PIS advanced vs. hospital grade

[ktcl]

Can someone enlighten me about the difference between a Pump In Style Advanced pump and a hospital grade pump (ie- symphony). Both say they have the two-phase pump system. I just want to be sure I am getting enough milk when I pump. With DS, I was constantly worried and barely had enough. I'm heading back to work in about 2 weeks, and if the hospital grade pump is going to make me less stressed, etc. then I want to rent one, but I am just curious what people's experiences have been. In general, I have been able to pump 2-4 oz. with the PIS advanced.

[patronus]

my experience:
i have the PIS and i have used the hospital grade. the hospital grade didn't seem to have stronger suction than the PIS. in fact, i had the hospital grade turned up higher than my PIS. this was during a consultation with my LC. i commented to her that i was surprised that the suction on my PIS seemed a bit stronger and she said she had heard the same comment before.

i don't think the hospital pump would have been more effective than my PIS.

good luck!

[MilkbarMom]

I have used both the Pump in Style Advanced, and the Symphony. I prefer the PISA. I think it has stronger suction, and I get more milk.

[smpayne]

I never used a Symphony, but I did use an Egnel Lact-e, Lactina, PIS (old version), and Ameda Purely Yours. I did not notice a huge difference between any of these. My PY was the only one that had a cycle adjustment (PISA has it now), which was nice.

The "hospital grade" pump have much more durable motors, and are designed for heavy usage, multiple users and will last a very long time. The motors on the personal use pumps do give out after awhile (1-2years).

[cchrissyy]

Originally Posted by smpayne

The "hospital grade" pump have much more durable motors, and are designed for heavy usage, multiple users and will last a very long time. The motors on the personal use pumps do give out after awhile (1-2years).

Yeah, the differences lay in this sort of stuff, not in your actual experience of the pumping and milk-producing. However, if the symphony would make you "less anxious" it may be worthwhile just for that reason! nobody wants to be an anxious mom, especially not going back to work and worrying about milk supply and whether the anxiety is hurting the milk supply!

[ktcl]

thanks everyone. I think I feel resolved that I don't need a hospital grade pump.