Choosing a Breast Pump

I think that picking a pump was one of the most stressful decisions to make because I felt like there was so much riding on making the right choice. I wanted to breastfeed so badly; I wanted to stack the deck in my favor by having everything I might need.

After blisters, blocked ducts, and an emergency trip to a lactation consultant when a blocked duct made it so that I couldn't put my arm down... breastfeeding finally got a little easier.  8 months later, I'm a pro (it does get easier!!!). Looking back, I'm so glad I researched the heck out of pumps because my pump ended up saving this over-producer from a constant battle with blocked ducts! 

As I looked in to pumps, I couldn't get over the price of the Medelas or the fact that they're single-user (unless a pro model) because they aren't made with a simple and inexpensive membrane that would reliably prevent milk from ever entering the motor unit... Well, don't get me started on the rip-off factor, the sheer waste of throwing all these perfectly good pumps into our landfills, or the idea that scores of women are feeding their babies milk pumped with what could be a contaminated, moldy motor (google that if you're brave and over the morning sickness stage).  Anyhow, I crossed Medela off my list.  I looked into the Avent Isis, but the sticker was also very high.

I read a snippet somewhere about the Ameda Purely Yours, so I started doing research.
It has

• a membrane, making it safe for multiple users
• two horns for simultaneous pumping
• separate adjustments for speed and suction
• BPA-free components
• can be used hands-free with a simple pumping bandeau
• and the price was about half the Medela!

Even better, I found my Ameda on Craigslist for a song.  I was instantly impressed by its quietness and small size.  Once I started using it, I found it to be quick at expressing and really comfortable to use.

What more can you ask for? Well, my previously-loved pump started making what seemed like a funny sound.  I called up Ameda to see if there was anything I was doing wrong.  Instead, the rep I spoke with suggested we just replace the unit to save me the hassle of investigating it on top of taking care of my new baby.  I read her the serial number and we discovered it was an oooold unit.  Well outside of warranty.  But because Ameda is awesome, they stood behind their product and the lovely rep arranged to ship me a replacement unit anyway!  I can't say enough about the pump, but the company is even better than their product!  A rare thing today.

If you're in the market for a pump, the Ameda is a FANTASTIC choice.  There's no need to drop a small fortune on a pump in order to get a quality product.  And if you have questions or need encouragement with breastfeeding, feel free to contact me. I have.been.there.  :)