As a breastfeeding mom, I was skeptical about manual pumps until I tried the Elvie Curve. This little silicone wonder has become my go-to for catching letdown milk effortlessly.

The first thing I noticed was how discreet it is. Unlike bulky electric pumps or awkward Haakaa-style collectors, the Elvie Curve tucks neatly into my nursing bra. I've worn it to family gatherings and even grocery shopping without anyone noticing.

Suction is surprisingly effective - just one press creates gentle vacuum pressure that collects milk passively. During nighttime feeds when my baby only takes one side, I regularly get 1-2oz from the other breast without any extra effort. The curved design means no painful pulling sensation like I experienced with other manual pumps.

Cleaning is a breeze with just two pieces to wash. Pro tip: remove the white outer frame for easier drying - it's not necessary unless you're collecting large volumes. The pouring spout takes some practice, but I've mastered tilting it just right to avoid spills.

While it's pricier than basic silicone collectors, the comfort and discretion justify the cost for me. This isn't for power pumping sessions, but as a supplemental tool to build my freezer stash effortlessly, it's been invaluable.