The Upper Breast Side

I have never left a Unilocal review before and opened an account specifically to write this review. The owner of the store, Felina, is a heartless, evil and disgusting human being! I have never said this about any other person before, but I could not believe how rude someone could be to a woman who was visibly in pain and vulnerable. I came buy to rent a breast pump after giving birth just three days before. When I got to the store, the $ 50 «consulting» fee was brought to my attention, which was not disclosed when I called despite me asking about the rental policy. I was already in pain walking to the store so sucked it up and agreed to pay the fee. When I was brought to the back, the consulting started with all the additional items I would have to pay for in addition to the base fee. I asked why this was not disclosed when I called and Felina dismissively stated I didn’t ask (but I always ask about pricing since I’m very money conscience). I mentioned it would be nice to know the rental policy when asked especially since it’s hard for new mothers to make time to come to the store and while still in pain. And to my complete shocked, she raised her voice at me and said, «people have been having children for a long time and I am not a carpet to be walked on». I couldn’t believe how a maternity shop owner could be so cold and heartless when she could see her customer was in pain already and knew she just gave birth three days ago! She should be the most understanding of a desperate mother seeking to find the best way to feed her child and alleviate her pain! I have never met anyone so cold and ruthless. For anyone who ever comes here, don’t! Otherwise, be aware you are giving money to the devil and a woman preying on vulnerable mothers.

I rarely write reviews but my experience here was horrendous. So it started with me and my pregnant brain pressing the wrong size while ordering a bra online. So I live near the store and decided to go in to find out if I could exchange it or something. While explaining to the owner Selena why I was there, the amount of judgment and attitude on her face made me want to crawl into a hole and hide. She spoke to me as if I was the size of an ant. At 9 months pregnant the last thing I needed was to feel the way she made me feel. I would have been ok with the return (no returns) policy if I had been told nicely. Two days later I recieved a voicemail from the very same owner, except she sounded human, asking me to give them a call regarding my mistake. Something is wrong with her. I will not bother calling back. I’m simply here to warn ladies to pay attention while ordering online because they (mostly the owner) will belittle you. Please avoid this place and the owner. Does anyone want to buy a 38B nursing bra that’s never been touched?

Wow, this place… As a small business owner myself I don’t like to leave bad reviews. But the ego, overall negative sentiment, and bashing of ones ways and their doctors capabilities is too much.
Wouldn’t support this business unless it’s an absolute must.

As a personal shopper, I am always looking not only for good places to shop, but good customer service. Tiffany and Jessica helped me (along with my client) a few weeks ago, and we had an outstanding experience. My client was thrilled with her new wardrobe, and all the great deals she was able to snag in such a small shop, and I was impressed by how helpful and knowledgable the girls were. I will certainly be back.

These ladies know what they are talking about! After several unsuccessful attempts at ordering nursing bras online, I went into UBS and walked out 5 minutes later (literally!) with two perfectly fitting bras. What a wonderful experience. I have also been renting a pump from them for the past 4+ months and have been very happy with their customer service.
Even taking the trek from Brooklyn, it is definitely worth it. I highly recommend!

The owner or whoever it was very rude. I told my pediatrician not to recommend this place to anyone again.

I tried to like and support this place. It had such potential as a good local resource for nursing mothers. But I echo the sentiment of many others when I say that the owner is extremely rude and off-​putting, often making me feel worse when I leave the store than when I came in. I agree that the bras, service and return policy at Town Shop are way better.
I went with a friend yesterday because I needed to BF my baby and was also considering buying something. We were there for 20 minutes and surprisingly everything seemed ok (no rudeness). I then decided to buy something and as I went to pay I spoke to my friend in Hebrew (which I speak fluently). I hear the store owner say, «Look, somebody’s trying to speak Hebrew!» I was so confused. Was she talking about me? Trying? What an odd, awkward and rude thing to say! I don’t have to try as I have spoken it with my family my whole life. I told her this (as if I should explain that at all) and she jammed her foot further in her mouth saying I was faking an accent (also, total BS). I then spoke in Hebrew to her in a fake American accent saying, «I can speak in this very American accent if it makes you feel better, but it quite hurts my head to do so». Apparently, she doesn’t speak Hebrew and didn’t get the joke.
The incident stayed with me so I decided to look at Unilocal reviews to see if I was the only one who had issues with the owner. Turns out I am in the majority. Even people who give positive reviews acknowledge she is problematic.
I’d rather shop elsewhere than go in expecting to leave feeling like shit. How unfortunate.

If this was not the only game in town, I would not be a customer. Called to find out if they had a pump for sale and got the most smart ass answer from the salesperson on the phone that everyone and their mother could get that pump for free from their insurance so why the hell would they carry it in the store… a simple no would have been better than the know it all condescending tone that message was received.

I know they’ve recently relocated but this store was dingy, dirty and completely disorganized. There were glasses of partially drunk water all over the store. You couldn’t walk through the small space without stepping over boxes of garbage and packaging. The sales woman (maybe owner) pretty much tried to force me to try on bras right then and there. The clothes and bras are crammed onto the shelves so much that you can’t look at anything. Maybe they should have taken a few days to get organized before opening up to the public. Either way, I definitely don’t think I’ll ever be back.

My husband came here to purchase pump accessories and was treated so well by Felina, the owner. I was eager to check out the place for myself when I needed nursing bras.
The space itself is cozy and thoughtfully stocked with everything you could imagine to help achieve pumping and breastfeeding success. And then there are the things that maybe you didn’t realize you needed, and that’s where Felina steps in. I was suspicious when she said she had something I «had» to see and that it was the only one left in the store, but she wasn’t exaggerating: enter the Simple Wishes hands-​free pumping system, and by system I mean a very sexy cotton bustier that allows you to actually do something with your hands (use your phone, sip water, write Unilocal reviews) while you pump. Life-​changing, and less than $ 50. Thank you Felina!
My fitting was a breeze, expertly executed by Tiffany and another young lady who had just joined the team at the Upper Breast Side (you wouldn’t guess she was a newbie based on her knowledge of the bras in stock). They were both so sweet and sensitive to my situation as a first-​time mom. They took my «likes» into account (black, great coverage, looks like an actual bra) and presented options that fit the bill. I had asked if there were any underwire options, and Tiffany explained that underwire isn’t recommended for nursing bras because it can actually block the flow of milk from the ducts. Who knew?! Yes, they made one additional recommendation (for a special skin-​to-​skin baby carrier), but it was for something tailored to my needs that I actually already had at home!
Prices are reasonable; I rarely pay retail for anything but for the service you receive here, worth every penny.
Overall, awesome experience, and I’ll surely return.

Yes, the owner is very opinionated on all topics related to Breast Feeding. But she is very knowlegable– take the advice and use it if you want, discard it if you don’t. Think Le Leche style opinions with NYC attitide. (I do not subscribe to Attachment parenting or feeding on demand, and yet I am comfortable here.) All staff here are knowledable — and for breastfeeding needs, that is really critical. Tiffany in partcular is excellent. Bra fitting is second to none at this store.
Overall, this is the place to go if you want help with any nursing needs. They also have adorable clothing made for nursing. This is not a typical retail type store. It is a consultative place, which will give their opinion (whether or not you ask), and you’ll end up walking out spending a lot — not because they push you to buy a lot, but because you end up staying and chatting longer than you like.
Any true NY’er will not be put off by Felina the owner. She has the ‘tude, but like most NY’ers with Tude, she’d bend over backwards to help you.
I have moved out of the city but still travel in just to use the services here for child #2. My husband cannot understand why I can’t find somewhere more local! It is worth the trip.
Biggest negative are the store hours. Check carefully and consider calling ahead. Hours are not a great fit for working moms by any means.

I’m a fan. With serious breastfeeding difficulties, this place was a savior for me. The lactation consultant associated with them, Bev Solow, is amazing. I saw 2 lactation consultants and a lactation doctor, and I’d have to say Bev was the most realistic. I haven’t bought much here because they were often out of my size in things, but I did rent a hospital pump from them and got a few parts when I didn’t have time to order from amazon. The people that work here are friendly. Some people that work here act like breastfeeding is the ONLY OPTION. We all know it’s the best option, but you know what’s really the BEST? Not having a starving baby. If that means you have to feed it formula, that’s OK. But don’t talk about that in this store. They are helpful with choosing what bottles to use if you have to supplement (playtex nurser, which you can actually just buy at duane reade, but the duane reade people aren’t educated to tell you its the slowest flow/​most similar to the nipple that exists.) The support circle given by Bev Solow is wonderful, and they offer you filtered, infused water and chocolates every time. You can even go in on a random day and breastfeed your baby in the store. If you’re not sure how well your baby is feeding, you can weigh him on their scale before and after to gauge his eating. You can go and hang out too. Anyway, I can’t disagree that the owner has some ‘tude at times, but if you’re nice to her she’s nice right back. My main beef with this place is that every month I renew my pump rental, and despite my calls or emails to renew, I always get nasty-​grams that my pump hasn’t been renewed and is overdue. They aren’t very good at keeping track of these things… Also, if you are having breastfeeding difficulties, the first WEEK IS CRITICAL to getting on track. So every minute wasted really is a minute wasted. There is a sense of urgency, so RUN don’t walk to get help!

I have come to this store for bras, etc, 5 times in as many years. One time, count it ONE time, I left feeling taken care of. Why in the world did I keep returning you may ask? Well, simply, that’s what pregnancy brain does to you. A pregnant woman seeks out places that are supposed to be supportive OF HER. Unfortunately, there will always be places that take advantage of others when they are at their most sensitive.
Last time I came in I was there for a breast pump. After their «milk bar demonstration where they will assess what the best product is for you and you can try it out» which costs $ 50 if you don’t make a purchase (still feel supported? — well you probably won’t when you find out that all this amounts to is a quick stick this here, here, and here and use ONE pump for LITERALLY 30 sec– NOT ENOUGH TIME TO GET ANY REAL SENSE OF THE MACHINE), I was pushed into a machine that did not work properly. Medela finally made good on it, but not before I was roundly criticized by the owner who told me that I was wrong about everything I was doing — EVEN THOUGH I HAD PUMPED FOR A YEAR WITH MY FIRST CHILD.
Frankly, I was silly to ever go back after that, but a year of sleep deprivation, now stretched out bras, and less than no time in my life to seek out a new institution, I returned. I planned 10 minutes– a quick fitting, grab the bra I knew and loved in a new size and escape. So much for that. You see, they don’t really carry many bras, and certainly VERY few in sizes under E. So, while I measured a 32D, I left feeling bullied into a badly fitting, size 32E that feels like an unsupportive straight jacket. I called back an hour later and told them that I knew that it was buyer beware and no returns, and accepted that but just had to let them know just how taken advantage of for being charged 55.00 for something I told them wasn’t right: how it wasn’t ok to make someone feel like they were crazy for not liking what they suggested. In turn, I was told «I have a file on you! You didn’t like the beast pump we sold you either! You’re the problem! You really need to see someone about your relationship to buying things!» Really. I am not making this up! The owner told me that I need purchasing therapy!!! She did finally offer me a refund– probably because she put me on speakerphone thinking that somehow that would make me shy about explaining my frustration– when it did not, and other customers heard, she went into damage control mode.
For the record, I accept that I shouldn’t have let someone bully me into a product. I will eat the price of the bra– after all, it’s not about the bra– it’s the horrible feeling that this shop exudes. If this review makes at least one kind pregnant woman avoid this toxic environment, it will have been well worth it.

I get that people have mixed experiences at this place, but I suppose I’m used to charmingly crazy midwives and breastfeeding support personnel. It feels just like when I had both kids, when my midwives were bafflingly frank and moody (but amazing!) too. For some reason, extremely-​high-​energy-​concrete-​bordering-​on-​the-​hostile-​super-​informative-​and-​helpful is a variant of the default personality type for these places (type two, I suppose, is the floating wide-​eyed above the sales floor wispy soft-​voiced earth mother type, who I actually find tougher to deal with at the end, although I have been that person myself in earlier days).
I visited this shop because I was in the neighborhood and at work and had left my pumping supplies at home. The woman who I presume was the owner was very prompt and helpful about allowing me to pump in the shop, sympathizing with the urgency and letting me use store kit parts instead of purchasing something expensive (though for hygiene reasons that meant I had to toss the milk I pumped — not a problem for me, I just wanted to pump to keep up a somewhat precarious supply). She made sure I had use of a pump and parts that suited me, gave me some water and chocolate, and told me to take my time. Yes, the back of the shop was a little chaotic and yes, I could see how people might possibly want a softer tone, but it suited me perfectly and I was entertained and grateful. I’d recommend it to anyone, and just hope they have a good experience like I did.

The owner of this business is a raging psychopath. She is extremely rude and behaves disgustingly.
The selection is so limited and overpriced. There are so many better places for bras and breast feeding needs in the city. Save yourself the headache of having to meet the owner and go elsewhere.

Unbelievable place. The owner is arrogant and brusque and incredibly rude, confrontational and condescending to everyone she encounters and there is nothing at all endearing about the cramped space and chaotic feel of the 400 sq ft closet of a space they are holed up in. The breastfeeding class is overpriced for what you get, despite the inherent competency of the woman who teaches it, and the owner waltzes in and interjects with absurd commentary whenever it suits her. She essentially told to attendees they were fools for buying a particular breast pump within moments of their arrival and she speaks well beyond her ken.
(In truth I should have guessed at the general feel of the place by their class reservation policy— $ 65 for the breastfeeding class but if you go into labor that day and can’t make it you can have 50% back? And wait– here is the best part– if you can’t make it for any medical or other reason– you can send another pregnant woman in your stead. Because we all know dozens of pregnant women …)
The owner is inelegant and I am still amazed by her treatment of these very sweet women who came in to her shop… quintessential awful NY, she runs her 400 sq food of condescending empire and she is in your face and business the moment you walk in.

I felt compelled to leave a review after the amazing service we received from this business while we were visiting Manhattan. I called a few places to find a pump rental when our son got the stomach flu, and they were extremely helpful.
Even though we were only in town for a few days and therefore could not become repeat customers, the owner and her staff totally bent over backwards to provide my wife with what she needed.

I was visiting NYC from Texas when my baby became violently ill. He was unable to keep anything down for days and I knew my milk supply would drop if I didn’t do something. Being thousands of miles away from home, I didn’t have a breast pump or any way to preserve my milk supply. My husband looked around and found the Upper Breast Side. He spoke with Gabby on the phone who was kind enough to tell him to have me come in to «pump and dump.» They would let me use their pump just to keep my supply up. I went in the next day and met with Felina (who is the owner) and Tiffany. They were incredibly nice and made sure I was comfortable. Felina got me larger shields for the pump to make sure I was fitted correctly and Tiffany kept me well hydrated with delicious fruit infused water. I didn’t ask for anything but they made me feel safe and cared for when I was scared for my baby’s health and my milk supply. They didn’t ask for a penny or question me what so ever.
I decided to rent a pump because I didn’t know how long my child would be unable to nurse and I didn’t want to keep leaving him to use their pump. They did everything possible to accommodate me and even gave me sterilization bags and soap samples since I was visiting and didn’t have the comforts of home to take care of everything.
I have been Unilocal Elite for over 4 years now and I don’t give out 5 star reviews willy-​nilly. This establishment and it’s employees CARE. Period. They even have videos online if you need help figuring things out. OH, AND THE OWNER GIVES OUT HER PERSONAL CELL NUMBER IN CASE YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?! Um, customer service?! Who does that today? :)
While I was sitting there pumping (with nothing else to do) I was observing what was going on. There was a VERY difficult customer (both from just being plain difficult and secondly a very big language barrier). They were so patient and helpful with her. I was beyond surprised because being from Texas, we have this very incorrect presumption that New Yorkers are abrupt and unfriendly. This couldn’t have been further from the truth with the ladies of the Upper Breast Side.
When I checked out, Felina even told me what to ask my insurance company so I could possibly get reimbursed for the pump rental. I had no idea I could even do that!
It was raining and the distance from the Upper Breast Side to where we were staying was about 4 blocks. No taxi would have taken me such a short distance (I tried before). Tiffany put the heavy pump into a basket on wheels and walked me and the pump ALL the way back to where I was staying just because they are nice people.
I cannot recommend these people more. They are knowledgeable, they care, and they will tell you exactly what you do and do not need. Even though this is a business and they are there to make money, they will NOT sell you anything that you really don’t need. Before buying anything from a big chain store or online, definitely give them a shot. They are incredible and you’ll be supporting a local woman owned business!
***One thing I did notice, suspiciously — the negative reviews of these places are from people who have written less than 5 reviews. I feel like people should review both positive and negative experiences and based on my 2 hours here at the UBS, I am sure there are WAAAY more happy people (Who should review!) than there are unhappy people. Just my two cents.
Thank you again Upper Breast Side!

This morning, during my first pumping of the day, I had a problem with my Ameda breast pump tubing and realized I had to have new tubing right away. I was at work and needed to pump two more times, so it was a pretty important that I found the tubing quickly. I went onto the Ameda website and searched for stores that carry their products. They referred me to Upper Breast Side. I called to find out if the tubing was in stock; the very helpful woman who answered the phone told me it was, so I hopped on the subway and headed to the store — where the tubing was waiting for me behind the counter and where the friendly staff even offered me water infused with fruit. I purchased the tubing and was able to pump milk for the rest of the day. Crisis averted.
Now, all of this went well, and I am happy with my Upper Breast Side experience under the circumstances, BUT I will probably not visit them again unless I am in a similarly urgent situation. Why? Well, the tubing I purchased sells for $ 4.85 on the Ameda website, but Upper Breast Side charged me $ 10.50 (for tubing that was in a Ziploc bag, by the way, not even in retail packaging). That’s more than a 100% mark up. I also asked them if they sell a spare parts kit for my Ameda pump, and they showed me one that they sell for $ 60. On
, there are two spare parts kits, one that is $ 27.14 and one that is $ 20.03. I can’t tell you which one Upper Breast Side sells, but either way that is quite the price difference.
I realize the Upper Breast… ahem…West…Side is an expensive area, and I realize small businesses struggle and have to take into account the cost of a store front when pricing their products. I am glad this store exists, and as a breastfeeding mother, I enjoyed walking into a store that is dedicated to breast feeding. I appreciate the sense of humor in the store’s name. Breastfeeding can be such an intense experience, and it’s cool to be around people who know about it. It’s also so important to be able to buy spare parts in an urgent situation.
Despite all of the things I liked about Upper Breast Side, I considered the price mark ups too high, and I left feeling taken advantage of. If I have to buy spare parts in a pinch ever again, I will go back. I will, however, be ordering parts from
or
to avoid having to go back and pay up the whazoo.

Here’s why the reviews of this place are upsy-​downsy — THEY’RE VERY JUDGEMENTAL. Come in radiating a sense of «I am one of you», and I suspect that you’d be treated very well. Come in eager to purchase irrelevant upsells — I was offered a hip sling? — and I dunno; maybe they’d like you.
But judging from my experience, you shouldn’t come in as I did — a person of color, and a man at that, apparently of modest means since I only wanted to tune up an existing pump for the newest baby in the family.
Be prepared for judgemental, condescending treatment. Nervous new nursing moms: PLEASE send your partners in your place, or be prepared for prejudiced, condescending advice — that happens to be SPOT ON.
See, I happen to be married to the ‘right sort of mother’, the kind of customer with which this place would be very happy. She’s EBFed our twins (TWINS!) to 16 months, and all three of ‘em are going strong! So I can attest that their advice about each piece of equipment is absolutely correct, from beginning to end. Their tips for inspecting every bit of every piece of apparatus will REALLY reveal any possible problem with your pump.
So it’s just too bad that their withering glances would curdle milk at twenty paces. Any woman who can have their supply descend within two weeks of being treated as I (admittedly, a man) was has got my respect and admiration. So send your partner, a friend, hell a stranger on the street to cover for you, and you’ll end up with excellent tools.
As for the prices, I forgot to check, since as it turns out I’m NOT actually of modest means…