How do you decide which breast pump is best?

[shinaabikwe]

Awww the endless choices for pumps are overwhelming me!

I am attempting to finish my registry and since they are so pricey I'd like to see if I can get one as a gift instead of paying out of our already depleted pockets.

My situation will be:
Baby breastfeeds whenever, whereever she wants for the first 2-3 months
Then we will be moving and more than likely I will be working full time.
I intend to use breastmilk exclusively the first six months for sure and its to remain the primary nutritional source for the first year. Depending on where baby girl and I are at the point we will see from then on.

So what do I really need?

[sh118]

My LC said that she used the Medela Harmony manual for months while working full time, so if you don't get one for a gift that is a cheap option. I have it and can get the same amount in same time as the Pump-in-Style, but you can only do one breast at a time. Doing both at the same time is awkward at first...having to hold the bottles and turn it on, etc. Either of these worked for me.

[LilMomma83]

It's a very personal decision and there is no way to know without trying them out! (sorry to say it!)

I hated the Medela PIS, but, most people I know LOVE it...

I LOVE my Avent Isis Duo Electric and the manual pump that comes with it as well - it is HIGHLY pricey though - I think it is pretty much the most expensive non-hospital pump you could get.

I use a Bailey Nurture III too (I got mine from WIC, but, they are supposed to be inexpensive) and I love it for single pumping, but, I am not fond of it for double pumping...it is pretty similar to the PIS to me, except less expensive and you have to use your thumbs to control the suction.

[LittleBlackBug]

I went with the Ameda Purely Yours Ultra for it's travel options: three types of power and for the separation of tubing and milk, not to mention being BPA free. I'll be pumping at work and wanted a good pump since it'll be a regular thing.

[Top10Lists]

I was asked exactly this question earlier this year. Since I spend most of my time compiling Top Ten Lists of just about everything you can imagine, I put together a video called "Top Ten Electric Breast Pumps for 2011".

I don't know if the video will be of any use to anyone on this forum but here's the link on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDecB8bJsCA

[Anna Phor]

You definitely need an electric double pump plus a hands-free bustier/bra.

I pumped for 10 months with the medela pump-in-style advanced. Pros to this one include that it is a double pump, supplies for it are widely available, and I believe it can be used with a car adaptor (which I never did but might be something you might need). The whole system also comes installed in a bag to carry it around in. The bag is quite big, though, so it is a pain if you have to travel anywhere with it.

Cons are that it is not a "closed system" so milk can theoretically get into the motor. This never happened to me, but it does mean you are not supposed to pass them along to somebody else.