How comfortable is it?
The MAM is comfortable and easy to use, leaving you with a free hand to multi-task at home or when out and about.
While some breast pumps can feel like you've attached yourself to a vacuum cleaner, the MAM 2-in-1 makes for a more comfortable experience. It automatically starts off at the lowest setting and whenever you adjust it there is a tiny pause, which many mums will no doubt appreciate.
The suction can easily be regulated thanks to the nine (yes, nine!) different strengths, so you can make sure you’re always comfortable.
You can use the harder shell funnel or you can add a softer silicone inlay for comfort. Our tester, Sam, reported no rubbing when using both options, but did prefer the silicone fitting to the plastic cone. Unfortunately, though, the breast shield is one-size-fits-all, which could make it tricky for some mums to find the right fit.
While Sam typically prefers to lean forward to make sure she collects as much milk as possible, she was able to sit comfortably when expressing with the MAM and didn't need to lean forward if she didn't want to.
Discretion and convenience
The MAM 2-in-1 is one of the most adaptable pumps to use at work. Rechargeable batteries mean you’re not reliant on a plug socket and the ergonomic manual pump handle means you can pump manually at any time.
When charged, the pump lasts for multiple pumping sessions of 20-40 minutes (up to five hours on a single charge) and recharges any time it’s plugged in. The battery life is clearly indicated on the hub so you know when you need to recharge it.
The unit is easy to plug in and recharge and there is no need for spare batteries.
How safe and stable is it?
The pump is well made and the motor unit fine to be taken out and about. There is also a funnel cover for the electric top for hygienic purposes.
Sam found that the bottles did start to leak after a few weeks, but the pump itself is fairly durable.
How easy is it to clean?
The funnel cover is really useful for keeping the funnel clean, and the pump's closed system means that dried milk doesn't get into the tubes. As such, the pump is simple to clean and easy to reassemble once taken apart.
It can be cleaned using a sterilising unit, dishwasher or microwave. Sam tended to use a cold water steriliser, but did report some fading and a few water marks after cleaning.
What about value for money?
£130 is steep for a breast pump, and we’d think always carefully about any purchase with that kind of price tag. But considering you’re getting two breast pumps in one, and both are of great quality, we think it’s only to be expected.
The biggest advantage of the MAM 2-in-1 is the flexibility it offers, particularly if you're a first-timer and unsure whether a manual or an electric pump is for you, which makes it great value for money.
Two-in-one also means the component parts are adaptable, which cuts down on additional purchases. Do bear in mind, though, that you can only use this breast pump with MAM's compatible bottles, which could be limiting.
Final verdict?
The 2-in-1’s unique selling point is that it can be used as both an electric and manual pump.
It offers so much flexibility that it may well be a game-changer for tired, busy mums who are returning to work as switching from electric to manual is a breeze.
While it may only be a single breast pump, we think it would certainly be handy to have this lightweight, transportable device for expressing on the go.