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D.C. Area Babies
Electric Breast Pumps - what should I get?
I'll be using my pump on a daily basis so I'm sold on the idea of an electric double pump, but beyond that I'm clueless. It seems that they range from about $70 for 'The First Years' to $400 for Medela... why? Are there features I should look for, or do some brands break while others last? Anything you love or hate about your pump? Thanks so much!! 
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Re: Electric Breast Pumps - what should I get?
First of all, my advice would be not to purchase a breast pump until after your baby arrives and you've established BF. If you need a pump earlier than that, you can rent one from the hospital or an LC, usually a top-of-the-line Medela.
That being said, I used both an Ameda (who I think is now Lansinoh) pump and it was nothing compared to the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. It's totally worth the money to have the best pump when you know you'll be using it. The Medela was more comfortable, had a better motor, great customer service, lots of storage options, and if you forget something, there are supplies everywhere - Target, CVS, the Breastfeeding Center on K Street.
I got the Medela Freestyle, and while it was probably one of the most expensive pumps, I LOVE that I can literally pump anywhere with it since it is small and hands-free, and I can put it in any kind of bag so I don't look like I'm carrying a pump everywhere. I've heard you can make any pump hands-free by using a hands-free nursing bra but from what I understand the pump still has to be plugged in, and they are heavier/bulkier. My previous job I bounced from site to site, so having a lightweight pump that didn't need to be plugged in was crucial.
In the early days when I was on maternity leave I liked that I could literally walk around the house to get more coffee, fold laundry, and do other basic stuff while pumping (put on makeup, dry my hair, etc.). I think I would have been really frustrated if I had to stay put. I have also pumped in the car, restrooms, the beach, and lots of other places I wouldn't have thought I'd need to do as often as I did.
Now I mostly pump at work but I'm still happy with the freestyle because I can tuck it in an oversized purse with the parts and still fit my wallet, etc. and then just have one separate bag for my laptop, so I'm not juggling a ton of bags.
I loved my Medela Pump In Style, lasted thru 2 babies, eached BFed over a year long. However, they did not have the Freestyle back in 2008 (or I didn't know about it), or else I would have purchased that one. Either way, get a hands-free-bra.
A lot of peeople had this advice, and it also makes sense because the warranty on the medela is for one year from your purchase date. But, I ended up buying my pump early so I could use FSA money and I'm glad I did. DS was very unintersted in nursing the first week or so and I pumped right away to make sure my supply came in and got established, per the midwives rec. I'm sure I could have waited until DS was born, but at the time I was glad I already had my pump and didn't have to worry about buying one or renting one in those first days home.
Another Freestyle rec - for all the reasons above. And I even work from home - so I could have had a larger pump - but I loved the smallness of it - great when you are traveling and great to get stuff done.
I googled and found a site that sold them wholesale (don't remember the name or I would tell you) and saved $100 off what they go for in stores.
The same for me, and I can't stress the importantance a hands-free bra. My supply almost doubled once I got one!
I had the same pump (and ditto the suggestion not to buy until after BFing is established). Also, if you register for one and don't get it, BBB will let you use your registry completion discount (I think it's 10%) to buy it, which helps save a little $$.
TTC #2: BFP 12/17/11, m/c 1/7/12 and D&C 1/12/12
baby blog/cooking blog
Ditto all this. I think if you are set on breastfeeding, getting your pump prior to the baby being born can be helpful. DD was a very sleepy baby and if I had known then what I know now, I would have pumped across the first 2-3 weeks of her life to keep my supply up.
Through bfing two babies and pumping at work for 10+ months each, I've used the Medal PISA, the Ameda Purely Yours and the Medela Freestyle. The Ameda worked, but not as well as the Freestyle. The Freestyle was good, but not as good as the PISA. If you are mainly going to be pumping in an office setting in the same place and are able to leave your bag in that place during the day, I would go with the PISA. I made a "hands-free" device with two ponytail holders tied together (one set for each side). The Freestyle is convenient, but I went from a PISA to a Freestyle and I definitely pumped more with the PISA. Regardless, I think that the Medela pumps are sturdier than the Ameda. I've heard good things about the Hygia pump, but I've never used one.
As for getting a pump before or after the baby...that's your call, but once you open it you can't return it. If you are intending to use a pump to establish supply right after the baby is born, then nothing is better than a hospital grade pump. I rented one with DD1 and it was $16/month (back in 2008). I kept if for the first month (and I had a personal pump too) and when I was sure I would keep bfing, either my mom or DH returned it to the hospital (can't remember who).
You're making the right choice! I ended up with the Ameda Purely Yours and I'm just not thrilled with it. Also, check for any manufacturer rebates online
They sometimes have a $50 rebate.
growing a foosa