Which Breast Pump and Why?

[Nicole S]

Well my question is Which Electric Breast Pump and Why.....

I haven't bought one as yet and want to try and breast feed but also thought it would be a good idea for back up to have a breast pump.

I plan to use the Avent bottles latter down the track so would you suggest that I should stick with this brand for a pump??

Thanks in advance

[STARRYSKY]

hi nicole,
avent stuff is great in my opinion, I use the manual pump myself, but due to my working in a pharmacy have done lots of training on the avent iq system which seems really good, they even make a double one now!
they are also good about replacing parts or going thru with you the instructions if u have any probs, i think there is a 1800 number on the boxes or they have a website where you could check out their stuff too.
another option would be hiring one from a pharmacy, i dont think they do the avent ones but then you could see how you go with electric pumping before splurging the cash on the one you want.
HTH.
XXX

[OceanPrincess]

I use a Medela Swing - I borrowed my friend's Ameda something and also my sister's Medela Swing and decided I liked the Medela better.

Its smaller, quieter and I think it has a better pumping system - two phase, it mimics the sucking action of baby with the quicker sucks and then you hit the button when you feel let down and it changes to longer sucks.

I'm not sure how it would work with a Avent bottles but I'd recommend against getting Avent - I'm pretty sure their bottles contain BPA, Bisphenol-A, a nasty chemical used in some types of plastics.

You can get 3 Medela bottles from Target for $20, so they aren't too pricey. The pump itself was $279, I got it on special at Baby Bunting.

Good luck!

[jamakin]

Hi!
I would also recommend Medela, i use the swing electric breastpump and the manual one too, i found them both to be fantastic. They are recommended by ABA, they often have good specials on.
Have to agree with oceanprincess... medela bottles are bpa free unlike advent bottles. And they are not at all like a real nipple and definatley dont promote natural feeding. i was told to use 'pigeon' teats as they are more breast like.
HTH
all the best.

[Rommy'sMummy]

I had to express with my DS as he couldnt bf. I did it full time (6xday) for 12 months and so used a few different systems.

Firstly, the electric ones they use in hospt can be quite aggressive on your boobs, even the Madela ones with the adjustable suction and speed. I was expressing in two different hospitals and so got to try a variety of systems.

For quite a while I had a Madela electric double pump at home (quite a sight). In the end I went with a manual pump - Avent Issis, it felt much better and I had a better supply with it. I think my supply went up with it as it was more controllable for me, not such a diary cow...

Anyway, I have also heard about the nasty chemicals in the plastics in the Avent system so that is worth a think.

I would call your ABA branch and go and see them about it. I went to see them before DS was born as we knew I would have to express and they taught me heaps.

Secondly, instead of buying one you may be able to hire from your hospital. Usually they have an "Appliance Centre". We hired our electric from our hospt for about 6 months at $20 month. Cheaper than buying. And if you are only going to use it occasionally or not for long it would be a bummer to invest in something more expensive.

Good Luck,

Rachel