Breast Pump Recommendations???

I really recommend the medela double breast pump set. It actually comes complete with everything you need. i had a hard time when i pumped my milk with my son. i took my cousins' advice and bought the medela pump and everything went well with my breastfeeding. she recommended it because somebody recommended it to her as well. I hope this helps. Good luck!!!

I have tried both and I would definitely recommend the Ameda breast pump!! It has more speed/strength settings and it's the only FDA approved pump for no back flow. Also it was just more effective at emptying the breasts in my opinion. With my first child I used the Medela and liked it okay, but when I had my second and bought my own Ameda I fell in love with it. And I loved it just as much with my third child. So my recommendation is absolutely the Ameda!

Happy pump hunting!

I love my Medela Advance Pump in Style. It has been invaluable! My husband was wary about paying that much for a pump, but after the first week of using it he's recommends them too! I had my first child 8 mos ago and was thinking I'd just breastfeed for 6-9 mos. After the great success, speed, & cost factor (not buying formula,) I'm going to continue for the whole year. As for speed, once I got used to the whole process I can pump in 7-10 mins! Hope this helps... let me know if you have any other questions. (PS I got a great deal on amazon.com for a brand new pump.)

I'm not speaking from experience here because I'm 9 months pregnant with my first, but I just went to a breastfeeding class last night and the instructor said that the Pump in Style is by far the best for moms who need to go back to work. She even brought it into class and turned the motor on. It's very quite so you can be discreet. This woman really knew her stuff so I trust what she said and didn't feel like she was a spokesperson for the brand. I hope this info helps a little even though, like I said, I'm not exactly speaking from experience.

I love the Medela Pump in Style. Don't know about Purely Yours, but I can tell you why I love my Medela. One, Medela is just a great company that has all sorts of breast feeding items such as breast shells (to help sore nipples or help flat nipples come out) and breast shields (to help the baby transfer from bottle to nipple). Without these items I would have had a much more difficult time successfully breast feeding. Now to the pump... it has double suction which is what you wanted and it works quite well. It has been working for me 3 months strong and I have 4 girlfriends who all have the same one. No problems from any of them. They have all had theirs from 2 months all the way to 2 years. All working mothers and all love it! I really like that you can buy all of the accessories separately if you need something additional. Also, they portable ice chest with ice pack is a wonderful feature. Especially when traveling. Best of luck to you!

Hi there!! first of all CONGRATS on still breast feeding even though you are going back to work. I know it's not easy but it is DEFINITELY the best thing we can do for our kids, and I'm sooo glad you're doing it!! Anyway, I recommend the MEDELA highly. I've been very happy with it!! I know they say you're supposed to get a new one, but honestly, I used my sisters' and just bought all new replacements, this can save you a lot of money and honestly I really don't see the big deal. if you go to craigslist.com there's always people selling them.

pump in style all the way- mine saw me through 2 kids- i have a 5 1/2 year old and a 17 month old, and i breast fed for 14 months the first time, and 11 months the second.... :)

Medela Pump In Style is best! I am thrilled with mine. Plus I am a labor and delivery nurse and that's the pump our hospital uses. That says something, right?

I purchased the Madela 7 years ago and it was fantastic. It is a bit more expensive than most pumps but it has lasted and worked fantastic. I think we spend close to $300. The one we purchased looked like a carry bag - nicely concealed and had a compartment to hold bottles and the pump attachments and came with a freezer pack. I pumped milk for a year for our daughter - I was working too. I passed the pump part on to my sister-in-law (three years ago) who used it and gave it back to me. This past summer when my sister gave birth to a 10 wk premature baby girl, I shipped it to her. She is still using it. (Of course, both my sister-in-law and my sister bought their own pump attachments for sanitary reasons.) Plus the Madela uses the same pump attachments that most hospitals give to nursing moms in the hospital. I have friends who have purchased other brand pumps and all of theirs gave out and they had to buy another. I would say that if you are going to be using it regularly for a long time, I think Madela is the way to go. Congrats and Good Luck!

Hi N.,

I searched high and low when I was pumping with my first baby. I had a hospital grade Medela that I had rented and that thing felt like it was ripping off my nipples (and that wasn't even on the highest setting). Not that I felt that for long since I lost a lot of sensitivity, but I just couldn't get over the plastic cone effect and my breasts were so misshapen afterwards. I had considered the Medela Pump in Style but I just hated the thought of those plastic collection cones. My friend had the PIS and said that it worked great, but it hurt. So, I tried it and it wasn't as bad as the rental, but it wasn't anything I would call comfortable. So, I looked at all of the pumps that I could find and the best one that I found was the Whittlestone. They are kind of hard to find and bit more expensive, but it is SO worth the money. The part that goes over your breast and nipple is made of silicone and is super soft. Under that is a soft foam donut shaped piece that cradles your nipple. So, when the pump is in motion, it simulates the baby sucking, it actually looks like the baby's mouth. Kind of hard to explain but believe me...it works. The ONLY bad part about the pump is that there is no car adapter for it. I didn't think that was a big deal since I wasn't going to be traveling with it. It is also one of the only pumps that is an entirely closed system so no milk can EVER get back into the pump. I also found, while pumping in the same room with my friend, when we traveled together, that the PIS was much louder than mine. My pump also worked with the Expressly Yours bustier. I am pregnant again and am actually excited about pumping since I loved my pump so much!
Hope that helps,
V.
ps...Don't know where you live but Bergstroms carries this pump in their store.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions! If you live in the area, I would be happy to show you mine before you buy!

I used the Medela Pump in Style after I had my first daughter. I also used it briefly with my newborn because she was in the hospital an extra day due to jaundice. I loved it. While pumping in the hospital (Avery was in the NICU so I couldn't nurse her), I used a Medela Expressions pump. that one was AWESOME, but I don't know if they're sold to indivuals or just to hospitals.

Definitely don't rent. You can buy one for what you'll spend renting it for a year plus, you can always use it for future kids or hand it down to a sister, sister in law or friend when they have their kids and need a pump. The one I have was used for six kids prior to Avery. We've bought new accessories and attachments as needed, but it's still going strong... the case is pretty beat up, but the machine still sucks like a champ.

Good luck!
G.

I have used both and they are both great pumps! I lean more towards the Medela, it has less parts to deal with and the bottles seem to be bigger and able to hold more milk, if you have a lot of milk like me, I needed the bigger bottles. The Ameda pump had two many parts so it was a little harder to take apart when I was done pumping and the parts are made out of the hard brittle plastic, I actually broke one of them and had to order a replacement. The Ameda was a smaller pump, so it didn't take up as much room and I did like that about it.

I have used both and strongly recommend the Medela pump. I It's stronger than the Purley Yours. I got more milk using the Medela pump.

Hi N.
I am using the Medela Pump In Style Advanced for my second child. It was recommended by the hospital when I had my first child 3 1/2 years ago. I like the fact that I can buy parts for it without buying a whole new unit. (I have had to replace the face plate twice, because of my neglegence.) If you go to Medela's website, you can get a list of people in your area that sell the pump and parts, or go to a retail store that sells it.
Be sure to get a halter to allow you to pump handsfree! When the going gets tought, remember it is for your precious bundle of joy!
Happy Pumping!

Hi! I used the Madella for all 3 of my kids and it worked great. I had the double pump and it was great!!! it cuts your pump time in half which is wonderful if your are at work, or having to chase a toddler. I never used the other pump, but where I work they offer the new mothers a nursing room and also "loan" them the Madella pump. As far as I've heard no one has ever complained about that pump. Good Luck!!

Hi! My friends and I all have used the Pump n Style by Madella and LOVE it! I don't know about the other one. Also, you can buy them on eBay or Craigslist.org for about half the price. They are used but you just buy your own piping and bottle, etc.

Just a thought!

I have the Ameda pump and it has been great for me. I have used it for two kids and it is still going! It is a double pump that you can use with electric or batteries. I bought it at Kaiser for $150. The good thing about this pump should you choose to resell it or give it away, the new mom can purchase a hygienic kit (tubes and collection parts) for $30 and feel comfortable about using a second-hand pump. Good luck!

J.

Wow, lots of answers already.
I just have to put my own 2 cents in :-)
With my first baby, I borrowed a Medela pump (hospital grade) when my son didn't want to nurse. I ended up renting it for 12 months (!!!) because my son could never latch on (I found out I have inverted nipples). So, with my next child I knew I would need a pump and ended up buying a used Medela (double) and just got new attachments for it. Both pumps, although one Hospital Grade and one was the socalled "pump in style" w/ bag etc, they both worked excellent. Since this was what I EXCLUSIVELY did for a year per baby-I really put them to the test so to speak.
I also want to add that I am normally a size DD (so that would be considered large breasted, I assume) and I had NO PROBLEMS pumping.
Good Luck!

Hello N.,

I used the Medela and liked it very much. You definitely want the double breastpump. It makes it so much easier. Mine came with the Dr. Brown's bottles, however, I would just pump directly into storage bags. Most clear hard plastic bottles contain a chemical called Bisphenol A, which is toxic, and has been shown to leek into the liquid held in the container. I recommend going to Whole Foods to buy some "Born Free" bottles, which are free of this harmful chemical. Your baby's health is the most important.

N.,

There is a yahoo group called "PumpMoms" that I've been a member of for close to 5 years (through 2 children and tons of pumping!). Everyone has their favorites but at the end of the day a PY and an PIS are very equivalent. The PIS is a bit more expensive because Medela does a lot more advertising that Ameda. And I think replacement parts are easier to find for the Medela (you can get them at Target among other places) but I don't think there are any real significant differences between the pumps. I have heard that it is more difficult for milk to back-flow into the pump motor with a PY than a PIS. I have a PISA (Pump in Style Advanced) - actually I have two LOL. I like it very much and have never tried a PY but I would hesitate because I've heard good things about them.

So I think the true answer is they are really similar so it is just a matter of deciding if you'd rather spend a little less on the pump or a little more and be able to easily obtain replacement parts (the collection equipment stuff like the membranes do wear out and you have to replace them occasionally or if you break or crack something, it is also helpful to have more than one collection kit so you aren't washing everything multiple times a day).

From what I've heard, the hospital grade rental pumps ARE a better pump. But if you don't want to rent, the two that you've got to choose from are very equal.

Good luck! And join PumpMoms. You can get tons of really good advice there.

T.

I use the Medela Pump in Style. I bought it for my first who is now 2.5 yrs and it still works for my second who is 3 mos. I haven't had any problems with it - it works perfect. I would recommend it.

Dear N.,

Congratulations on your new little one on the way and hats off to you for juggling both mommyhood and work! I am a HUGE fan of Medela electric pumps, mine (the double capacity pump) was still holding strong after over a year, and I liked the car adapter option too--really came in handy for us (purchased separately), with the same pump power.

And you're right, I've only tried the Medela, but our choice was based on mega-first-time-parents-over-the-top-research LOL, Medela kept coming up as the "go to pump" for solid, electric pumps. Plus our local Healthy Hearts uses the same Medela pump for their rentals, so we figured they had to be pretty easy, fast, and sturdy--which it was!

Good luck,
M.

Hi N.! You're an amazing mother for sticking to the breast feeding and pumping while going to work! My hat off to you. It can be done!! I HIGHLY recommend the Medela "Pump In Style". I had a ridiculously high amount of milk production so was required to pump in between the breast feeding! (No sleeping for me!! Ha! Ha!) I would get blocked milk ducts if I didn't do this. The "Pump In Style" did the job for me. The only problem was the cleaning of the parts (which is just par for the course with any pump). I suggest buying the microwave bags for sterilization. They were a life saver. The pump also comes in a very nice black bag which made it easy to travel with! The staff at Medela were also very helpful when it came to customer service. Best wishes to you!

I chose the Purely Yours Breast Pump by Ameda and bought it before I had my baby and then I also used the Medela Lactina due to lactation issues which has some features similar to the Pump In Style (same tubing and collection methods). Both were good pumps but the Medela pumps have an issue with the tubing. Milk and residue can build up in there and it is very hard to clean it. The Purely Yours pump has silicone inserts that prevent any milk from entering the tubes so I don't have to worry about build up. I use my Purely Yours pump about 4 times a day and it lasted until month 9 when the motor went out. I called Ameda and they sent me another one quickly with no questions asked. The Purely Yours was also less expensive than the Pump in Style. I have recommended the Purely Yours to others for this reason and I'm very happy with this pump. Good luck with your choice.

Congratulations! I actually went through 2 cheapo Evenflo pumps (they both broke after about 2 months) and a cheap single Medela pump before I got the Lansinoh double pump at Walmart. It's identical to the Ameda Purely Yours except for being purple instead of green. It's great! It's actually really quiet. I to got see the Medela pump at a parenting class and they were way noisier and heavier than the Ameda/Lansinoh pump. I've been very happy with mine and I plan to use it again with my next child (Due in September). Also, I never had an overflow or backflow problem with the Lansinoh pump like I did with the others.

My pump in style broke last week, so I'm voting for anything but. My girlfriend swears by her "hospital grade" pump that she bought on ebay. They're more expensive, but much more powerful and longer lasting. With my next baby, I'm definitely going that route.

I've used both and I highly recommend the Medela over the Ameda! I found the Medela to be quieter and have better suction. You may want to take the pumps for a "test drive" before you commit and shell out some money. Many lactation consultants rent out personal pumps in addition to the hospital-grade. I've found that the majority rent out only the Medela, so you may have to do some searching for one that also has the Ameda. Good luck!

I love my pump in style!

I used the Pump in Style with my son and thought it worked great. I got the one in the Metro Bag, which was nice for work because no one knew I was carrying a breast pump. I actually got a lot of compliments on the bag! I used the hospital grade Medela before my pump came in and that was a waste of money. The Pump in Style was far more efficient.

I LOVE the Purely Yours by Ameda!!! It pumps better than the Medela Lactina that I rented from the hospital. It's far easier to clean than the Medela Pump in Style - just soap & water. Also there is no danger of milk being sucked into the pump itself - totally hygenic. Love it!! I also puchased an Easy Expressions Bra so that I can pump at my desk & actually work.

Hi! I have the Lansinoh which I believe is the Purely Yours under a different brand (according to Baby Bargains). I got it at Target for $150. I love it; I only pump about 1 to 2 times a day but pumped a lot at the beginning to increase milk supply. easy to use and clean and small. I mostly chose it because it got just as good reviews as Medela but lots cheaper. You can always register for the pricier one then return if you need to. Good luck!

I have more expirience with pump in style it does work tried i was happy with it F. vissuet

Purely Yours by Ameda...the last time I used it was 5 years ago, but I'm telling you it worked great! We're expecting baby #2, so my breast pump will come in handy again.

The Purely Yours has really good suction action and it's so simple...the suction is strong and you'll get much of your milk out once you're done. I haven't tried any other ones, but I'm happy with my Ameda one. What's great too is that you can order replacement parts for it.

Purely Yours! I used it for a year with my first one, and started using it with my second one-whitout any need to replace parts. Purely yorus is a little noisy, but other than that it is great:efficient, easy to carry around, easy to aintain, etc.

I have a madela pump in style that I have "practiced" w/, I am due the end of April. I belong to other boards and have heard great things about either. You have really narrowed it down to the two best on the market. Either way you will be happy with either.

like you mentioned in your post...I have only tried the one, but I LOVE my pump in style. With my first child I returned to work after 8 weeks and it served me well as I was regularly able to pump 4 ounces 3 times a day during my 15 minute breaks. And now with my second, I'm a stay at home mom but still find that its great for pumping so my husband can feed my baby when I'm pu

pump in style is my choice, too! it is fast, not so noisy, and easy to clean!

medela medelamedela medela. it is the number one selling breastpump. I've used it and never have had issues. Just remember to go to malls with family rooms as they have little booths for breastfeeding and inside is an outlet

Well, I used the Medela pump in style and I loved it! It was easy to use, and carry anywhere. I was able to adjust the speed and suction. I highly recommend it.

I work full time and I loved my pump in style. I was able to BF my son for a year because of it. I hope to do the same with my daughter.

The Medela Pump in Style is awesome. I am still breastfeeding my 17 month old...but I used this every day for the first year (I am no longer pumping) as I work full time. Easy to use, easy to transport, I highly recommend it!!!!

I used the Medela Pump In Style and really liked it. It seemed to have the most simple set-up and parts and worked very well. You can find them on Ebay for a lot less than the original cost.

With my first, we bought the Pump in Style by Medela. I love it, and am planning on using it again with my second when he is born in April.

When I took my breastfeeding class with my first, I was told that Medela is the best out there.

Hope this helps!

I have a 2 month old and have been using the Pump in Style since week 2. I teach and only have a 15 min. and 30 min. break in which to get all the milk out. I can usually pump all 6 ounces in 8-9 minutes.

Dear N.,

i know nothing about breast pumps, but I do know that you are truly a heroine. !! go for it you are great. C. N.

I have the pump in style model and love it. My hubby went and purchased it after our daughter was born. She had trouble latching on and I needed to supplement with a bottle so I knew how much she was getting. I had a previous pump from medela which I loved as well. I dont think you can go wrong with them.

N.,
Ha, ha, I have tried ALL of them - as a former breast feeding mom and a lactation educator, I tried 'em all. You will find NO difference between the two that you are looking at and they are both EXCELLENT pumps for your need. However, you should find that the Purely Yours is less expensive than the Medela PIS. Medela has a better marketing plan, so they "get their's out there". Actually, I found Ameda's to be a bit stronger, but my boss told me it was my imagination. Either way, you'll make the right choice. Good luck. J.

Medela Pump In Style. I have used it for all of my 3kids and it is still working great. My oldest is 4yrs old and my youngest is
3months old.

I rented a Medela Pump in style from the hospital for a month and ended up buying one from them directly. I liked it, it was easy to use, easy to clean and had good suction with a varying speed. I'd highly recommend it. ALso, if you have the ability to use a flexible spending account, by purchasing the pump through the hospital, I was able to submit my receipt through flexible spending and get it paid for that way.

I use Pump in Style by Medela. I haven't used anything else but I'm not complaining. This works perfectly good for me! I use it 5 days a week when I go to work and have been using it for the past 5 months. :)

I have tried two different breast pumps. One by medela after my first baby , and the other one by playtex after my second. No mater what works for one woman will not mean it will work for you. Everyone told me to get the medela brest pump because it worked the best and it is the one most recommended. So I went with that. I didnt like it, it was painful to me and every uncomfurtable after I started to get use to it. I just dealed with it, because breast pumps are pricey. After I had my second baby I wanted to try something else, so I tried the playtex double pump, I really do love it. I use playtex bottles so that is why I picked it to begin with. My pump is comfurtable when I pump and it is easy to us, there are not too many things that go here or there. I recommend the playtex brand pump. But remember, not everyone likes the same things, because when my husband was in like buying me my pump, a woman behind him say that she didnt like that pump (she had the same one at one point) and she said I should try the medela. He told her I did and didnt like it, and she was shocked. Anyways, I hope I helped a little, but in the long run, go with what makes you feel good.

The Medela is the BEST! I used it for an entire year, even when my milk supply was starting to dwindle, this pump was productive. It was first recommended by the breastfeeding nurses at my hospital for my first child, nine years ago. I bought a new one, that now adjusts for baby's sucking and "let down" features, for my last baby. I can't recommend it enough. Good luck!!

Hi N.,
I own the pump in style by medela and love it. My breast do not hurt while pumping and I haven't had any complications as of now. The only thing negative is that it is loud.
good luck,

Medela Pump in Style! I pumped a ton... at first because my daughter was having trouble latching on correctly and then I maintained pumping for 9 months in preparation for a return to work. The medela never gave me any problems!

It was easy to clean (soap and waterr). Once I got the "Expressions Bustier" to pump hands-free, I was set!

I got this pump by the recommendation of my lactation consultant (aka lifesaver!). It pumped just as well, if not better, as the Lactina I rented at the hospital.

I have the Pump In Style, which I bough with my first child, used with the second and am using it now with my third. It pumps well and efficiently and is not real bulky or conspicuous (when your carrying it in the office). I also like that I can use it in the car (with an adapter plug), so I was able to use it on road trips and at my job (where there was no place to pump in the building). I have recommended it to many people and have never had any complaints that I steered them wrong! Good luck!

I have a Pump in Style and it works great. I had a nurse/lactation consultant say they are pretty much the same quality, though, so I don't think you can go wrong. Good luck!

Hi N.,
I used the Medela Pump in Style, however I bought mine back in 2004 with my daughter and used it again with my son in 2007. The model would have changed since then but it's probably only improved. I used it from being in the hospital room (to enhance the milk coming in) until my kids were about 6 months old. I liked the adjustability in the pressure. In the beginning it didn't take much and we are far more sensitive. But then after nursing and pumping for a couple months we need a bit more pressure. It also changes the form of suction after a few minutes of pumping - to more simulate what the baby will do. So if you are nursing at the same time it seems more natural. I didn't look into any other pump so I don't have any comparisions. It was the one the hospital sold and we bought it there. My niece is now using with her baby and is very happy with it as well. I agree, the double pump electric is the only way to go.

I vote pump in style. We are on baby number two and it works great!

A.

Medela is what everyone recommended i get and then the hospital where i had my daughter gave one to me and it was really nice. I have no complaints. I think it is a good choice.

Medela! The only other one I've used is a hand held-that was worthless! With the battery pack, car adapter, ac adapter, replacement parts from so many places, I would never consider another.

I use the Purely Yours and really like it (as much as one can like a breast pump!) You can adjust the speed and suction level and it has a holder to put the bottles in so you don't spill when you are maneuvering things. The Ameda has bags that fit directly onto the pump so you don't have to put into a bottle first, which I found very nice when freezing the milk in bags. Also, my friend with Medela said her bottles leaked so she had to always transfer the milk into bags to transport it. My Ameda bottles never leaked in transport, even when my bag fell off of my car seat onto the floor several times.
I was also able to attach Dr Browns bottles to the pump when I wanted to use a larger bottle.
Ameda also has a hygiene pack of new attachments if you want to use it again later or loan it to a friend.

Good luck!

I have not used the Purely Yours Breast Pump by Ameda...but I had the Pump in Style by Medela...It works really good...and easily to operate...I got a good amount of one feeding within my 20 mins break when I went back to work..Hope this helps... =)

Definitely Pump in Style! I love it!!!!

Medela Pumps and bottles are BPA-free...VERY IMPORTANT because BPA is known to cause major health problems.
I used the Pump in Style Advanced...and loved it. In the beginning I had a little trouble with my milk supply and this pump helped increase the flow. Also...at about 4 months my son just stopped wanting to breastfeed and I continued to pump and feed him the breast milk in a bottle. This pump allowed me to keep up my milk supply strictly through pumping for another 5 months.
Good Luck and congrats!

it has been quite a long time but i used the Medela, 10 years ago it was only available through lactation consultants or pharmacies. It was the same one that could have been rented, but i too purchased mine And it was completely portable, all enclosed in a black leather case with shoulder strap. It actually had an enclosed storage area for filled bottles. I do not think it actually had a name though.
good luck

I totally recommend the Pump in Style. My baby came early and had latch on problems and we exclusively used the pump in style to feed her until she was able to latch on - kept my milk supply and was great as it was being used almost every 2 hours. The cases are really convenient and the Medela bottles are also good as you can feed directly from them and they don't have BPA - which is important.

I love the pump in style! I strongly urge you to get that one...I have had no problems with it and am just now using it for my second child....still works perfect! Plus, you can get replacement parts (i never had to) in case you sell it later or something breaks or whatever....it's easy to use, and works great!

LOL...I actually tried both pumps!!! We were opening our business while I was breastfeeding my youngest still. I was able to try out all of the pumps before we decided which ones to carry in stock (handy to have been nursing at the time we were getting product samples eh??). I found the Medela to be more gentle and still more effective. It is also a little quieter than the Ameda. I have also had friends who tried both and prefered the Medela. If you are planning on purchasing one, we carry the Medela Pump in Style (Original) for less than anywhere around...$229.00(plus tax). You can visit us at www.MamaRhythms.com Either way...yeah you for planning to breastfeed while returning to work!!!!!

I think you've picked the 2 top of the line models. People rave about both of the equally because, like you said, they've only used the one. Hospitals are solicited by the 2 company's and usually stick with the one company because they don't want to have to change everything out when updates come along.

I personally have used Medela products and like their versatility and options.

I actually have tried 2 different pumps. I believe the first one was made by Ameda and I struggled with it. With my second child, I bought the Medela and loved it. It was so easy to use. I vote for the Medela.

I have a Medela Pump in Style and have been very pleased. I haven't compared it to Ameda, but all the moms I know have Medela. Hope this helps.

I would definately go with the Medela....they are the gold standard for breast pumps. You can't take any chances if you are going back to work right away. I have used the Medela double electric for a year now and I can pump at work in about 5 minutes...its fantastic!! Also, if you need parts if something should break or wear out down the road, they are very easy to order online.

I was given the Purely Yours Breast Pump by Ameda as a gift. I have not tried any other pump. I am completely happy with the pump by Ameda. It has different suction patterns and intensities to match your baby's as close as possible for maximum effectiveness. It is easy to use and keep clean. I would absolutely recommend the Ameda pump. It has worked out perfectly for me.

I attended a breast feeding support group at Simi Valley hospital when I had my son (now this was 8 years ago) and I rented a pump through the woman that ran the group. You have to buy the tubing and bottles and it's cheaper to pay for a year than rent month by month. Anyway, the hospital grade pumps are awesome. Good luck

I used the Pump in Style by Medela and loved it. It had been highly recommended to me by friends and family who had also used it. It has different settings for how fast it pumps and the amount of sucking pressure. It only took me about 10 min. to pump both side. It is a bit boring to just sit their and wait for your breats to empty but I have seen a strap that will hold the pumps on your breats for you so you can do other things with that 10 min. such as read or something! But it worked great for me. It was easy to clean and easy to pack up. The only thing I did not like about it was it was hard when I only one breast to pump. I couldn't figure out how to plug up one side so all of the sucking pressure would come to the other side. Hope this helps. I used mine for both of my kids and it is still in good shape.

I bought an Ameda, borrowed a Medela, bought an Isis hand pump, and eventually rented a hospital grade pump. During actual nursing, I had huge amounts of milk that gushed out very quickly, but the only pump that could stimilate my milk to "let down" was the hospital grade one. I could only get out about one oz. at a time with the others and they left my nipples quite sore. Originally I was hesitant to rent, but now I wish I hadn't wasted the money, time, and frustration on the other pumps. Obviously, I strongly suggest getting a hospital-grade pump. And on the plus side, if you don't end up liking it, you're not out a bunch of money because you're only renting it.

I used a different breast pump for each of my four kids. The breast pumps all pretty much get the same job done, but there is one thing I learned with my fourth; if you pump one breast while the baby is feeding on the other breast the milk comes out much more easily, you get a greater amount, you save time, and you do not get any problems with engorgement. Plus since you are pumping during your let down you don't even need to spend the extra money on an electric pump.

I absolutely loved the Medela pump. I went back to work at six weeks and used it at least twice a day until my baby was one year old. It was fast (less than 10 minutes). The bag also fits everything, including parts, cleaning bags, and milk containers. I also used the microwave cleaning bags at work which was a lot easier than busting out soap and water in the kitchen sink in front of my coworkers :-) Congratulations and good luck!

Hello six months pregnant,

I have a 14 month old and am proud to say that I nursed him for 1 year. As far as breast pumps, I liked the Medela ( pump in style.)I am not sure if this applies to you but breast pumps tend to not work as well on big breasted women.

Good luck and I admire your courage to nurse.

Absolutley go with the pump in style double breast pump, the price is worth it! It saves so much time and you only have to pump for 15 minutes. You will be so thankful in the end.

Good Luck

I had the Medela Original Pump in Style. My doctor in New York and my daughter's pediatrician in New York suggested that brand before we moved. A la Leche consultant recommended renting the hospital grade pump for a few weeks and then switching to the Medela. I had a very hard time expressing more than a total of 4 oz. and I am sure that the pump was more than partially at fault. I like the brand Medela, but the pump was not efficient. I even took it to a place to have them check the pressure. I'd probably try the Medela again though due to the high recommendations of so many people. Hope that helps.

I have a Medela personal double electric pump for sale if you are interested.
I used it for 2 months. You can look it up online for more info on it.
You will just need to order the bottles and plastic parts for it...I have them but I am sure you will want new ones..
It comes in a carrying case with extra pockets.
It works as well as a hospital grade pump.Let me know.
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I really enjoyed the Medela "Pump in Style." You could change the suction and speed which was very nice for those days when it hurt, but it also got the job done quickly. It looks like a normal shoulder bag so you wouldn't feel weird having it at work, and you can carry all the accessories right inside. Just keep on a schedule with your pumping! I had plenty of milk with my first baby and therefore got lax with my pumping. My milk dried up within weeks! Just keep it up and freeze what you can (but be sure to use the frozen milk before it's 3 month mark). Good Luck!