Alright, insurance is covering my pump, however I have to choose between 5 and I have honestly only heard of one brand. So I'm going to put it out here and hope you all have something to say about it!
I will be a SAHM to twins (if you are mobile) and basically just want to be prepared to pump if EBF doesn't work out.
1 & 2) Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump No Tote or with Tote and shoulder bag
3) Medela Personal Double Pump (OoS until 7/1) ETA: Just like PIS but without the accessories
4) Medela Advanced personal Double Pump ETA: Just like PIS but without the accessories.
5)PJs Bliss Electric Breast Pump ETA: Considered a "hospital grade" pump but seems to get this title because it can be a multi-person system. Does not refer to any other features.
Any suggestions would be great. I'm going to continue to research but I thought I would go here too!
Re: Chosing a pump
Either 2 or 4.
Ameda is a closed system (milk can not get to the motor). Medela is open system (sometimes milk does get to the motor). Medela tends to be more popular.
If you do end up having problems early, rent a hospital grade pump. None of these will do the job exclusively pumping twins early on. You can move to a consumer grade pump after a couple months, if need be.
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I have a Medela Pump In Style Advanced, and really like it. It's a double pump. I'm assuming, from seeing some of the other options on the Medela website, that the other pumps are pretty similar.
I see that you have a choice between a pump with a bag and without - I'd suggest with, so you can take it with you easily if you'll be out of the house.
Isn't a closed system better when available?
Now, the Medela bags/totes look less obvious and bulky. I don't have one so I can't comment on that part. Just don't pick the APY option for the bag alone :
Yes, I think so. It's a better design.
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My insurance provided me with the Ameda Purely Yours, and I wanted to throw it out the window. I do NOT recommend this pump. It didn't even have enough suction to double pump - I was trying to EP and having to single pump. Half the time, the pieces didn't connect properly and I would still lose suction, hear air, etc. I have heard other people say that they liked theirs, and the ones on Amazon do not look like the one I received. I heard they changed to a manufacturer in China, and that may explain the change in quality. People told me their customer service was good, and to call and they would troubleshoot/replace my pump, but I didn't feel like it was worth it. I ended up buying a PISA.
It seems like most people recommend Medela, but I'm only EPing one baby and I am inclined to agree with the PP... if you end up having to EP TWO babies, just rent a hospital grade pump and have yours for backup/travel/later when your supply is established. I think if I were you, I'd go with the Medela Advanced Personal Double Pump. You can always buy your own tote/accessories for it.