Ameda vs Medela, I have a few questions.

blush64 · March 2014

Hi, I have been trying to make this decision for many months. My baby is now 8 months old. I do plan on having one more baby.

I have read many comments and review on both the Purely Yours and the Pump in Style including comments on this board. I am still torn. With my older two I usually hand expressed but that isn't good enough now. I have used a Lansinoh manual pump a few times but it was a slow process.

From what I gather both are good pumps but the PY has less suction and sometimes loses suction. The PIS has good suction but can get milk in the tubes possibly leading to mold in the motor.

My letdown does not happen at a certain point in time each pumping session. It varies every time. Do these pumps allow you to change the amount and speed of suction when letdown actually occurs or does the machine do it for you at a set time? (Basically is the pump is pre-programed for when letdown occurs?)

Where I live the PY is about $220 and the PIS is $385. (Plus tax of course)

Then someone recommended the Lansinoh Affinity Double breastpump or the Mipump. I am just pretty confused. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it very much.

RDK24 · March 2014

I've used the PY and the PISA and there was no comparison. The PISA was WORLDS better. I thought the PY was really crappy, personally. I got lots more milk in less time with the PISA. The woman at the breastfeeding supply store said that PY pumps are now in a different type of production and while they used to be competitive with the PISA, they are no longer even in that league.

Lansinoh and Mipump aren't as highly regarded as PISA so I wouldn't go there if I were you. I had to see some LCs early on with my LO and all of them recommended the PISA, as did the leader of my new mom's group.

GL!

RDK24 · March 2014

Also, check this out: https://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/breastfeeding-insurance

You can oftentimes get the pump you want from Medela for free through insurance.

melaport · March 2014

The PY you can separately adjust suction & speed which sounds like what you are looking for. From what I read the PISA automatically changes speed after a preprogramed time.

I have the PY. I did not have the option of a free pump through my insurance so I did a lot of research as I was paying for it fully. I do not have any experience with the PISA as I purchased the PY.

It works great for me! I have been using it for approximately 6 weeks & pump 1-2x/day. I opted for this because the suction & speed could be adjusted separately as well as it is a closed system. I was concerned with mold in tubing and/or motor. The PY is very easy to clean...3 parts (2 are very small). The other great thing is there is an adapter and the Ameda bags fit right on that so you can pump directly into the bags to store. I don't do this all the time but went out last weekend and it was great to just bring bags and not have to bring bottles.

blush64 · March 2014

Thank you both for replying. I wish my insurance covered even part but they don't.

blondie10m · March 2014

Look online for a much better deal. A lot of websites can't post prices but will email you a price list. Prices varied widely. I got a great deal on my Pisa back on 2011 before they were covered by insurance.

blush64 · March 2014

I will try online. I am in Canada which probably means I have to pay more even online but possibly less than the stores.

seawater · March 2014

I have the Pump In Style and love it (as much as you can love a breast pump I guess

) There is a dial to adjust the level of suction as well as a "let down" button. The pump itself does automatically change its suction for your letdown; but you can override it anytime by pushing the button-switching from the shorter/faster speed to the longer/slower whenever works best for your body. I was using it a TON in the beginning to get my supply up for twins and did end up getting some milk in the tubes. But the tubes are clear and it was only a few drops so it was easy to see and address the issue. My LC said you can wash them out, let them dry as much as possible, and then reattach just the tubes and run the pump to dry out the last bit of water. I never did that though because she also gave me a new set of tubes. I haven't had any problems since (about 3 months). The tubes aren't that expensive on Amazon if you do end up needing an extra set and can't get it from your LC (though in Canada I'm not sure of the shipping costs for you). Hope that helps! Good luck!

RDK24 · March 2014

I've never gotten anything but a little condensation in the PISA tubes. So after each pumping session I let it run with the tubes attached to nothing. Clears out any condensation and it's been 4 months now and I haven't had to replace a thing.

ns1 · March 2014

I only know about the Medela PISA, but as far as the speed, it is adjustable. There's also a "let-down button" that you can press that has kind of a faster, more shallow suction to it. It automatically starts out with this, but you can press it to stop it or start it at anytime while pumping.

blush64 · March 2014

Thanks for the helpful replies. This has been way more helpful than trying to get an answer out of the young woman at the store. Poor girl was nice but knew nothing about any of the pumps.

SouthRNComfort · March 2014

My Ameda PY motor quit first week. I sent it back and they sent me a second one, and that motor quit as well. So I agree there is something wrong with production lately. A coworker of mine had the same thing happen to her and she sent it back 3 times! My Medela PISA is far superior in milk removal. Cleaning involves a few more parts than Ameda but that's a small price I'm willing to pay. Babies RUs has a 20% off coupon on medela pumps and accessories (the code is on their website) through March 13 I think.

blush64 · March 2014

Thanks! I was afraid of the PY issues because I had heard it happed a lot.

knoxbride72107 · March 2014

I can compare an older Purely Yours and a newer one. I had one 4 years ago with my son that I bought and LOVED it! Used it every day, most times more than once per day and it worked great. I liked that it was a closed system, super easy to clean and you can control the suction/speed independently. With my second son, my insurance covered the PY 100%, so I was excited to get a brand new pump. Right away, I could tell a difference in the quality. It did not have as much suction and the speed dial wasn't very sensitive (I had to turn it almost half way down to slow the speed). At first, I thought it was a dud pump so I called Ameda and they sent me a new one. The one they sent was just as bad as the one I thought was a dud. My husband used his vaccum gauge to test the suction on both pumps and the one I had used for a year with my first son was pulling more suction than the brand new one. Right now, I am back to using my old one from my first child and the new one is in a cabinet collecting dust. It works ok, but nothing like my old one. Also, the old ones are made in Switzerland and the new ones are made in China. Hope that helps:)

amanda_wahl · March 2014

I have used a Pisa for my older son and now my newborn...it works great. My insurance company supplied a py this time around to me and I tried it once and it was crap. Hardly any suction. No comparison from my experience...Pisa is way better. Good luck!