each cup, and they connect to one large tube to form a Y-shape when everything is hooked up. The motor is located at the base of the Y, with a cup on each end. The connector at the end of the single tube has a cover that can be used if you only want to utilize one cup, ensuring that suction power is not lost. This pump allows you to easily switch between single or double pumping, providing versatility to meet your pumping needs.
In terms of performance, the Elvie Stride is impressive considering its price point. It can be connected to the Elvie app, which is designed to work with both this model and the regular Elvie pump. However, connecting to the app is simpler with the Elvie Stride since you only need to connect the single hub, as opposed to both halves of the regular Elvie.
In conclusion, wearable breast pumps have revolutionized the world of breastfeeding, offering convenience, portability, and privacy. The Elvie Stride is an excellent option for those looking for a cost-effective pump with the added benefit of wearability. Its ease of use, comfort, and flexibility in tube positioning make it a standout choice. Additionally, it performs well for its price point and is compatible with the Elvie app. Whether you’re a busy mom on the go or simply prefer the discreet nature of wearable pumps, the Elvie Stride is a reliable and efficient pumping solution.