Philips AVENT - Twin Electric Breast Pump 4.5 5 56 62
Absolutely worth the awkwardness I'm a working mother, now breastfeeding my third. I've owned 5 electric pumps over the years, from the $40 bargain brand to a $300 Medela. Some broken, some I lost parts to, hence purchasing so many. The Isis iQ is the best ever, hands down.I'll start with the cons:There's lots of pieces, and the pieces don't like to stay together. The 'massage cushion' connects via sealing on the lip to the hard plastic horn, and can slip off easily. Its an easy fix, just cumbersome when your hands are occupied.The cup that screws to the horn does not seal securely either, and you can accidentally tap the cup and it will spin from the horn. I've never had it spin OFF, spilling milk, but it has broken suction.The horn & cup assmebled aren't very stable, and topple easily. Especially, if the stiff cord & hoses remain attached, they pull the assembly down.The carrying bag is big. Sure, its stylish, but big purses are 'in' right now! Its a lot to carry to work every day! It will hold EVERYTHING that comes with the pump, but for day to day use, I have no need to carry all the pieces-2 spare 9 oz cups, bottle nipple attachments, 2 coolers, etc.The final con, it must be nearly completely disassembled for traveling.The pros:This is the best darn pump for getting milk out of your breasts efficiently. So what if the cushion detaches or the assembly tips over occasionally? It is so worth the little inconveniences.The set-up and use for this pump is different than anything else on the market. If comparing, please remember that.You control EVERYTHING just like a manual pump. The suction pressure, the length of the pull, the frequency of the cycle. AND you can change it up through out the session to meet your needs over the course of the session. Light and quick at the start to stimulate 'let down,' then long continuous suction during let-down, then steady and rhythmic for the hind milk. I get 5 oz in 4 minutes. Every time. Not exaggerating.It doesn't hurt. Again, you control the pressure! After using, it doesn't feel like you've been bruised, cut, pierced, or pinched. There's no need for warm compresses or ice packs. I once had a pump hurt so bad, that I could never 'let down' on it because my breasts were so tender I wanted to scream.Its quiet. My last pump sounded like I was continuously turning on/off a hand mixer on high. The Isis is about as loud as the infant swing. Its much more discreet in the workplace.The pieces can be re-assmebled for use as a single manual pump. VERY useful in situations where you can't carry the full bag, or don't have access to a plug.Did I mention it's the bomb at extracting milk? :)To recap: No, its not perfect-but its a machine pump, not your baby: who is perfect! It takes some getting used to, all the nuances and work-arounds for its (very few) shortcomings. But SO worth it. 03/29/2010
AWESOME PRODUCT!! I used this pump with my 1st baby when I went back to work - she is now 4 years old - I'm now using the SAME pump with my new baby - she is now 4 mos old - I pump at work and even at home to keep my milk supply up - this pump is AWESOME. I'm not sure why the other reviews say it is loud - mine is extremely quiet - the sleek black bag is so discreet nobody can tell (except other moms) what I am carrying around the office to and from the lactation room. It's very roomy on the inside, holds all of the pump parts and bottles and comes with 2 insulated bags with 8 gel chillers to keep milk fresh and cold during transport. Here's a tip, I keep each individual pump piece put together and stored in a quart size zip loc freezer bag which I change out daily (will take 2 per day - one for each) ...it fits perfectly and keeps the parts clean!! It's so convenient as well, I can keep most of the items plugged in without having to unplug everything - which is handy with my busy daily schedule at work. There are a lot more parts than other pumps but very easy to put together - and all the small parts are soft silicone - very easy to clean and comfortable against your body/skin. You even get extra and spare parts just in case something gets lost! The pump works with all the AVENT bottles and accessories easily!! There is also a side zippered pocket to keep items in. Mine has worked great and continues to do so. I recommend this pump to all my friends and to anyone considering a pump. Like I said I have been using the SAME one all this time! AWESOME PRODUCT!! 03/27/2010
Must Have I recieved a playtex dual pump for a shower gift. I used it for almost 2 months before buying this one. I was looking for something to use when I went back to work. This has been the best thing ever! I can pump in 10-15 min. tops, way quiter than my other pump, and I love how I can adjust the pump to mimic the baby. I am exclusive pumper because my baby had trouble latching on so it is definetly getting put to work. I haven't even used my old one, I pack this one every where. Last thing I will add is much easier to clean than the other one. Worth every penny! 12/28/2010
My best investment I rented an expensive pump from the hospital (one of those $2000.00 pumps) with my first child. For one month I paid about half of the cost of this pump and this avent pump is twice as comfortable. If you are going to pump…this is the pump to get. Worth every penny! 04/29/2010