If you are a working mom- YES. It is hard enough to take a 20 min break to pump. If I had to double that I would have probably quit BF by now. Anything that makes pumping easier is worth it IMO.
It's not necessary for me because I EBF (never in a bottle) and don't work. i only use mine when I get engorged because DS sleeps longer than expected. If you're going back to work or planning on bottle feeding some of the time, get a double.
Yes, very much so. If you're going to buy a double pump, go for Medela, the rest are a waste of time in my opinion. I get about 6oz in 5 mins with my Medela double pump, it's awesome. Good Luck!
And when you pump one side, a lot of milk just falls out the other. So it's good to catch it even if you're not pumping. I used Playtex it's cheap compared to others and it worked for me ... though I just used it for a month or so ...
I work and use a single manual (Avent Isis). I prefer it over the double electric (I have used a hospital grade Ameda) because I have so much more control, can massage, and get as much milk out in half the time.
Oh my goodness, I could never have a single one....I would spend ALL my time pumping!!! I pump 15 minutes every 2-3 hours.....that would be 30 minutes if I had one pump......it would just take TOO much time and I would go INSANE! If you are going back to work you will not one the one pump, you really need the 2 pump to save you time.
Re: Is a double breast pump necessary?