Babybuddha and I have been through a lot over the last six years, it’s like an unhealthy relationship but I think we finally figured it out.
Little back story that will help this all make sense. In 2018 my multiples were delivered and my exclusive pumping journey began. I started out like most others, clueless and anchored to my couch by the Spectra S1. It was three months postpartum when I found the BabyBuddha, I was desperate to find something that would allow me to mobilize with my two babies. I quickly fell in love, but like any good love story starts, there were growing pains. I knew the BabyBuddha was something special and powerful, but I abused my relationship with this pump almost immediately. I cranked that sucker up like a mamma jamma, paired with the improper size flange, and caused some of the most gnarliest nipple damage. Once I corrected this damage by turning down the suction, things equaled out and I fell deeper in love with this mighty little pump. I used the BabbyBuddha for over 30 months between my first pumping journey and my second; my first singleton.
It was my third pumping round, second singleton that my desire to use the BabyBuddha had fallen apart. I had prepared myself to use the BabyBuddha but it didn’t take long to realize that the honeymoon was over with this pump; one which I found so much success with. I found it too powerful for my early postpartum nipples. I tried to bring it into rotation several more times but each time was too uncomfortable and eventually I completely stopped.
Flash forward to current day 2024, I am onto my fourth round of pumping with baby #5. As any good Hallmark love story would have it, my first love got an upgrade and strolled back into my life for another chance. In May of 2024 BabyBuddha released an updated 2.0 - with reduced suction and an additional mode. I was all in to give this relationship another try.
In June, I went to my scheduled c-section prepared to start my next pumping journey, this time with Mr. 2.0. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little reluctant, after all, I was newly postpartum again with the same sensitive nipples. With great relief I am happy to share that with the newly added mode, Soft Stimulation, I was able to pump very comfortably within those first few days post delivery. I’m also not going to sugarcoat the fact that I was not able to use the long pull mode aka “bacon” mode until closer to one month postpartum. Even while able to use the “bacon” mode, I have been moving milk adequately at Levels 1 and sometimes Level 2.
As I came out of my c-section it was game on. I started removing colostrum by hand, I’ll sing that from the rooftops as the first method to moving that liquid gold. Although, it didn’t take me long to get tired of this strategy and quickly I moved into an electric pump, the BabyBuddha 2.0. With great caution I assembled my preferred flanges, I use my own setup, attached my long stem backflow protectors and pressed the power button. The Soft Stimulation mode Level 1 was just what I needed as an early pumper; just enough stimulation and no surprises. Considering I was nursing my newly postpartum nipples, no pun intended, I wasn’t spending a ton of time on the pump. Keeping my sessions short, between 5-10 minutes at a time for the first few days, every 2-3 hours was a great adjustment period. The BabyBuddha did a great job at moving from colostrum, into transitional milk and now mature milk.
Now you might be questioning, what kind of reduction are we talking here? So, with the original pump, once powered on you immediately get hit with a one, two step - long pull surprise. I’m relieved to share that’s not the case any longer. The 2.0 starts out with the Slow Stimulation, then Expression and finally the Classic Stimulation. I will argue that the third mode, Classic Stimulation (long pull mode) should be labeled as an expression mode. Other pump companies would call it a “mixed” mode because it’s offering two types of suction rhythm within one option. Since the Classic Stimulation mode ends the sequence with a long pull I’d hate for anyone to use this mode unknowingly trying to stimulate a letdown. The original pump didn’t mess around, it was all business from the second you turned it on to that surprised 11th long pull, having you reaching to either turn it off or depress the toggle ball to switch modes. It’s neither here nor there now, but those modes should have been reversed to avoid any unwanted surprises. Thankfully 2.0 does exactly this, no unwanted surprises with a reduced suction rating. The first mode also being the new option to the 2.0 is significantly lower in suction power than the original pump when comparing similar modes. I really believe this mode is a game changer because it offers a more classic and comfortable feel when compared to other pumps. When ready you can depress the toggle ball to the next level increasing suction strength and slowing cycle speeds, now you’ll be feeling a more traditional expression mode to move milk.
Now if you’re feeling frisky, you can move the pump into the mode with the long pull. I will admit this mode is not for everyone, however, the first level is significantly reduced when compared to the original version. Not to worry, if you are wondering if the 2.0 won’t pack the same punch the 1.0 - you can still find that same suction strength starting on Level 4. This mode, regardless of how you use it, does have a reputation of moving more quickly when compared to other pumps. Does this mode reflect the oral function of a nursing baby? Not a chance in hell, but if I’m being honest here as an exclusive pumper, you may never know the difference and easily grow a preference to this mode. Sorry not sorry, I understand that it can be aggressive for some and it’s not even close to baby’s ability to pack that kind of suction power but that doesn’t make it a bad choice. I think the best advice I can give when speaking on this mode is just to proceed with caution. Know that it’s not like most pumps but like any true love it can still hold a special place in your heart even if it’s an ass sometimes. That long pull might be a little much at first but you may grow to really like it and eventually prefer it over the other modes. This is starting to feel like a Hallmark movie all over again.
I hope my above movie script description sheds light on the new mode and reduced suction strengths provided. I think the size speaks for itself, it’s small and light. You can easily pop it into any pocket on a pair of leggings or a hoodie pouch. I have added an electronic swivel accessory so I can attach it to my waist band. Hackablility at its finest, say no more. This pump could not be any easier to hack with any flange arrangement or set of mobile cups!
Ultimately I think you came here to learn about how Mr. 2.0 compares to his old self. I think this upgrade has been a real step in the right direction. Last question you might be asking, how will I know if I like this pump without trying it. Well that’s not an answer I can provide but I can share a few thoughts. If you find the Medela Symphony or Momcozy pumps comfortable and you’re responding well to that mechanical, no fluff, suction pull, then I think you’ll likely respond just fine to the BabyBuddha pump. If you’re an original Spectra user you might find there to be some adjusting with the BabyBuddha. Unlike the Spectra pumps, the BabyBuddha does not have any added vibration, or what can be described as a purring vibration on the nipples. I personally hated that added sensation of the Spectra pump, which likely made it that much easier for me to quickly love the BabyBuddha.
Well this was fun, I hope you found this BabyBuddha 2.0 review useful when choosing which pump is best for you!
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