This review is going to be an interesting one, about as interesting as this pump operates. It might to be a little confusing at times, you won’t know exactly which way to interpret my experience, you could feel you’re getting all the info but then left wondering what the hell did you just read... but at the end I hope you’ll have your mind made up. So buckle up and let’s review the Discreet Duo by Lansinoh.
Let’s start this review off on a positive note, this pump is a hell of an upgrade when compared the Target Lansinoh pump. If you haven’t read that review, be sure to HERE. Even though, as you’ll read, I’m not very fond of the Discreet Duo, this pump still blows the other POS Lansinoh pump out of the water. Whomever designed the Target pump may not have had a hand in this one because they’re night and day different. Whatever you do, stay away from the Target “exclusive” or you will be sorely disappointed.
A successful session with the Discreet Duo, but don't let images like this fool you. There's always more sides to a story. Behind this picture was a missed pumping session, operator aggravation, and still an oddly decent output. The problem with social media is the fact that we only get one side of the story- the image that leads you to believe that said pump is going to be the answer to your prayers. As you'll read on, these pumps may work but you'll learn why they'll never be on my recommendation list.
Okay, so lets get into the Discreet Duo.
When I say you’re going to be confused while reading this review I really mean it because that’s exactly how I feel when trying to successfully operate and respond to this pump. This pump offers four modes but each mode is lacking in efficiency and comfort. It’s like they thought they were promising you the world with four modes but delivered nothing. It really is disappointing, and to make matters worse this pump is being pushed by DME distributors as the next best thing. Lord help us all if THIS pump is your first exposure to a breast pump. As a first time mom using a pump for the first time, and if this was it, well I don’t know how long I’d last. Especially when this pump is advertised to be sooooo good. Let me assure you, it’s sooooo not.
So does this pump work? Oddly, yes. I can’t say that it doesn’t express milk. But it’s not a comfortable session, I find myself questioning which mode I actually benefit most from. I find myself wondering which mode they expect to be the best for max milk removal. However, at the end of my session each time I’ve used these pump, I do have a healthy volume of milk expressed. I’ve even went as far to pump with a breast pump I can rely on and I’ve only expressed an extra ounce from each breast- which I consider a good outcome following any mobile session. I just can’t get over how oddly uncomfortable these pumps are, even if they do work.
A regularly scheduled session with the Discreet Duo. Not terrible but I wanted to see if any milk was left behind...
One ounce out of each boob after a mobile session is a win in my book- this doesn't worry me about negatively impacting my supply when used sparingly.
Here’s my notes from the latest Discreet Duo session. I jotted down some details because it was just too many details to remember!
Mode one- Stimulation
I have noted that even on level 5 I cannot feel the suction until the “long pull” which is really more like a fast tug. This mode is supposed to be stimulation but it presents itself as a variable mode, both stimulation and expression. I find this a tad bit odd that they're calling this mode stimulation, considering I cannot feel the short pulls and only the stronger one- I cannot fathom how this would stimulate a letdown. Moreover, the stimulation feels like fluttering not actual effective stimulation to trigger a let down, it’s rather uncomfortable. To add to this mode the long pull is a quick tug, lasting hardly long enough to move much milk- if that was the intention- it’s not working.
Mode two- Expression
This is the only mode I can tolerate and I still don’t like it. It’s an expression mode that feels like stimulation. All I want to do is slow down the cycle pulls on this damn pump. Why is it so fast?!? Does it move my milk, sure, do I prefer the feel of this mode, hell no! I only tolerated it for this review. I then played with the levels and cycles, naturally with suction levels increasing, the cycles slow but become awfully painful at level 9... but the speed of this cycle at level 9 is preferred. I just can't win.
Mode three- Massage
This mode is basically nonexistent for me, am I supposed to feel something? At level 9 I can begin to feel something but since the vacuum is so high, again in true Discreet Duo fashion, it hurts. There is no winning with this pump, like I said, it’s all or nothing and no in between.
Mode four- Automatic
I’m going to whistle this one last time; to feel this mode I need to increase suction level, around level five it’s definitely going to work but my pain is increasing. At level 4 suction it’s most comfortable but again, I can hardly feel it. This mode would be the expression I’d want but I just can’t find my happy spot with this mode option.
I would say if you already have this pump or it’s on order and there’s no returns - you will probably be able to find a mode that you can somewhat tolerate also. I just want you to know that not all pumps feel and function this way. For whichever reason Lansinoh really likes to complicate things, this pump is no different. More is not better, in this case, give me two comfortable modes and call it a day. Don’t give me four modes and have me fighting for my life toggling between the four trying to make it work for me.
Okay, now that you’re as confused as I am while trying to put those thoughts into words, let’s talk about the pump from a mechanical POV. They’re pretty standard, you can use the Eufy silicone replacement parts interchangeably with the Discreet Duo. Nothing too fancy other than the unnecessary complicated motor. This pump turns off at 20 minutes, which can go either way for the user. I personally want a whole 30 minutes for mobile sessions since these types of pump sessions typically take me longer to “empty”. EDIT TO ADD This pump also comes with 24mm flanges AND 21mm inserts. My original review stated 24 and 28mm flanges, I had these confused with another so I'm coming back to let you know that you'll have these two options. If you need to reduct lower you'll be able to- but 21mm are all that come with this pump I'd recommend finding alternate pairs on Amazon. I still don't think this is ground breaking as most size smaller than 21mm, but it's a step in the right direction when compared to my original 28mm comment.
At the end of day this pump is just a royal pain in the ass. Too much hype, not enough delivery. Does it work? Sure. Do I recommend it? Nope.
Polling the bemybreastfriend community. Not the most telling poll I've ever conducted but considering that the meh, not loving these pumps and No, I'm also struggling add up more than the Yes, they're working for me tells me that generally speaking, these pumps are turning out to be more trouble than they're worth.
