I know many of you have been awaiting the arrival of this review, and in good faith I couldn’t just use it once and call it done. I’ve been using the BabyBuddha Wearable Pump for some time now. I had it during prototype, even though none of my thoughts took part in development, simply to try. And now, of course, the released mobile pump which is available for sale today. I was very upfront that I wouldn’t release a review based on a prototype and that you’d get my feedback once the final product was in my hands and I was able to use it. Only seemed fair to me. So let’s dive into it, let me share my thoughts.
Let me preface this with a reminder of how much I love my Baby Buddha 2.0 (and prior models), so when I heard there was a mobile in the works naturally I got excited. Who wouldn’t want the functionality and strength of the 2.0 in your bra! So that leads me to the burning question, are these mobiles a fair comp to the 2.0? When I say this pains me, what I mean is this sucks and I am not excited about this part of the review. My love for the brand and the 2.0 pump will remain the same, but unfortunately this mobile pump had me immediately disappointed [when I used the "double bacon mode" for the first time]. Considering I’ve been using the OG for years, seven to be exact, I know all too well that long pull when I feel it. So like I said, it pains me to say that the mode which we all love and prayed for in a mobile, fell short, at least for me. Why is this? The suction pattern is too fast and the pull doesn’t have the same effect as the 2.0. Remember that the OG had gained popularly for its long pull, and effective, quick milk removal; something I know we all wanted replicated in the mobile. I’m not a huge fan of any stimulation mode as I don’t care for faster cycle speeds, and with the Baby Buddha mobile that’s exactly what I feel. Too fast. I want to scream, "Slow down! Take an extra second for each of those 10 short pulls before the long single signature pull!" I’m hopeful that this will eventually be corrected, but as of right now this mode in particular didn’t do it for me. So what about the other modes, after all there are four in total.
I know I've already said multiple times that this double bacon mode didn’t to it for me, but that didn’t stop me from giving it my all. I had to use the other modes to give it the fairest shake, that said, the double drop mode has absolutely become my go to. Is there anything wrong with this? No, I’d say not. My only issue is having my hopes up so high only to find myself using a mode on this pump that, if I’m being honest, isn’t terribly different than other pumps that I’ve found to be successful, but for possibly a less expensive price tag. All I’ll say to this is that I’m glad there is a mode that I find effective, even if it’s not the one I was hoping for.
Let’s chat about the other two modes since, well, they’re options too. These other two modes are not it for me, not even for testing. They’re an immediate no, and here’s why. The first mode Soft Stimulation yells short distance, quick nipping pull pattern which has my skin crawling. I can’t tolerate the nibbles, it’s got me on sensory overload. The second mode, Expression 1, has an awkwardly long pause between suction, it’s almost as if it’s taking mini breaks between working. I find with most pumps I test, there’s always going to be one mode (or two) I cannot stand. This doesn’t mean the pump overall is a bad fit, it just means I am likely finding success with another mode and scrapping the rest. This is 100% the case with this pump. At the end of the day, double drop, Expression 2 is my go-to, consistent medium length pull pattern, there to move milk. Unlike the first two modes, the suction pattern is comfortable and starts right back up before it’s got time to pause. Consistency is key with this mode and in my opinion the reason why this mode has such great feedback. It’s not because it’s doing anything different, it’s because it’s common and it’s what we find to be generally effective. This mode isn’t offering any extra work, no mixed mode, no long pull, just turning on to run at the same pace the whole time you’re pumping. The first two modes are too robotic for me, that’s all I can say about that.
Now here’s a plot twist, one which I’m not completely on board with, or at least not until I was done bouncing between modes finding one which worked best for me. I remember vividly the first time I used the BabyBuddha mobile prototype, I turned it on and laughed because I swore it almost felt like a vibration. I remember thinking how ironic it was that the BabyBuddha mobile has a slight vibration, while the Spectra Premier mobile has no vibration to detect and how they should be taking advice from each other to mimic their own brand signature mechanics. I will say, however, after becoming more and more comfortable and responsive to the double drop mode I stopped noticing or even thinking about the vibration. I would even go as far to say there wasn’t a vibration to speak of. Flash forward to writing this review and jumping between modes for refreshers, and omg, I turned them off several times to avoid overstimulation. So after further confirmation, with the double drop mode it isn’t as noticeable, but with those first two modes I’d have to confirm- definitely a vibration. This vibration isn’t like the well-known soft purring of a Spectra, but a bit more robust. I guess what I’d say to this is if you’re wanting a mobile that vibrates, even slightly, this is it.
Let’s talk about capacity because again, being honest, this is where the BabyBuddha will reign supreme. This design isn’t the smallest, but I’d say for good reason. It can hold a lot of milk, ticks end at 5 ounces but when filled beyond markers you’re looking at 8 ounces per cup. Is this necessary for all? No, definitely not. But if you’re looking for more capacity - look no further. I’ll say, I’ve used this capacity to my benefit more than once. Most recent was when I was traveling back from Detroit with a delay on the run way. I found the lactation room before boarding, popped these babies into my bra, pumped for my solid 30 mins while waiting to board. Then *cue* 1.5hr tarmac delay and finally arriving home, just time in to pump again. I didn’t even take these out of my bra, considering that 1) fresh milk is considered safe for 4 hours at room temp, and 2) I simply didn’t want to take these out of my bra with the big dude coughing right on me during the flight home. So I just let it ride for a second session on the drive home. Let me tell you, it was perfect. A typical session, not my first of the day, yields about 3 ounces a session. Considering my output, these larger cups had the exact space that I needed. This *little* detail, in my opinion, is going to be the selling feature for these pumps. I cannot deny how helpful it can be having larger capacity cups with motors attached when needed!
As far as assembly goes, this is super important to consider. Unlike other mobiles that you are placing the backflow protector into the cup and then motor into the diaphragm, this pump is different. You must place the diaphragm into the motor and then place the motor and diaphragm as one piece into the cup. When I first began using these pumps I was assembling the traditional way, and obviously this would prove to be a problem. The motor has the ability to push the diaphragm into the housing, which will result with a pinched backflow protector and no suction. It’s just a step I think all owners of this pump need to be aware of.
As for milk left behind after a session with these pumps, I’d say they do a fair job and it's not a cause for concern. You won’t find me whining over only one ounce left behind. If you’re a perfect pour producer or under supplier, I’d argue that no mobile is going to be your breast friend. If you’re just looking to get an extra session in a few times a day, or get something in while you’re staying mobile from time to time; and you’re normally leaving behind less, if any, during your typical primary sessions [versus what you’re removing at a session with this pump (or any mobile)], then you’re still in good shape. There’s always the next session to make up for any left behind with a more effective and reliable pump. HINT, HINT, mobiles are secondary, not your primary. Always keep that in mind, based on your needs.
So my final word? I’m not in love with this pump and I refuse to convince myself of it otherwise. If there are changes to the modes to reflect the bacon mode and be less overstimulating, then yes you will likely win me over. As of right now, the double drop is the most effective mode and the capacity is a true bonus feature, so the BabyBuddha Wearable has that going for it at least. But will I be reaching for this pump as I scramble out of the house? Likely not. However, if I know I’ll be pumping more than once and want the volume, then this would be a top choice. If the BabyBuddha Wearable sounds like your cup of tea, HERE is the link to order. Save yourself a few bucks with my code BEMYBREASTFRIEND.
End of story, I am a die hard when it comes to the BabyBuddha 2.0. This pump is da' bomb and if you haven't checked it out yet you can read the full review HERE. Be sure to check it out if you're looking to see more that this company offers. Stay tuned, I am hopeful we see changes to the the mobiles but if you already have them, I highly recommend using the double drop mode!
