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Monday, March 1, 2010

Simplisse Manual Pump Review & Giveaway

I was recently contacted by a representative from Simplisse Breastfeeding Products to review their new manual breast pump, called the Simplisse Breastfeeding Companion.


I was intrigued by this pump because it was created by lactation consultants to more closely mimic breastfeeding than traditional breast pumps on the market now. Did you know that the original breast pump was created by an engineer and based on the machines used to milk cows? Yikes! Simplisse wants to make pumping more comfortable and easier for moms. Since I am no longer pumping, I decided to pass this pump along to my friend Carrie and allow her to put it to the test. I knew Carrie would be perfect to review the pump because she works from home and only has to pump on occasion. Carrie was pumping with a good, single electric pump so she had something to compare the Simplisse to.

Here are Carrie's thoughts on the pump:
I tested the Simplisse Manual Breastfeeding Companion. Prior to actually trying it, I noticed how soft the breast cup is. It has a skin-like texture that is extremely flexible, conforming to the shape of your breast. The opening for the nipple seems somewhat small, but it worked well for me. It took a few minutes to begin expressing milk. I’d probably suggest manually expressing some prior to pumping just to get it flowing better. I found that it worked well if I pumped quickly at first, but then slowed down to increase the quantity of milk expressed with each pump. As the packaging states, it feels like a baby nursing. In fact, it’s more like a newborn nursing – very gentle. My electric pump often makes my nipples a bit sore, but this was very comfortable.

One thing I noticed after pumping for a few minutes was that the valve (piece between the bottle and the pump itself) would invert itself and would have to be fixed in order for the milk to drip into the bottle. Another difficulty was that although the pictures show a woman pumping with one hand, I found this to be awkward. I had to use one hand to hold the pump close to my breast and one to actually pump. Also, because it is so comfortable and does not create the same seal around your breast that an electric pump creates, some of the milk leaked as I was pumping, so make sure you have a wet wipe nearby.

One thing I am known for doing is accidentally spilling the milk after pumping. It’s such a horrible waste!!  This pump comes with a small stand to place the bottle after pumping before you are able to get the cap on – Perfect!

This breast pump would be really handy for traveling. I could imagine using it as a passenger in a car on a long road trip (as long as you use the milk immediately or have a cooler in the car with you). Just make sure that you bring along the instruction booklet since the assembly is a bit complex. This is a great inexpensive pump that is compact, comfortable, and convenient!

Carrie really liked this new pump and was thrilled with how comfortable it was. Simplisse also has a full line of breastfeeding products in addition to this new manual pump (the double electric will be coming soon). These include disposable breast pads which are ultra thin for comfort, an all-natural lanolin & paraben-free nipple cream, lactation supplements and breast milk storage bags that zip seal and stand upright for convenience and piece of mind.


I love the packaging, too! Want to win your own Simplisse Manual Breast Pump? Simplisse has been kind enough to offer one of my readers not only their own manual breast pump, but a goody box that includes the breast pads, lactation supplements, milk storage bags and nipple cream!

Want to win? Just leave me a comment letting me know why you'd like to try the Simplisse pump! Since this is such a great giveaway, you can get some extra entries by
  • Following me on Twitter  
  • Becoming a fan of Blacktating on Facebook
  • Tweeting about the giveaway (leave a link to your status update by right clicking on the time stamp and copying the URL)
That's a total of FOUR entries per person. Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure your email address is in your public profile or leave it in your comment. This giveaway is open to US residents 18 and older and ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, March 8th. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. Good luck!

*CLOSED* Congratulations, SocMama!

37 comments:

  1. I haven't been entering contests because I've been figuring, "Oh someone who really needs that should win it." But now that we're expecting again, I think I might that person again. Last time, I borrowed a friend's hand held pump for those really bad engorgement times, but I had to return it. Having one of my own might be a good idea. Count me in!

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  2. I follow you on Twitter. @TopHat8855

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  3. And I'm a fan on Facebook (Heather Farley)

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  4. I never breastfed my kids when they were younger, and was quite bummed because I didn't. I have another grandchild on the way in August and hubby's daughter in Guatemala is pregnant as well. This pump would be such a big help to her as she works in an outdoor market where there is not much privacy...

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

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  5. facebook fan Michele Pineda

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

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  6. tweeted http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/9858388797

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

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  7. hi elita! i would love to win this pump for my sister who is beginning her nursing journey with a premature baby.

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  8. already following you on twitter @crazydigger

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  9. tweeted about give-away :D http://twitter.com/crazydigger/status/9909763870

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  10. My husband and I are really hoping we'll be pregnant within the year. I am planning on breastfeeding and believe breast milk is the best thing for my babies. I would love to try this pump!
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

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  11. I follow you on twitter as @ampaetka!
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

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  12. I tweeted! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/9913680552
    andreapaetkau at gmail dot com

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  13. I want to win because I will def need a new one for baby #2!

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  14. The pump I used for babies 1, 2 and 3 is antiquated, slow, and uncomfortable. I would love to have this for baby #4 due in August. Thanks for the entry!

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  15. I used a manual with my first and I hope to be pregnant with number 2 soon and I would love to try this one out


    ykatrina at hotmail dot com

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  16. I WOULD LIKE TO TRY THIS PUMP CAUSE I AM DUE IN JUNE AND IT WOULD REALLY COME IN HANDY

    familytiesandgrowingpains@gmail.com

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  17. i follow on twitter
    @FAMILY_TIES
    familytiesandgrowingpains@gmail.com

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  18. Having a manual breast pump can come in very handy.

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  19. Hi Elita! Just became a fan on FB. thanks! :D

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  24. I have the medela manual too, and it is uncomfortable, would love to try the simplisse.

    Thanks! Jennie

    babysnacky at gmail dot com

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  25. I'm just about weaned my son (22 months), but know two expecting moms that could use a great pump. I used the hospital pump for a while, and a medela pump that I thought was fine. Not my favorite thing to do, but I got through!

    judychrz at gmail.com

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  26. Follow on twitter (sweetjudyb)

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  27. I have a newborn and my Medela manual HURTS!! My husband is a student and I stay home so money is tight. I would sure love to win this!

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  28. I caved and joined twitter - that's how much I want this breastpump!

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  29. I tweeted - http://twitter.com/aggieatchi/status/10187937102

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  30. I'd love to give this to my sister who is expecting her first in July. I know she plans on breastfeeding and could definitely use a pump.

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  31. Following you on Twitter @jewelsntreaure

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  32. I am expecting my third child and this is going to be the first time I attempt breastfeeding thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com

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  33. Great review. I am due today actually but have been looking extensively for a good manual pump. This is my first baby and am a wee bit anxious about the breastfeeding. I really want to feed naturally and want my husband to also experience the bonding when he can. I have tried to order this pump to Canada through Babies R Us (as I have gift cards) and it is not yet available. I would love to win this product through your blog.....which of course I will now be adding to my follow list on Blogger and FB. Cheers Great blog. Thank you for the review. Good luck Ladies!! =D

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  34. Hi, have u had any other reviews on this pump.very interested, stuck between this and lansinoh

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