I also have the Avent Isis Manual and its fine for my needs, but I only really express if I feel like I'm going to explode or I'm dripping everywhere. My SIL has an expensive electric double pump which I've been told I can borrow if I need to pump more often. I didn't buy the manual one until after I'd had the baby as I didn't know if I'd need it or not - I'd suggest waiting until you know what your needs are.
I also have a stereliser, the Avent Microwave one, and I do use it for the breast pump and bottles just in case. It take a minute to chuck everything in so its not any more work for piece of mind.
I bought an electric breast pump after i had DD and it was because i was expressing so much due to DD being in the SCN and i would recommend waiting as well. I bought the medela swing and it is pricey but very good. I use to sterilise it in milton during the time i breast fed (sadly only till 4 months).
I had a tomee tipee microwave steam steriliser and it was great. I stopped using it when DD was 7 months and getting around on the floor. She had been using a cup to drink water from since she was 4 months and it says on the instructions not to sterilise the cup so i didnt then figured if i wasnt sterilising the cup and she is fine then surely she will be fine with not sterilising bottles. I also felt reassured that she had the medication given to bubs now with the 4 month (i think the 4 month or maybe 6 month?) vaccinations to help prevent bad gastro.
Its really a personal thing.. i am a clean freak, very hygienic but this is what i chose as am also a believer in building up the immune system. Not sure if i would have done it when she was first born though. Perhaps since they are saying not to worry about it...i would have done it to 3 months i think due to personal choice really.
I wash her bottles twice. When she finishes it i rinse n give it a scrub with the brush and hot running water then at night i take them apart and put them all into a bowl of hot soapy water, another scrub, rinse and air dry.
Hope that was helpful
I sterilized my sons bottles till he was about 6 months then just washed them in hot water after that.
I hired a Madela electric breast pump from our local chemist. This may be a cheaper option for you to check it out and see if you like it. I found the electric pump great. I could just sit and watch TV and let the machine do all the work. I would recommend giving it a go. I think a lot of chemists hire them out. learning to BF can be stressfull enough when it is your first time.
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