Breastpumps

[TristansMom]

OK so the time has come after 3.5 months of usage, I have to get new parts of my breastpump. I am currently using the Avent Isis Manual pump, it has worked for me even though i am sure that it could have been better at times... LOL

I would like to replace the parts of this pump and keep it for home use and buy another to keep at work exclusively for the 4 pumps during the day. So it needs to be up to the challenging task... 

With so many brands on the market I am unsure as to which one to buy...

I don't know if this question has been asked already so please excuse me if it has... 

What brand and model would you recommend when buying a breastpump? Which has worked the BEST for you?

Looking forward to hearing all the replies...

Thanks!

 

[Ajay]

Hi Tristan's mom,

I've got an Avent Isis manual pump as well and think it is really good.  I use it when we are out for the day.  I pump as DS is getting EBM in a bottle.
I also have an electric pump which I have hired from a pharmacy.  It is the Ameda Elite and is also very good.   Strangely, I have noticed that sometimes I get more from the Isis than the Elite.  I have decided that it is because of the massage cushions and am on the look out for ones that fit the Ameda.
One of the mums in my mother's group has the Medela Pump-in-Style.  She is a full-time pumper and DD is currently off the charts for height so it must be working well!!
I am in Australia, so the website is not exactly relevant to you in South Africa, but you can get the info from it and see if there is a South African site. 
Hope this helps.

P.S. Tristan has the most amazing blue eyes ever.   

[aidliz]

I only used a manual pump once or twice...it seemed to hurt me alot.  I had a Madela electric and I loved it...as much as you could love a pump that is. 

Good for you for pumping 4 times at work...it isnt easy.  I could only handle pumping for 3 months.  I went back to work when ds was 3months.  He was bf for 6 months...wish I continued but it was so hard.

FYI...My sister works in a hospital and I bought my pump there...it was cheaper than buying it in a store...just incase you wanted to check that out.

[Samuel's mum]

I think if you afford it a medela pump in style is worth the money for a working mum. I'm sure our other working mums will be along later to share from experience.

With Sam I also found I got more from an avent isis that from a Ameda electric. I actually started with an ameda electric and then switched to the isis when my output dropped and started to get more! But with regular pumping at work I think I would go for a top range medela. Great customer service, you can buy different sized cushions/ flanges.

I bought a medela swing for Josie but I haven't used it much. Just put a couple of emergency bags in the freezer that were never used. I don't think a medela swing would be right for you as you need a double pump.

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Ihave used the Ameda personal for all three of mine and works a treat

Kate x

[clh]

Another working mom here.  I've only used a medela pump in style advanced that we bought when J was a baby, & it has seen me thru 2 kiddos, pumping multiple times a day for ~10 mo each time.  So that's a lot of pumping sessions on my pump!  I've never had problems with it.  Emma says you can get it serviced when it starts to get "tired" (internal parts will wear eventually), but I haven't even had to do that yet.  I'll probably do it if #3 comes along. 

You can get replacement tubing, valves, different sized flanges, etc (things you can see) on line or at places like Babies R Us.  If you go the double pump electric (as you probably should, working), call any lactation consultants in your area.  My LC offered this pump at a significantly cheaper price than Babies R Us, & the BRU was the last year's model!

[MJMom]

I had both the Medela Pump In Style as well as the Avent Purely Yours.  Both double electric pumps.  Between the two, I normally would almost get the same yield out of either. They are both very comfortable.  If you can afford it, go with the Pump In Style only because it was a wee bit more comfortable. But the Avent is a very excellent more cost effective option.

Towards the end, I would get more yield from the Pump In Style, but I had a hard time keeping up supply.  I BF'd for 13 months.  The last couple of months, I might get 2 ozs a session from the Avent, but 2.5 from the Pump in Style.  When you're struggling to pump enough, every last little bit helped! 

[TristansMom]

I have managed to track down a BabyCity not so far away that has all of the above pumps, which I am going to go through tomorrow and check them out.
Thank you so much for your responses and reccomendations! much appreciated.

Ajay > You are such a honey, thank you for your nice words.(((hugs)))

hugs to you all. have a wonderfull evening. mwa xxoo

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]