BloomBabies

Feeding

Elvie Pump: The Hands-Free Breast Pump

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Elvie breast pump

I never thought I’d care so much about a breast pump.

But then again, I also never expected expressing milk to feel so… limiting.

Holding a loud machine to my chest multiple times a day wasn’t exactly the freedom I imagined.

That changed when I got the Elvie Pump — a silent, wearable, hands-free breast pump that actually let me express milk while getting on with life.

Here’s why it ended up being one of the most empowering tools in my postpartum kit — and why I wish I’d bought it sooner.

Why I Chose the Elvie Pump

I’d seen it on Instagram — sleek, minimalist, expensive. I wasn’t sure if it was style over substance.

But I was desperate for:

  • Mobility — I didn’t want to be glued to the sofa or tied to wires
  • Discretion — I wanted to pump in peace, not like a dairy cow
  • Time back — I needed to multitask, even just to make tea or reply to texts

After a week of using it, I can say: it lives up to the hype.

What It Did for Me

1. Gave Me My Hands Back

No cords. No bottles hanging off flanges. No balancing act.

I could pop the Elvie inside my bra, press start on the app, and that was it.

I’ve:

  • Cooked dinner
  • Folded baby clothes
  • Walked around the house
  • Sent emails…all while expressing.

It felt like such a small thing, but it changed everything.

I felt like I had some part of myself back.

2. Actually Quiet Enough to Use Anywhere

Is it 100% silent? Not quite. But it’s quiet enough to use during a Zoom call or while watching TV next to a sleeping baby.

I used it:

  • During car rides (as a passenger)
  • On walks with the pram
  • Even once in a baby group while no one noticed

That kind of discretion matters when you’re already managing so much, and don’t want more awkwardness in public.

3. Connected to My Phone (and Brain)

The app tracks everything:

  • Time pumped
  • Volume collected (per breast)
  • Pump history

It helped me understand patterns and feel like I had some control over what felt like chaos.

It’s not essential, but it was comforting — especially at 2am when I couldn’t remember if I’d already pumped or not.

Why It Was Worth the Investment

  • No tubing or wires
  • Easy to clean (5 parts per unit)
  • Works with a standard nursing bra
  • Saves real time — especially if you’re exclusively expressing or combo feeding
  • Rechargeable and portable
  • Backed by great UK customer service if anything goes wrong

I was hesitant about the price — but once I started using it daily, it became clear:

This wasn’t a luxury. It was sanity.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Not for everyone:If you have latch issues, low supply, or are exclusively pumping, check with a lactation consultant first.
  • Suction strength varies:It’s not as strong as hospital-grade pumps — but it’s enough for many mums once your milk is established.
  • Learning curve:The first couple of uses were fiddly. Once I got the hang of positioning and settings, it was smooth.
  • Keep it charged:Battery life is good, but keep a rhythm (I charged mine overnight every other night).

Would I Recommend It?

Yes — especially if you want freedom and flexibility back.

The Elvie Pump let me:

  • Express without being trapped in one spot
  • Regain a little independence
  • Feel less like a milk machine, more like me

For working mums, multi-taskers, and those who just want to breastfeed on their terms, it’s absolutely worth the price.

Where I Got Mine

(Tip: NHS breastfeeding teams sometimes offer discounts or funding — worth checking locally.)

Related Reads

  • [What I Learned From Exclusive Pumping: Honest Lessons]
  • [Best Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding Gear That’s Actually Worth It]

Herschel Diaper Bag

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Herschel Diaper Bag

Stylish, Practical, and Actually Built for Real Life

When I started looking for a changing bag, I thought it would be a quick tick off the list.

Instead, I fell into a rabbit hole of flowery tote bags, tiny impractical designer ones, and backpacks that looked like they belonged on a hiking trip — but not a lot that actually felt right for everyday mum life.

After weeks of back and forth, I picked the Herschel diaper bag (the Strand Sprout in my case) — and honestly?

It’s one of the smartest baby buys I made.

Here’s why I recommend it to any mum who wants practicality without looking like she’s carrying half a pharmacy on her back.

Why I Chose the Herschel Diaper Bag

If I’m honest, I didn’t want anything that screamed “baby bag.”

I wanted something:

  • Smart enough to carry around London or to meet friends without feeling like I was hauling luggage.
  • Roomy enough for nappies, bottles, wipes, clothes (plus the random bits you always end up carrying).
  • Easy to clean — because, well, babies.
  • Durable enough to survive being tossed into the boot of a car, dragged around cafes, and caught in the rain.

The Herschel bag ticked all the boxes — and it looked good doing it.

How It Made My Life Easier

1. Plenty of Space Without Looking Massive

One thing I love: it’s roomy but doesn’t look like a giant duffel bag.

There’s space for:

  • Nappies
  • A full pack of wipes
  • Bottles and snacks
  • A spare outfit (or two)
  • Muslins, teething toys, random receipts, you name it

It’s like Mary Poppins’ bag but in a version you wouldn’t mind carrying into a coffee shop.

And there’s a separate changing mat compartment at the bottom — super handy for quick changes when you’re out.

2. Lightweight and Comfortable to Carry

Some changing bags feel heavy even before you put anything in them.

The Herschel bag is light and comfortable, whether you wear it cross-body, on your shoulder, or grab it by the top handles.

When you’re juggling a baby, a buggy, and your third coffee of the morning, you notice these small details a lot.

3. It Doesn’t Scream “Baby Bag”

I wanted something I could keep using beyond the nappy days — and the Herschel bag feels like a proper stylish tote.

It’s smart enough to take to brunch, practical enough for a rainy park walk, and casual enough to chuck under the pram without worrying about scuffs.

It honestly still looks good months in — no peeling, sagging, or suspicious stains.

4. Dad-Approved, Too

Another unexpected bonus:

My husband actually likes carrying it.

Because it’s simple, neutral, and not covered in pastel flowers or cartoon prints, he’s perfectly happy to grab it when we’re out.

(And if getting him to carry a baby bag without a protest isn’t a win, I don’t know what is.)

What I Genuinely Love About It

  • Proper size: Big enough but not ridiculous.
  • Stylish: Looks like a cool tote bag, not an obvious changing bag.
  • Practical compartments: Keeps everything organised (even when your life isn’t).
  • Durable: Wipeable fabric, strong zips, sturdy handles.
  • Dad-friendly design: Neutral, simple, no frills — works for both of us.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Not a backpack:Some people prefer full-on backpacks for longer outings — this is more a tote/crossbody style. Great for everyday, but if you’re hiking the Lake District, maybe not your pick.
  • Changing mat size:The included mat is fine for newborns and smaller babies, but if you have a chunky toddler, you might want to carry a slightly bigger foldable mat for extra coverage.
  • Water resistance:It handles a drizzle fine, but if you’re caught in a proper downpour, you might want to tuck it under the pram rain cover or carry an extra waterproof cover just in case.
  • Warranty:Herschel bags come with a limited lifetime warranty — which mostly covers manufacturing faults. Good peace of mind when you’re hauling it everywhere.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely.

If you want a practical, smart-looking, tough-as-boots changing bag that doesn’t make you feel like you’re carrying a nappy shop, then the Herschel Strand Sprout is brilliant.

It made everyday trips — and even those dreaded longer days out — so much easier, and it still looks great long after the newborn chaos has faded a bit.

Plus, I know I’ll keep using it once we’re out of the nappy stage — even just as a nice big “mum bag” for parks, beach days, or overnight trips.

Where I Got Mine

(Tip: Sometimes Herschel runs seasonal sales — I saved about 20% on mine by waiting for a Bank Holiday deal.)