Use the below chart to compare breast pumps by price, type and rating.

Breast Pump	Type	RR Price	Rating
Medela Harmony	Manual	$34	★★★★☆	Check-Price
Medela Swing	Single Electric	$149	★★★★½	Check Price
Medela Pump In Style	Double Electric	$299	★★★★★	Check Price
Lansinoh Affinity	Double Electric	$149	★★★★☆	Check Price
Ameda Purely Yours	Double Electric	$225	★★★★☆	Check Price
First Years miPump	Single Electric	$59	★★★☆☆	Check Price

It can often take several weeks or even months for a baby to learn to latch on properly first attempt and continue feeding until they’re full. In the beginning it can be very difficult to get baby into the right position and keep them there. The truth is that there are a million and one things that can and will go wrong. Your milk may take longer than usual to come in, there may not be enough milk to satisfy baby, you may have problems getting them to latch on. Some baby’s never take to the breast at all.

All this stress can lead mothers to question what they’re doing wrong and sometimes experience extreme guilt that they’re not doing what they should, or that they’re baby isn’t getting what they need. With the birth of my first child I went through all of the problems above and more. I had this beautiful picture in my head of how everything would work and when things didn’t pan out that way I was left stressed, tired and depressed. I even suffered extreme bouts of guilt, believing that I was doing something wrong, and listening to my son’s cries were a horrible burden to bare.

At the hospital we had a different midwife every 6 hours and they all seemed to have conflicting advice on what to do so at the end of our stay I was left even more confused and upset. It wasn’t until I did my own research in books and on the internet and figured out what worked best for me that I really started to find a rhythm and baby and I both started to really enjoy breastfeeding.

The fact is that there is a lot of conflicting advice and beliefs about breastfeeding out there. But it really comes down to each individual situation as to what will work and what won’t. If you’re having trouble breastfeeding your child then by all means, seek help from professionals but at the end of the day every baby is different and every mother is different, so try a few things out. Stick with what works and discard what doesn’t. But most of all, be patient and don’t let it stress you out.  Just keep going and before you know it, you’ll both be experts.

-Tanya Allsop

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, or if you want to learn more about it then I highly recommend Breastfeeding Simply by Pinky McKay; an internationally certified lactation consultant , a breast feeding specialist consultant for the best selling baby magazines in Australia (Practical Parenting) and New Zealand (Littlies), and author . Her books have helped mothers all over the world, and this one is available in e-book format so you don’t have to wait for delivery. Click here to read about it.

Many mothers prefer to purchase a breast pump before the baby arrives as it gives them a chance to try out the device to make sure it’s right for them, as well as help prepare them for frequent use. In fact, it’s highly recommended that bottle feeding is introduced very early on to help the baby adapt as well. Many infants will reject the bottle if it’s introduced to them later on.

There are many different types of breast pumps, all with different features and accessories so it’s important to know what you’re looking for. This is especially helpful before you start reading breast pump reviews. We’ve put together some tips to help you find the best breast pump for your needs.

There are two main types of breast pumps available… manual breast pumps, and electric breast pumps.

Manual breast pumps are hand operated by pumping a handle. The pumping action creates suction which causes the milk to travel from the breast shield (the part that covers your breast) through the tubing and into the collection containers (usually baby bottles). Some manual pumps use a single handle, while others have two handles.

Manual pumps can make a good choice for mother’s who plan to pump at work as they’re generally lighter, and also quieter than electric pumps. However, they do take a bit more effort and can also be time consuming, so if you’re planning to use it frequently you may be better suited to an electric breast pump either in place of or in addition to a manual pump.

Electric breast pumps work the same way as a manual pump, however they’re operated via a motor instead of a hand pumping action.

You’ll find that an electric breast pump will generally give a higher amount of suction than a manual breast pump and also cut down on the time it takes to express. Many of the better electric pumps on the market such as the Medela Pump in Style come with carry discreet backpacks or carry bags that make them easier to transport if you plan on leaving the house with them.

And while they’re noisier than manual breast pumps, there are some on the market that are whisper quiet so don’t be completely put off by electric breast pumps.

Electric breast pumps also come in two different varieties… single breast pumps and double breast pumps.

Single Breast Pumps come with one breast shield or flange (the part that covers the breast) and one collection bottle.  While Double Breast Pumps naturally come with 2 breast shields and 2 collection bottles.

A double electric breast pump will obviously produce more milk, in less time than a single pump. They can be tricky to get used to at first but again, if you plan on frequent use, the payoff is worth putting up with the learning curve.

Safety

 It’s important to make sure that the parts of a breast pump that will come into contact with the milk, or with your baby are free of BPA. BPA is compound sometimes used in the manufacture of plastics, and is potentially harmful to your child. The majority of pumps on the market are BPA free but it’s always important to check.

The other concern to keep in mind is whether the breast pump uses an open system or a closed system

A Closed system breast pump means that the motor is completely blocked off from the parts of the pump that come into contact with the milk, such as the tubing, breast shield, and bottles.

In an Open system breast pump there can sometimes be a chance that the milk may overflow or somehow come into contact with the motor where it’s impossible to clean and can cause bacteria.

While a closed system is good for piece of mind, it isn’t a huge concern, as contamination is a very rare occurrence, especially when you take care to make sure you don’t overflow the bottles. And many of the top breast pumps that use an open system are designed with preventing this issue in mind.

Features

 One of the better features to look out for in an electric breast pump is a let-down function. This is a setting that will help stimulate the breasts when you first start pumping so that a natural milk flow is achieved. Again… It isn’t a necessity but it’s something that many mothers find very helpful.

Another feature to look out for in an electric breast pump is battery operation. Many of the better breast pumps can be operated either via AC power or batteries. While there can be a slight loss of power or suction when operating a pump via batteries, it can allow you to take the pump pretty much anywhere. Many pumps also offer car chargers as an additional accessory.

Choosing the best breast pump really comes down to your lifestyle and your personal preferences. Hopefully you now you have a better idea of what style of pump is suited to you and what features to look out for.

Click above to view more pictures of the Medela Harmony

When it comes to breast pumps, Medela are synonymous with quality. In the electric breast pump range the Medela Pump in Style and the Medela Swing both receive rave reviews and great feedback from owners.

The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump has a very simple design, utilizing a single breast flange that seals comfortably over the breast, a swivel pumping handle, a valve, a bottle to collect the milk and a stand.

How does it work?

Once all the parts are assembled you place the breast shield over your nipple so it fits comfortably and press down on the drops symbol on the top of the handle. Doing so will begin the simulation phase which imitates the baby’s suckling action to help achieve a natural milk flow. Once a natural flow is achieved you then press down on the lower end of the handle to achieve the expression phase which mimics your baby’s slower, deeper suckling action. You can adjust the speed of the handle strokes to alter the level of vacuum.

Who is it suitable for?

Generally manual breast pumps are best suited to mother’s who will spend a lot of time with their baby and therefore only need to express milk occasionally. As this can be a time consuming exercise it’s recommended to invest in an electric pump if you plan to pump regularly. Electric breast pumps, particularly double electric breast pumps tend to be more expensive than manual pumps but the amount of time saved is well worth the investment for any mother who intends to use it regularly. Due to the small size and relatively quiet operation, the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump can also make a great companion to an electric breast pump for mothers who want something that’s a little more convenient to carry around around than a larger pump and the accessories that go with it.

How much should I pay?

The Medela Harmony Breast Pump normally retails for around $35 but we’ve found it lower online at a few different websites, including Amazon. You can click here to check out their current price.

Click here to check the current price

Is it easy to wash?

The Medela Harmony should be washed prior to first use and immediately after each session. Being a manual pump with only a few parts, the Medela Harmony is relatively easy to clean. Once disassembled, all parts that come into contact with the breast milk should be either handwashed in warm, soapy water or alternatively sterilized via steaming or microwave sterilization. The parts that come into contact with the breast milk are also BPA free which means it’s safe for baby.

Click above to view more pictures of the Medela Harmony

What others are saying…

The Medela Harmony Breast Pump gets rave reviews with most owners singling the great suction, comfort and how easy it is to use and assemble.

Of the few negative comments around, some complain of a loss of suction after a few months of use or not enough suction at all from the get go. However, for every 1 negative comment about the level of suction there appears to be at least 5 good ones so it would seem most mothers who purchase the Medela Harmony don’t have a problem.

“So I tried the Medela Harmony, and I love it! The first time I used it, I pumped 2 ounces in a matter of minutes, and the suction is totally comfortable. Unlike the Avent, it’s easy to use with one hand, so I can nurse my daughter on one side and pump the other side” – Holly G

“If you are like me, and need to pump often to keep up your supply, this is a great addition to your

breastfeeding arsonal” – J Seivers

Click here to read more real user reviews

What we like about it…

The great swivel handle that allows both a simulation phase and expression phase is a welcome addition in a manual breast pump and can really help achieve let down much easier. The other bonus is the convenience of the Harmony, it’s easy to assemble and clean, and both quiet enough and small enough to make it great for pumping on the go.

What we don’t like…

Honestly, there’s not much to say in the way of negatives. The Medela Harmony is a great all round pump. If we had to single out anything it would have been nice to see transparent tubing used in the design as it’s sometimes good to be able to see when the milk starts flowing through. Other than that we’re really hard pressed to find anything bad to say about it.

The Verdict…

The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is the rolls Royce of manual breast pumps and unlike the electric pumps that Medela manufacture, it’s competitively priced when compared to it’s couterparts. It really is hard to find fault with this pump, which the great feedback from owners attests to. Highly recommended.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon are the first place we recommend for anything baby related. They have a great 365 day refund policy and offer free shipping on items over $25. We also find that they consistently beat both off the shelf prices and other online retailers when it comes to breast pumps.

Click here to view Amazon’s discounted price

Click here to read more reviews on Manual Breast Pumps or go to our home page for more Breast Pump Reviews

Item number: 67186

Manufacturer: Medela

Item: Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

Click above to view more pictures of the First Years miPump

The First Years miPump Review

The First Years miPump is one of the best selling pumps on Amazon and has a 3 star rating which puts it in the middle of the road. We tend to agree with this rating as there are definitely better single electric pumps out there, such as the Medela Swing Breast Pump.

The First Years miPump however, comes in at almost half the price of the Medela, so if cost is an issue then read on to see if this pump’s for you.

The First Years Breast Pump is a single electric pump with 8 different suction levels that can be adjusted using the + and – buttons on the control unit. Unlike some of the better pumps on the market the miPump doesn’t have a setting to achieve let down (the natural flow of milk) and you instead need to either manually stimulate your breasts before you start pumping or wait for it to kick in using a normal setting.

Is it battery operated?

Yes, it can be operated both via AC power at home or via battery power for when you’re on the run. The pump uses 4AA batteries and from all reports it operates just as well on battery power as it does on AC power. This is definitely a bonus if you’re going to be using the pump away from home, as many pumps on the market today suffer a loss in power when run on batteries.

Is it loud?

No, most mothers that use the First Years miPump find it to be one of the quieter breast pumps available. It’s on par with the Medela, which is just about the quietest electric pump out there.

Is it comfortable?

One common complaint about the first years breast pump is that the breast shields provided with it can be a little uncomfortable for larger breasted women. Unfortunately the pump doesn’t have replacement shields in different sizes either, so you can’t switch them out if you find they’re not to your liking.

Is it easy to clean?

All the parts of the First Years Breast Pump that require regular cleaning are dishwasher safe and can also be boiled in hot water for sterilization which makes cleaning extremely easy compared to some of the pumps that require hand washing for multiple parts.

How much should I pay?

We regularly check prices on all the pumps and accessories we review and Amazon consistently offer the best prices. While the miPump can retail anywhere up to $60 we wouldn’t pay any more than $55. If you can find it cheaper then we recommend picking it up.

Click here to check the current price

What accessories does it come with?

The First Years miPump comes with a travel bag, bottle with travel lid, 2 Easy Pour Milk Storage Bags and 2 Lanolin Nursing Pads.

What we like about it…

The First Years Breast Pump is one of the quietest electric breast pumps available which is important if you intend to use it in the office or any public place where noise may be a concern.

The other thing we like is that there’s no noticeable loss of power when running on batteries. This is a common problem for many pumps but the miPump does admirably.

What we don’t like…

The lack of a function to help achieve let down is our main gripe with the First Years miPump. It’s a feature that we love in some of the other breast pumps we’ve reviewed and the miPump definitely loses points here.

Another negative for the miPump is that many owners report that the pump loses power after prolonged use. This isn’t always the case but it seems to be a complaint that’s much more prevalent with this one than many units out there.

What others have to say about it…

“The first thing I noticed about the pump when I received it was how small it is. The motor fits in the palm of the my hand which I love.” -Coe Family

“To be clear–this is not an amazing exceptional breastpump that performs like the $300 models. It’s under $50. With that in mind, this was a great investment to try pumping and get the hang of it before moving on to a more expensive (or double) model” – Mrs Padilla

“I have not been able to get a lot of milk out using this pump. The pumping patterns seems way to quick. The highest setting doesn’t seem to get my milk out quickly enough. It takes me almost 40 minutes to get 1-2oz out of both breasts, unless I am really over engorged. ” -Jessica

 Click here to read more real user reviews

What’s the verdict?

For the price the First Years miPump is a decent pump, and if you’re not expecting a lot of use out of it then it may do the trick. If however, you plan on prolonged use then we recommend going for a higher quality pump like the Medela Swing Breast Pump.

Where can I buy it?

The only place we recommend for baby related products is Amazon.com. They have first class customer service and offer free shipping on items over $25. We check prices regularly and the First Years miPump has generally been available at a heavily discounted price on Amazon.

Click here to check the current price

Click here for more Single Breast Pump Reviews or go to our home page for more all Breast Pump Reviews

Model Number: Y4612

Manafacturer: The First Years

Item Name: The First Years miPump

While mothers with a busy schedule often prefer the faster operation of a double breast pump, they’re not necessarily for everyone. For one… Some mother’s can find it difficult to get the hang of operating two pumps at once and there’s also the extra bulk when transporting it around. There are benefits to both types of pump, and in the end, it really comes to down to personal preference and lifestyle.

Today we’re looking at a single electric breast pump, the Medela Swing. The Medela Swing has a single flange that fits comfortably over the breast, with the bottle attached just below.

Much like it’s double breast pump cousin.. the Medela Pump in Style, it uses Two-Phase expression technology that mimics your baby’s natural feeding pattern. The first phase, known as the simulation phase operates at a faster cycle for the first 2 minutes to help achieve let-down (where the milk starts to flow naturally). Once this phase is complete the pump automatically switches to expression mode, which assists in helping the milk flow at a slower, but more effective rate.

Using a pump can be a daunting task at first, so the two phase expression technology is a blessing you’re starting out. Once you get the hang of it you can override the simulation stage by simply pressing the let down button and changing the settings to your liking.

How much should I pay?

 This pump retails anywhere up to $150 but if you do some research you should be able to find it cheaper. At last price check Amazon had the best deal we could find. They also offer free shipping for selected items over $25 and have a great return policy on all baby products.

Click here to check the current price

What settings does the Medela Swing Breast Pump have?

 On the control console you’ll find a + and – button to adjust the vacuum level to find the most comfortable setting. Holding down one or the other will adjust the vacuum more rapidly and a green LCD light with flash when you’ve achieved the minimum or maximum vacuum level for the pump.  Just above and below the vacuum controls, you’ll find the on/off button and the let-down button. Overall it’s a very simple, easy to use control system that you should get the hang of in no time.

Is the pump safe for my baby?

 As is the case with most breast pumps on the market, all the parts of the Medela Swing that come into contact with the milk are BPA free. Meaning that the plastics used are free from contaminants that could harm your baby. While this is common place in most baby products today, you should always check with the manufacturer or retailer if you’re unsure.  The other consideration when it comes to safety is whether or not a pump uses an open or closed system. A closed system means that the tubing and motor are protected from the milk overflowing by a diaphragm. This helps prevent parts of the unit becoming contaminated if milk accidentally gets inside it.  The Medela Swing uses an open system which means there is no diaphragm to prevent this from occurring, however you’ll find that as long as you keep an eye on how much milk you have expressed it’s very, uncommon for any overflow to occur. If it does, you should ensure all parts are cleaned immediately after use.

Is it operated by batteries or AC power?

 Both. The Medela Swing Breast Pump comes with an AC adapter cord for home use and also has a compartment to fit 4 AA batteries for when you’re on the move. When using battery power you’ll generally find the Medela Swing Pump will give you 2-4 hours of operation. A common problem in many pumps is that there will be a noticeable loss of power or vacuum when switching to battery operation, however this is one problem that the high quality Medela pumps generally overcome. While you may notice a slight loss of power in battery mode, it’s not as noticeable in the Medela Swing Breast Pump as it is in many other breast pumps on the market.

Is it easy to transport?

One of the great benefits of a single pump is that they’re much more discreet and easier to store and transport than the double pumps. The Medela Swing Breast Pump comes with a carry bag, but will also fit comfortably inside many purses too. For this reason, many mothers prefer a single pump for use in the office. It’s a lot more discreet to quickly duck out with your purse in hand than it is with a backpack or tote over your shoulder.

Is it loud?

 The Medela Swing Breast Pump is one of the quietest, if not the quietest pump on the market. Some of the reviews from mother’s who regularly use the pump even say it’s quieter than their baby’s are while feeding.

Is the Medela Swing Breast Pump easy to clean?

 One of the drawbacks with the Medela Swing Pump is that handwashing is recommended by the manufacturer over using a dishwasher which is possible with some of it’s competitors. After each use, the breastshield, pump body, valve, membrane, bottles and bottle caps need to be disassembled and hand washed in warm soapy water or boiled. It will take a little longer than some of it’s competitors pumps but overall it’s not a huge issue.

What accessories does the pump come with?

 Out of the box you’ll find 2 collection containers and lids, a collection stand, a carry bag, shoulder strap, AC Adapter and an instruction manual. The drawstring bag isn’t exactly a fashion accessory but it’s a nice addition for those who decide to use it. Most mother’s will likely prefer to carry the pump around in a purse or something equally conspicuous. The manual is brief but manages to cover pretty much everything you’ll need to know about the pump from operation, to cleaning and troubleshooting.

What others have to say about it…

 “I had rented a hospital grade dual medela pump, when it was time to return it to the hospital I purchased this medela swing pump. I never thought it would work anywhere near as good as the hospital grade pump, and I also thought that it would be annoying going from a dual pump to a single pump. To my surprise, this pump works amazingly” – omccombs

“I used this pump once I returned back to work part-time. It worked perfectly for me since I only needed to pump once per day. Very compact, fabulous suction.”-kristinmbeck

“The pump-in-style is a bit larger and clunkier to carry around, so I will use this swing pump when I go back to work – to pump during my lunch hour. If you are looking for a portable, decent pump this is a good deal – amazon’s price is the best anywhere that I could find.”-bestemp

Click here to see more real user reviews

What we like about it…

 The best feature of the Medela Swing Breast Pump is definitely the size. The power and suction it produces is comparable to the much larger double pumps while still being small enough to carry around in a purse. The other noteworthy feature is the durable motor. We research a lot of pumps and scour sources far and wide for user feedback and it’s very difficult to find mention of Medela pumps declining in power with prolonged use. Certainly not to the same extent as you’ll find with other pumps.

What we don’t like…

 For this price it would have been nice to see a couple more accessories included such as a cooler bag for the milk bottles, but the Medela pumps are generally priced higher because of the overall quality of the unit and it’s hard to find fault with the pump itself.
The only other gripe is the cleaning. The Medela pumps generally require handwashing for all parts which does take a little longer.

What’s the verdict on the Medela Swing Breast Pump?

 It’s probably the most expensive single electric pump on the market, but you really do get what you pay for and the Medela do manufacture high quality breast pumps, the Medela Swing is no exception. Highly recommended.

Where can I buy it?

As always we recommend Amazon for all breast pumps and baby related products. They have a 356 day return policy on baby products and offer free shipping for items over $25. You’ll find it very hard to find a cheaper price in shops or anywhere on the internet.

Click here to view Amazons discounted price

Click here to read more reviews on Single Electric Breast Pumps or go to our home page for more Breast Pump Reviews

Item Code: 67050

Manufacturer: Medela

Item: Medela Swing Breast Pump

Click above to view more pictures of the Ameda Purely Yours

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump Review

The Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump is a double electric breast pump which can be a life saver for a busy mother when time is a concern. A pumping session on a dual pump will usually last about 20 minutes, sometimes shorter once you master the art.

The Ameda comes with 2 dials.. one for cycle (speed), and another for suction, offering 32 combinations all up. Expressing milk can be sometimes be an uncomfortable experience, so it’s important to be able to customize the process to your liking.

One noticeable absence from the Ameda, is a custom setting to stimulate the flow of milk (known as let down). While the same function can be achieved by setting a higher cycle (speed) for the first couple of minutes of pumping, we would have preferred to see them offer a separate setting for it.

The pump also comes with six 4oz bottles, however it’s compatible with most baby bottles out there so using your preferred ones shouldn’t be a problem.

The Ameda electric breast pump can be operated via either AC power when at home or the office, or via 6 AA batteries when you’re on the move.

Sometimes using the battery power with a breast pump will result in poorer performance than when connected with AC power. And while some user reviews for the Ameda complain about this, the problem doesn’t seem to be as prevalent as it is with many of the other electric breast pumps on the market.

What are the safety features?

The Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump’s parts are BPA free (a potentially harmful compound sometimes used in the manufacture of plastics), which is always important in any product that your baby will come into contact with. It’s also a closed system pump that means a diaphragm is used to ensure the tubing and motor are protected from overflow. This prevents milk from leaking into parts of the pump that are difficult to clean and possibly contaminating it.

How much can I expect to pay?

It really depends on which package you prefer. The pump on it’s own usually retails online for anywhere between $150 – $170. With the bag or back pack we’ve found prices up to $250 and as low as $200. And while prices can vary greatly we’ve generally found Amazon.comto have the most competitive price on this pump.

Click here to check the current price

What accessories does the Ameda electric pump come with?

Out of the box the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump comes with a Dual Hygenikit milk collection system, your choice of microfiber backpack or tote, depending on the model you prefer, an AC power adapter, a Cool ’n’ carry milk storage bag with 3 cooling elements, six 4oz bottles with 2 piece lock tight caps and an instruction manual. The backpack version also comes with a car adapter, 2 cotton breast pads, and a manual pump handle.

Is it easy to clean?

One of the benefits of a closed system pump is that once the parts have been sterilized before first use, you won’t need to clean the tubing, caps or pump connectors regularly as they never come into contact with the milk. The breast flange and bottles can be washed in the upper compartment of your dishwasher, while the valves and diaphragm will need to be hand washed after each use. Overall the Ameda Purely Yours is a sinch to clean compared to some of the other pumps out there.

What we like…

The closed system that the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump uses is a huge plus. When it comes to both hygiene and cleaning, a closed system is a great benefit. The other thing we like is the price. While the Ameda is slightly pricier than the Lansinoh Affinity, it also offers a tote or backpack, which the Lansinoh does not. All at a cheaper price than the impressive Medela Pump in Style.

What we don’t like…

The first thing is the lack of a separate setting to induce let-down. While it is easy to achieve by setting a higher cycle setting at the start of the pumping session, it would have been nice to see this feature included. The other small gripe with the Ameda is the noise. One of the things we loved about the Medela Pump in Style breast pump was how quiet and discreet it was, the Ameda however is considerably louder. It’s not that much of a problem in the home but if you plan to use it at work, you’ll need to be comfortable with the crowd it attracts.

What others have to say about it…

“I was very disappointed to find that the pump makes an annoying high pitched beeping sound with each in and out cycle”-nje

“I have used my Purely Yours pump in a car and in many other situations during the 8 and 1/2 months of pumping. It is a lightweight machine with a good amount of power. I take it back and forth to work with me, as well as when I travel.”-Faye. A

“It is very comfortable. I keep the vacuum setting in the middle and the cycle setting at the highest at first, and then turn it all the way down low after let-down and it feels just like second nature” –H. Gilani

Click here to view more real user reviews

What’s the verdict on the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump?

It’s definitely an impressive pump and receives rave reviews, however despite having a couple of benefits over the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump, namely the closed system and the price, it’s not quite in the same league.

If you can’t afford the pricier Medela, then the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump is a very good pump despite it’s few flaws.

Where to buy?

If you’re purchasing online we always recommend Amazon.com for any baby related products for their first class customer service and excellent refund policy on baby related products.

Click here to check their current prices…

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump with carry all

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump with backpack

Click here to read more reviews on Double Electric Breast Pumps or go to our home page for more Breast Pump Reviews

Item model number: 17070

Manafacturer: Ameda

Item: Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump

Click here to view more pictures of the Medela Pump in Style Advanced

Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump Review

The Medela breast pump comes with a double pump accessory kit, which mean’s it’s capable of being used as both single breast pump and dual breast pump. In order to switch from double to single pumping you simply remove the second tube from it’s port and replace it with a cap that’s attached to the unit. This Medela breast pump also features 2-Phase Expression® technology which involves an initial cycle known as the stimulation phase. During this phase the pump mimics the natural feeding pattern of your baby in order to stimulate the breasts and start the milk flowing naturally (known as let-down). This cycle lasts 2 minutes but can be overridden by the push of a button if you achieve a natural flow earlier. Once this phase completes, the expression phase commences.

 How much should I pay?

You can expect to pay anywhere up to $280 however when Amazon have it in stock you can often pick it up at a heavily discounted price. You’ll also find that the backpack version and the tote can vary in price.

Click here to view the current price

Is it safe?

First of all the Medela breast pump’s components are free of BPA; A compound used in the manufacture of many plastics that can be potentially harmful to your baby. This is something you need to look out for when considering any purchase that your baby will come into contact with. In fact, I highly recommend ensuring any baby bottles currently in your home are free of BPA. I normally check the manufacturers website for information.

 What settings does it have?

As opposed to some of the other breast pumps that come with + and – buttons for both speed and suction, the Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump comes with a single dial for setting the suction. Combining the 2 settings into one is a master stroke that makes finding the perfect setting for your comfort so much easier than many of the other electric breast pumps out there. Many mothers prefer to achieve a second let-down during pumping so the Medela comes with a let-down button which can be used at any time to switch back and forth between the stimulation and expression phase, another very handy addition.

Can I run this Medela Breast Pump on batteries?

The Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump comes equipped to be run from both a power outlet on the wall or via a battery pack that holds 8 AA batteries. While some of the other electric breast pumps out there require less batteries, you’ll  find that these units suffer from a difference in performance when using batteries as opposed to AC power. This definitely isn’t an issue with the Medela breast pump, which will work just as solidly on the go, as it will at home. From the 8AA batteries you can expect about 2 hours of battery life from the unit. This doesn’t sound like a lot but it should be enough to get you through around 10-12 sessions. An optional accessory (not included) for the Medela Breast Pump is the 9v vehicle lighter adapter which is ideal for mothers who find themselves needing to express milk while on the road or a long holiday.

Is it quiet?

When reading reviews from mothers who have used more than one electric breast pump, you’ll generally find that one of the many reasons the Medela is singled out for praise is it’s whisper quiet operation, especially when compared to some of the cheaper models on the market. This may not be a problem for some, but many mothers out there will be in a situation where they need to use the pump at work or other places where discretion is definitely a factor. The Medela electric breast pump is both quiet, and convenient.

Is it easy to clean?

The Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump uses an ‘open-system’. In basic terms this means that the milk may come into contact with many parts of the pump, including the motor and tubing (although this generally only occurs when the milk overflows). Now while, closed-system pumps are the preferred option of many mothers due to safety concerns, there’s nothing wrong at all with an open system as long as the parts are cleaned and sterilized regularly. Medela recommend disassembling and washing all parts separately after each use, however many mothers find that once a day is fine providing that the tubing and motor have not come into contact with the milk. Fortunately assembly of the Medela breast pump is a quick and easy task, generally taking less than a minute to achieve. Once disassembled, the parts should be hand washed in warm soapy water, and a damp cloth used to wipe the diaphragm and bag.

What accessories does it come with?

Out of the box the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump comes with..

·         A backpack or tote (depending on which model you prefer)

·         Medela Breast Pump Battery pack (batteries not included)

·         A PVC removable cooler carrier to keep the milk cold for up to 12 hours

·         4 5oz breast milk bottles & lids

·         A travel cap

·         2-24mm breastshields

·         2 Valves

·         4 Membranes

·         Contoured ice pack

·         Medela Breast Pump Breastfeeding Information Guide

·         Medela Breast Pump Instruction Manual

The Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump comes with a backpack or a tote, which one is better?

This really depends on your needs and comes down to personal choice. Both the backpack and the tote are highly discreet. There’s no brand name or any other give away markings on the outside of the bag that would indicate what’s inside. Many mother’s who use the pump at work prefer to use the tote, as it doesn’t appear quite as obvious as leaving your office with a backpack 3 times a day. If discretion isn’t a concern then the backpack has slightly more storage room and the straps make it more comfortable to carry around. While the unit and accessories don’t weigh all that much by themselves, by the time you’ve pumped and stored away the milk you may want to opt for the more comfortable option.
Style may also be a factor in your decision, and in that case, at least for me, the tote wins hands down. The bags also come in either black or butter.

What others have to say about it…

“I am so happy that I bought this pump! I had received an Avent single electric breast pump for my baby shower, and while I was only using it for occasional pumping it was fine. However, once I went back to work, I needed to pump more frequently and it took a very long time to pump both breasts…at least an hour for both, longer if I wanted to be thorough.”-Phoenix

“gets the job done, good suction. it has a lot more space but it still compatible with my spare parts from my old pump in style”-ethansmom

Click here to see more real user reviews

What We like…
Outside of the hospital grade pumps that cost thousands of dollars, the Medela is simply put.. the best breast pump out there. The combination of the quality and durability of the motor mean that you’ll get years of use from a one time purchase. The other thing we’re impressed with are the accessories provided with this Medela Breast Pump. While the price may be higher than some of the other electric pumps on the market, none of them come close to offering what you’ll find with the Medela Breast Pump.

What We Don’t Like…
The first minor complaint is that while it’s relatively easy to disassemble and clean, the fact it uses an open system means that it requires more frequent cleaning than some of the closed system units out there. The second minor complaint is the price tag. While The Medela costs quite a deal more than some of the other options out there, you do get what you pay for. If you have the money to spend then you won’t find a better option than the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump.

What’s the verdict?

Medela Breast Pumps are made with the highest quality and put simply, the The Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump is the best electric breast pump money can buy (outside of the hospital grade pumps). If you’re prepared to pay a little more for a high quality breast pump, then you can’t go wrong.

Where Can I Buy It?

We regularly check prices on all the items we review and Amazon consistently beat the off the shelf retail price on many items. Their 365 day return policy on all items in their baby department, and free shipping on items over $25 is hard to beat. Medela Breast Pumps can be pricey but Amazon generally offer fairly large discounts.

Click here to see Amazon’s discounted price

I’ve personally purchased many items from them over the years and have found their customer service to be top notch on the few occasions I’ve had to return an item that didn’t live up to expectations.

Click here to read more reviews on Double Electric Breast Pumps or go to our home page for more Breast Pump Reviews

Manafactuer: Medela

Model: 57062

Category: Medela Breast Pump Reviews

Item Name: Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump

Click above to see more pictures of the Lansinoh Affinity

Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Breast Pump Review

The Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Breast Pump, as the title states, is BPA-free. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, BPA it is an abbreviation for Bisphenol A; A key component in the production of many bottles. Recent studies have shown that the compound is potentially dangerous, especially in the developmental stage. So it’s important to make sure any products your baby may come into contact with are free of BPA. The Lansinoh breast pump also uses a ‘closed system’. In basic terms, this means that the milk doesn’t come into contact with the air at any stage of the pumping process, which means it’s not exposed to any harmful bacteria or contaminants. The closed system also prevents the milk from backing up into the tubing or the motor where it can stagnate and contaminate any fresh milk pumped through the system.

 Is the Lansinoh Breast Pump comfortable?

 The Lansinoh breast pump’s custom expression technology settings mimic the natural feeding pattern of your baby. The suction starts out at a high speed, gentle pressure which helps stimulate the breasts and encourage milk flow, known as the letdown phase. This phase lasts for about 2 minutes, however you can override the speed or pressure at any time. The breast flanges on the Lansinoh Affinity also come with a rubber seal that both helps aid with suction as well as providing a comfortable cushion, which is important to avoid pain or discomfort if you’re going to be using your pump regularly.

How much should I pay?

This Lansinoh Breast Pump normally retails for anywhere up to $150 but you can find it cheaper at many online stores. We always recommend Amazon for any baby related purchases as they have a great refund policy and free delivery for items over $25.

Click here to check the current price

 Features

• ComfortFit breast flanges for extra comfort
• Closed System to prevent milk back up for greater hygiene
• One touch letdown button
• LCD Screen with timer
• 8 Suction and 6 cycle (speed) settings
• Double or Single pumping use
• Built in bottle holders to prevent spills

How do I operate it?

Settings for both speed and suction are easily adjustable by pressing the + and – buttons on the unit. There are a total of 8 suction settings and 6 speed settings and the LCD screen will show you which cycle and setting you’re using as well as a timer to display how long you’ve been using the device. You may need to experiment for a while before finding the most comfortable and effective setting. The Lansinoh Breast Pump can either be connected to the AC adapter(included) whilst at home or the office, or alternatively it can be operated with 6 AA batteries (not included) when you’re on the go. If the AA batteries are left in the unit whilst the AC adapter is connected, the battery power will not be used. One problem of note is that you’ll find the Lansinoh Breast Pump loses a bit of power when operated by battery and may mean you need to slightly alter the settings to get the same results you’ll have when using AC power.

How easy is it to clean the Lansinoh Affinity?

 The closed system means that you won’t have to clean as many parts as you would in an open system pump, however you still need to clean and sterilize your pump parts regularly, except for the rubber tubing which does not require any maintenance. All the parts (excluding the tubing) of the Lansinoh Breast Pump are dishwasher safe which makes cleaning very easy. The only thing to keep in mind here is that the valves can degrade over time so we recommend hand washing them separately for extended life. When it comes to sterilization you can either boil the parts, or alternatively you can steam sterilize using a microwave bag, which is always my preferred method to cut down on time.

What accessories are included?

One of the disappointing things about the Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Breast Pump is the lack of a carry bag or backpack that many of it’s competitors feature, however you’ll find that the pump is still small enough to fit in most hand bags, provided you don’t mind discarding a few other items.

What is included however…..

2 BPA free bottles

2 Bottle lids

2 extra white valves

2 silicone tubes

Tubing connector to switch from double to single pumping

Lansinoh Breast Pump AC Adaptor

1 Velcro strap for tubing

Lansinoh Breast Pump Instruction manual

What we like about it….

 One of it’s best features is that the Lansinoh Breast Pump is compatible with almost all baby bottles so if you prefer to use your own as opposed to the bottles that sell with the unit you won’t have any hassles. It also comes with built in bottle holders to help prevent spillage.

What we don’t like about it….

 It would have been nice to see a carry bag included as an accessory with the Lansinoh, however given that it retails at a much lower price than many of it’s competitors we can understand the decision. The other complaint is the noise. While it’s not intrusively loud, there are other breast pumps on the market that seem to offer the same results at a quieter level.

What others have to say……

 “When looking for a breast pump I was referred to the medela pump but it was a bit out of my price range. So I got this one and love it!! I have been using it for 10mo. now and have not had a single problem” - Andrat

 “This one is louder than the Medela but not so much that it is off putting” - Jana Taylor

 “This pump works great. I have been using for several days – especially during engorgement phase. I typically get 4-5 oz in about 7-9 minutes. I like how the piping stays steril – only brand to offer this. My only complaint is it is VERY noisy. Since it takes less than 10 min to pump and costs a fraction of the medula, I can accept the noise.” - Jam

Click here to see more real user reviews

The Verdict…

While the Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Breast Pump doesn’t come with many of the features or accessories that you’ll find with the Medela, it’s a very solid unit that gets great feedback from buyers. So if money’s a concern for you it’s very hard to go past the Lansinoh for value, coming in at almost one third of the price of the Medela.

 Where to buy it?

When it comes to breast pumps or any baby related products it’s very hard to look past Amazon.com as they offer a 365 day return policy on all baby products and free shipping on items over $25. They often have the Lansinoh Breast Pump at a heavily discounted price compared to other online retailers.

Click here to view Amazon’s discounted price

Click here to read more reviews on Double Electric Breast Pumps or go to our home page for more Breast Pump Reviews

Item model number: LANSINOHLABSINC192328

Manafacturer: Lansinoh

Category: Lansinoh Breast Pump Reviews

Item: Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Breast Pump BPA-free