1/30/2010

Review of Medela Pump & Save Storage Bags 50-pk.

I like these bags because it is really convenient to be able to pump straigt into the bag (no bottle washing!)

A couple of annoying things:
1) My baby drinks a lot so at each pumping session, I usually pump about 6 ounces.i have to use two bags to hold my milk because the medela ones hold max 5 ounces.lansinoh makes larger ones, so i can use just one - no problem.
2) You have to be reaaallly careful that the bags are zipped closed tightly.On a couple of occasions, i have spilled milked because i thought the bags were zipped and they werent.This is especially true when the bag is filled to the max 5 oz, it doesnt always zip as easily. lansinoh's bags have a double zipper which ensures no spillage!

so basically i like lansinoh bags better except for the fact that you can pump straight into the medela bags (im actually thinking of just taping the lansinoh bags to my pump and seeing what happens...)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Medela Pump & Save Storage Bags 50-pk.

Product Description:
Designed for the collection, storage and long-term freezing of expressed breast milk, Medela's Pump and Save Bags make it easy to keep fresh, nutrient-rich breast milk on hand for feedings. Safe and sanitary, these are the same bags as those used in hospitals. Compatible with all Medela breast pumps (except the Single Deluxe) for pumping directly into the bag, the Pump and Save Bags are both pre-sterilized and disposable for safe handling and quick clean-up.
The Medela Pump and Save Bags offers:
  • Medical-grade sanitary bag and a tight-fit nipple cover protect from contamination.
  • Compatibility with Medela breast pumps (except Single Deluxe).
  • Self-stick strap for quick set up.
  • Clearly labeled volume markers.


The Swing's compact size makes it easy to pump wherever you are. View larger. Convenient and Leak Proof
The Pump and Save bags are specially designed to securely store breast milk. They feature a quick cleaning, leak-proof zipper top for easy open and close as well as to keep milk safely contained.
In addition, the no-spill, stand-up bottom lets you rest the filled bag on a countertop while recording the name, date and time in the convenient labeling area. And once in the refrigerator or freezer, these bags line up and stay in place for effortless, space-saving storage.
Safe and Sanitary Storage
Because it's so important that everything in contact with baby be clean, sanitary and chemical free, the Pump and Save bags are made to be safe for the collection, storage and feeding of breast milk. Each bag is double-walled to remain fresh during long-term storage, and all parts that come in contact with breast milk are 100-percent BPA/DEHP free. Made of special plastic, these bags also retain breast milk's beneficial properties so every feeding truly nourishes your growing child.
Easy to Use
When it's time to store milk or feed baby, Medela knows you don't have extra time to struggle with complicated procedures. That's why the Pump and Save Bags are made to be easy to set up and move to the refrigerator or freezer.
For optimum convenience, the exclusive self-stick strap attaches directly to the breast shield for fast and easy set-up without any struggling with special attachments. Then you're ready to pump directly into the bag. Once you begin, clear markers tell you when you reach the 150 millimeter mark, which helps ensure that milk, which expands as it freezes, won't cause a mess once stored.
About Medela
Founded in 1961 in Zug, Switzerland by Olle Larsson, Medela is committed to supporting the WHO Code's depiction of breastfeeding and breast milk as the optimal nutrition for the growth, development and health of babies. The company believes it is their obligation to offer a complete solution, "from breast to belly," of high quality products that enable mothers to provide the optimum nutrition of breast milk to their babies. Today, Medela's primary focus remains to help moms successfully breast feed their babies as long as they wish. This goal lies at the heart of every product the company develops.
What's in the Box
20 Pump and Save bags, instructions and specifications.


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1/29/2010

Review of The First Years miPump Single Electric Breast Pump

I used the hospital grade medela pump for 2 months. That pump worked well, but pinched and hurt. This pump works great without the pain. It's so tiny you can easily carry it anywhere if needed. It comes with acute tote bag too. The only thing is that I wish it came with bottle adapters to pump in ANY Bottle like the double deluxe version does. My budget wouldn't allow me to buy the more expensive double deluxe version so I just bought this one. It works great, but I wish it came with the bottle adapters that the more expensive pump comes with. I end up pumping into the 1 bottle it came with and pouring the milk into the other bottles or into the freezer bags. That's the only other thing, it doesn't pump directly into the freezer bags like the medela pumps do. But to me, I can just pour and then clean the bottle for the next pumping session...so no big deal.

Great pump, great price. Highly recommend!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The First Years miPump Single Electric Breast Pump

Product Description:
The First Years miPump Single PumpThe First Years miPump is compact and sleek without sacrificing strength. Designed to help you breastfeed longer, miPump is simple, quiet, quick, and efficient. Best of all, the flexi-fit shield and eight levels of suction pressure ensures your comfort as you pump.

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1/28/2010

Review of Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Backpack

The Pump-in-Style Advanced Backpack is an absolutely wonderful breast pump combined with a sub-par milk storage system.

The pump gives you the option to pump either one breast at a time or both breasts at once.The pump starts off with a special two-minute "let down" cycle, which is supposed to mimic a baby's natural sucking action when she first latches on (faster, shorter sucks).After two minutes, this automatically changes over to the "expression" cycle (longer, slower sucks), but if your milk lets down sooner, you can manually change the cycles with the push of a button.You can also control the strength of the pumpusing a knob - a very nice feature because you can really customize the sucking strength to your exact needs and you can adjust it with the turn of a knob at any time during your session.The design of the pump is very simple - it takes almost no time to set up and break down.The Pump in Style comes with an A/C adaptor and a battery pack (batteries not included) that takes *TEN* AA batteries.If you're planning on using the pump in a car, you can purchase a car adaptor separately.One of the nicest features of the Advanced is that the pump is housed in its own little black case that comes completely out of the backpack (unlike the original Pump in Style, with a battery that couldn't come out of the bag); this allows you to leave the pump wherever you'll be using it (ex. at work) and only take the bottles or bags of expressed milk back and forth in the cooler.Since the majority of the weight of the Pump in Style is in the pump itself, this is a wonderful feature.Personally, I've found that I can empty both breasts (about 6-8oz combined) with the Pump in Style in about 20 minutes or less (double pumping) - setup and cleanup add about another 5 minutes each, so I'm done with pumping within a half hour.I use the micro-steam bags to sterilize all the parts, so that takes only 5 minutes in my very low-wattage microwave (it can take as little as 2 minutes in a high-powered microwave).All in all, I am completely satisfied with the pump portion of the Pump in Style.

What I'm not satisfied with is the Pump in Style's milk storage system.There's a small cooler bag with a form-fitted ice-pack insert.You freeze the ice pack and the storage bottles fit around it in the bag.This part is fine.However, the bottles themselves are awful.Two of the bottles have solid caps (for storage only) and the other two have two-piece caps that can be used with nipples as nursing bottles.However, no nipples are included with the set, and none of the literature included with the Pump in Style even mentions that nipples are available.I had to call the company and ask about it, and I was told that nipples need to be bought separately for $1 each.For the money I paid for this system, the least they could have done was include 2 nipples for the 2 bottles!The bottles themselves are absolutely nothing special - there are no features to try to reduce the amount of air a baby gets when nursing, etc.With the advances in bottle design, I would think Medela would have a great bottle to go along with their great pump, but no such luck - this is about as basic a bottle design as it gets.So, as far as I'm concerned, the 4 bottles are only good for milk storage, which means the milk needs to be transferred into another bottle for feeding purposes.Medela does make disposable storage bags and even includes some with the Pump in Style.However, the bags don't fit into a bottle as a drop-in; again, you have to transfer the milk from the bags into another bottle to feed.You're supposed to be able to tear off a small tab at the bottom of the bag to open a hole for pouring out the milk, but I've never been able to do this.I always have to snip the edge of the bag with a scissors to get it open (which, I'm sure, compromises the sterility of the inside of the bag).Also, the bags close with twist-ties at the top, which causes the bags to freeze with all sorts of ruffles and folds at the top.This makes it nearly impossible to re-open a frozen bag at the top to add more milk.What Medela should come up with is a storage system that uses disposable drop-in bottle liners.Right now, I'm using the Playtex Drop-Ins with a pump converter that allows me to pump directly into the Playtex liners; I then just drop them into a bottle when I want to use them.This is the kind of convenience that I was looking for in the Medela storage system, which unfortunately, they don't have.

The backpack itself is stylish - you really can't tell that it's anything but a fairly sophisticated-looking backpack.It's a bit crowded when carrying the pump, storage bag and all the parts - there's no room for anything else inside.If you remove the pump, you can fit a few things inside, but it's still not what I would call roomy.I guess this is the trade-off between function and style - a larger backpack would have been more practical for holding stuff other than the pump, but it would have looked clunky.So, if you need to carry more than a set of keys and a small wallet, plan on carrying a bag in addition to the backpack.

Despite the small drawbacks of the backpack and the large inconvenience of their storage system, the Medela pump itself is absolutely fabulous and definitely deserves five stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Backpack

Product Description:
The Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump with Backpack by Medela is perfect for the active mother. It"s all in the bag with this handy kit. Kit includes the Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump that fits securely in the stylish black microfiber backpack. The Natural Expression pumping is designed for faster milk flow and feels more like your baby than any other pump. The customized pumping with adjustable speed and vacuum control lets you pump at a comfortable pace.

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1/27/2010

Review of Philips Avent ISIS iQ Duo Twin Electric Breast Pump, BPA Free - White

I had a Medela Pump In Style Original that I used for about 3 months before it suddenly seemed to lose suction/power and I could no longer pump as easily as I once had. I was already pleased with all the Avent products I had - bottles, pacifiers, the microwave steam sterilizer, and the bottle warmer - the Avent breast pump seemed to get good reviews and I liked the idea of pumping straight into the feeding bottles, so I took the plunge. It *is* a lot of money, but so is any other dual electronic breast pump. I only wish now that I had bought this one first so I wouldn't have wasted money on the Medela.

I've been using this pump for two weeks now and I just hope it's lifespan is longer than the Medela because I absolutely LOVE this pump!

Compared to the Medela PiS the Avent Isis Duo is:

Quiet
-----
The Medela was like a piston engine. One of the ways I new it was losing power was because it was no longer as noisy as it used to be. The Avent pump is MUCH quieter. If I wanted to, I could probably pump right in my cubicle and no one would be the wiser.

Comfortable
-----------
Again, the Medela was like a piston engine. I felt like a cow hooked up to an automatic milking machine and it certainly didn't feel like my baby nursing. All the suction was concentrated on the nipples, not the areolae and, while not necessarily painful, it wasn't comfortable. It was supposed to have the two-phase suction that simulated the early, light sucking that stimulates letdown, followed by the deep, nutritive sucking, but I can't say I ever noticed a change in the suction or the rate. Sure, you could adjust the speed and intensity of the suction, but only to five specific presets.
The Avent, however, has the cushions that "massage" the areolae and I think this really does help with letdown and subsequent flow. If you know anything about proper latch-on, you know that baby is supposed to get the areola in his mouth, not just the nipple, so the Avent is much closer to nature in that respect. Plus, the intensity and duration of the suction are completely customizable and can be reset at any time. So you can really mimic the quick, soft letdown sucking before moving on to the long, deep sucking. I've gone entire pumping sessions without really feeling the suction, which is just like nursing - it doesn't generally feel like the baby is trying to tear your nipple off, but that's what the Medela felt like!

Efficient
---------
So Medela only had the preset speed and suction options and no matter what setting you chose, the suck part of the pump was the same duration as the release. But because you can completely control the rate of the Avent pump, you can do a very long pull (the instructions even say to depress the handle that creates the vacuum and hold it there for 3 seconds). The first time I tried this, I was amazed! The milk poured forth, a steady stream for the whole 3 seconds! It was really satisfying to hear the plop of all that milk fall into the bottle over and over again. I can finish a pumping session in much less time than I ever could with Medela. Also, because you can reset the rate at any time, you can restimulate letdown or change to a longer pause between pulls as you get to the end. With the Medela, I used to be able to still hand-express milk after the pump had long since stopped producing any, but I seem to get every last drop with the Avent pump!

Other things to keep in mind:

- The Avent funnels have more parts to disassemble, clean, and reassemble than the Medela funnels. Factoring in cleaning and assembly, while the actual pumping takes less time, my pumping sessions are overall the same amount of time from start to finish as they were with the Medela PiS.

- The Avent funnels are easier to clean by hand. When I'm at work, I use sterilizing wipes between sessions and I can actually reach all the places milk touches with my fingers. I couldn't do this with the Medela funnels.

- The Avent pump isn't integrated into the bag and it's cord is longer. This makes it a little more portable.

- The Avent tubes are stiffer than the Medela tubes. Be sure to use the bottle stands or those tubes will pull them right over.

- Avent includes funnel covers and screw bases that seal up the funnels between uses to keep them sterile. BIG plus over Medela in my book.

- The trigger and button for adjusting suction and speed are right at your fingertips instead of on the pump housing. With Medela, when you were double pumping you had to start the pump with one hand and then try to position that funnel over the breast while it was sucking, and you also had to try to break suction while the pump was still going and both hands were full - not easy!

- The included Avent manual pump is FAR superior to the manual pump included with Medela PiS.

All in all, if you're considering Medela, do yourself a favor and get this Avent pump instead! Your breasts will thank you!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips Avent ISIS iQ Duo Twin Electric Breast Pump, BPA Free - White

Product Description:
Avent Isis iQ Duo Twin Breast PumpThis unique BPA-Free pump is designed with an electronic memory that puts you in control by learning and continuing your personal pumping style. Enjoy complete control over speed, vacuum and pattern you can even set the pump to match your baby's own suckling action. Everything that controls the pump is at your fingertips and close to the breast, which means you can make adjustments instantly and intuitively- no need to reach elsewhere. Five, soft petal massagers gently flex in and out working in tandem with the reliable vacuum. This is intended to help stimulate a fast, natural milk flow. Double pumping has been shown to improve milk production. ISIS iQ DUO is the only breast pump designed to maintain the same level of vacuum and control for both pumps, which helps to ensure effective use.

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1/26/2010

Review of The First Years miPump Double Electric Breast Pump

I had trouble early on with breastfeeding and had to go back to work right away, so I am an exclusively pumping mom.I started with Medela (pump in style), then switched to this pump about 2 months ago.I can not believe how great this pump is, especially for the price.The shields are comfortable, the handle allows me to pump completely handsfree (just need a secure place to rest the bottles), it is very quiet, and I am getting more milk!It does not suck as fast as the Medela, but it doesn't have to....it has what I would describe as a vibration to it that provides more stimulation and is actually quite comfortable.I have now reached my 6 month goal, but will continue to pump due to the ease, comfort, and results this pump is providing.I can easily get 30 oz's pumping just 4 times a day!I highly recommend this pump!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The First Years miPump Double Electric Breast Pump

Product Description:
The First Years miPump Double PumpThe First Years miPump is compact and sleek without sacrificing strength. Designed to help you breastfeed longer, miPump is simple, quiet, quick, and efficient. The miPump Double Breast Pump includes a patented handle which allows you to pump with only one hand, giving you the freedom to multi-task while pumping. Best of all, the flexi-fit shield and eight levels of suction pressure ensures your comfort as you pump.

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1/25/2010

Review of Philips Avent ISIS iQ Uno Electric Breast Pump - White

I don't often write reviews, but I love this pump so much, I had to share my positive experience. After looking online at several pumps, I finally decided to purchase this model after reading mostly positive reviews about it. I am SO glad I did!

I had a manual hand pump and it would literally take me days to pump 4 oz of milk. With this pump I can get 4 oz or more in one or two very short pumping sessions! Fabulous!

The "petals" in the cushion really work to stimulate let down. I find that I can even pump after my baby has eaten her fill and this pump will often prompt a second let down! Plus, the motor is so quiet I can pump next to my sleeping baby, which can help let down as well.

Honestly, I was scared to buy an electric pump because I had heard that the powerful suction made them painful to use. I am pleased to report that this pump does not hurt at all. You can set the suction and speed to your personal preference, which is super handy. You simply pump in a way that is comfortable and effective for you, press the button to switch to electric mode, and voila! You can change up the pumping style as often as you want with no hassle.

It is easier to clean than my other pump and is so simple to assemble. It includes a wall outlet cord or you can use batteries to power it. It also includes parts to convert it to a manual pump so you can use it on the go or when power is not available.

The only negative comment would be that sometimes milk flows back under the "petal" cushion, but I have never had a problem with it leaking while I am pumping and making a mess. You just rinse it away when you clean the pump, so it is not horribly bothersome in my opinion.

All in all, this is a fabulous pump, especially for the price! I would recommend this to anyone wanting a quick, easy, painless way to pump!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips Avent ISIS iQ Uno Electric Breast Pump - White

Product Description:
Avent Isis iQ Uno Breast Pump this unique BPA-free pump is designed with an electronic memory that puts you in control by learning and continuing your personal pumping style. The electronic memory learns and at the touch of a button, continues your personal pumping rhythm. The gentle-draw vacuum mimics baby's suckling to create a steady milk flow that requires less pumping. Patented massage cushions flex in and out, replicating baby's suckling action and stimulating a fast, natural let-down. In addition to mains power, this single electronic pump can also operate using battery power and as a manual pump, for total flexibility. This pump also comes with two BPA-Free bottles for storing milk- 4- ounces and 9-ounces.

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1/24/2010

Review of Medela Swing Breast Pump

OK... so I've been told the Symphony is the Cadillac of breast pumps... but with a price tag of $[...] who can afford that?? Renting it cost $[...] a month if you can find a place to rent it.. I did and used it for a month.. I honestly was not totally impressed for the price. Then I read up on the swing this pump ALSO (like the symphony) includes the Medela 2-Phase Expression Technology - the new standard for unsurpassed naturalness, comfort and efficiency. AND after buying it.. I liked it BETTER then the symphony. Infact I think it works just about the exact same, which is crazy of Medela when the price is SO different. I have tried the Medela Pump in style as well as the Avant Isis and this one is the best.

I would highly reccommend this pump.
POSITIVES:
This pump is portable. Comes with a travel bag, runs on batteries OR you can plug it in. The pump itself is about the size of a Hardees Hamburger. The breast shield is soft and very effective, you can control the speed and it has the letdown mode as well that automatically turns on after a few minutes. The breast shield is soft and comfortable, the suction and speed is the same as the symphony, the pump is SIMPLE to use, FOUR buttons-you can't NOT figure it out easily! It is FAST and emptys your breast totally.

NEGATIVES: (I have to stretch on this one cause I love the pump) It's not quiet, I don't know why the other review says it is.. It's actually louder then I thought it should be.. but not louder then the Medela Pump in style or symphony. But just not "quiet" I don't want you thinking you are going to get something you can pump with at the front of a mini van and noone in the back is going to hear..
It's a Single Pump... I know.. DUH.. but it is a negative, if only they made a double with this size base, I'm almost tempted to buy another.

I highly reccommend this pump, as a mom of three, I've tried a lot of pumps.. I think Medela is selling this pump short saying it is like the pump in style, I think it is comparable to the symphony!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Medela Swing Breast Pump

Product Description:
Designed for busy moms, the Swing breast pump from Medela is a portable, user-friendly and exceptionally efficient pump that can help make your life easier. Originally researched and developed for hospital use, the Swing is the only single electronic personal use pump featuring breakthrough two-phase expression technology for maximum milk flow, proven to reduce pumping time.
The Medela Swing Breast Pump offers:
  • Two-phase expression pumping for maximum milk.
  • SoftFit breast shield provides exceptional comfort.
  • Compact size for portability.
  • BPA-free construction ensures chemical-free milk.


The Swing's compact size makes it easy to pump wherever you are. View larger. Two-Phase Expression Technology
The Swing features two-phase expression technology, an advanced pumping pattern that mimics a baby's natural nursing rhythm. This system works in two modes: the simulation mode and the expression mode. The simulation mode simulates your baby's initial rapid sucking to start your milk flowing, while the expression mode simulates your baby's slower, deeper suckling to express your milk gently yet efficiently. These modes work together to make pumping a quick and painless process.
Comfortable and Convenient
Compact enough to easily fit in your purse, this pump is both safe and comfortable to use, whether you're home, at work, or traveling. The Swing includes many features that help make pumping a positive experience. First, the one touch let down button lets you start pumping immediately, and results in faster milk flow. The included massaging SoftFit breast shield provide exceptional comfort, and the convenient, compact size of the pump lets you place it on a table top, or attach it to the belt clip or included shoulder/neck strap.
You can even store it in your purse, briefcase or the included carrying bag for pumping on the go. Additionally, the adjustable vacuum and speed allows for customized pumping. When it comes to safety, the 100 percent Bisphenol-A (BPA) free Swing ensures a hygienic pumping experience and fresh, chemical-free milk for your baby. It also comes with two durable plastic storage containers and lids for sanitary storage of breast milk.
About Medela
Founded in 1961 in Zug, Switzerland by Olle Larsson, Medela is committed to supporting the WHO Code's depiction of breastfeeding and breast milk as the optimal nutrition for the growth, development and health of babies. The company believes it is their obligation to offer a complete solution, "from breast to belly," of high quality products that enable mothers to provide the optimum nutrition of breast milk to their babies. Today, Medela's primary focus remains to help moms successfully breast feed their babies as long as they wish. This goal lies at the heart of every product the company develops.
What's in the Box
Two each of collection containers and lids, one container stand, one valve, three membranes, one SoftFit breast shield, a carrying bag, Breastfeeding Information Guide, tubing, AC adapter, battery power option, neck/shoulder strap and Instruction Manual.


The Swing Breast Pump lets you store milk so you have breast milk for later feeding times.



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1/23/2010

Review of Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

I am a first time mom and I exclusively breastfeed my 3 month old.I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced, which I love for work.However it isn't that convenient for at home use and travel.For one, the Pump in Style has a lot of parts and tubing that need to be connected.You need to plug it in - or use a TON of batteries.It is heavy and it is loud.I first noticed that I needed a manual pump when my husband and I made two plane trips with the baby.I didn't want to drag the pump along with all of the other baby equipment I needed so I left it home.I brought the bicycle pump style manual pump that Medela includes with the pump in style.I managed to get a full bottle fairly easily, but the pump really tired my arms out and it was loud.So I began shopping for an easy to use manual pump.I heard a lot about the Avent Isis, but not much about any other pump.While online, I came across this Medela Pump and decided to give it a try for a few reasons:

(1) The Isis has a lot of parts and reviewers say it is a pain to clean.The Harmony has fewer parts making it easier to clean.
(2) We don't use Avent bottles, we use Dr. Browns.The Dr. Brown's bottles we already have (narrow neck) fit right onto the Medela pumps.
(3) The Harmony takes the same parts as the Pump in Style so no need to worry about keeping two sets of replacement parts.

I have used the pump a few times so far and it has been great.I easily can fill one of the Medela bottles they include with the pump (they include 2) and it is so easy and quiet to use.I can use it anywhere.Since the handle swivels and you can pump one handed, it can also be used while you nurse your baby.I haven't done that yet with this pump, but I tried it with the other manual I have and I can tell that it will be MUCH easier with the Harmony.Since there are so few parts to clean and I don't need to plug in and play with tubing, pumping at home is less of a hassle.Plus, you can easily throw this pump into a purse, along with a small cooler pack to take with you.No need to look for a place to set up a huge electric pump!

If you notice you don't get much suction or you have lost suction, be sure to take the pump apart and make sure everything is aligned properly. Make sure the membrane is firmly pressed into the valve.Also in the handle, there is a silicone insert with a yellow oval valve inside.Make sure that the yellow oval is properly aligned with the silicone insert.

In any case, I definitely recommend this pump for at home use and as a supplement to the Pump in Style.It is so easy to use, quiet, and compact for travel.

EDITED TO ADD:I just had a problem with my harmony - the tiny white rubber ring, necessary to create suction, broke off from the handle.I called customer service and they are sending me four replacement rings at no charge.Medela was very nice about it and easy to deal with.

ANOTHER UPDATE:I have now had my harmony for 4 months.At this point, I would lower my rating to 4 stars.It still is an effective pump, but I am not fully satisfied with the quality.Mid-use, the stem on the handle completely snapped off. However, Medela customer service was great - rather than simply replacing the faulty part, Medela sent me a brand new pump at no charge. They seem to have corrected some design flaws in the new pump - the stem on my new pump is now MUCH shorter, so I don't think the stem will snap off like it did on the original pump I bought.Only time will tell if the redesigned Medela Harmony is of better quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

Product Description:
The Harmony breast pump from Medela is a truly innovative manual pump featuring breakthrough two-phase expression pumping for convenience and efficiency. Safe for the collection, storage and feeding of breast milk, the Harmony blends quiet, effective pumping with ease, true comfort and optimum convenience.
The Medela Harmony Breast Pump offers:
  • Fully manual operation so there is no worry about dead batteries.
  • SoftFit breast shield massages for maximum comfort.
  • All parts that come into contact with the milk are BPA/DEHP-free for purity.


The Swing's compact size makes it easy to pump wherever you are. View larger. Gentle Comfort
Designed to provide gentle comfort, the Harmony includes several features to help make pumping a more enjoyable experience. First, the contoured, ergonomically designed handle fits easily in your hand. The handle also swivels, giving you the freedom to position your hand and then pump more comfortably on each breast. The Harmony also comes with a SoftFit breast shield to softly massage the breast while you pump.
Two-Phase Expression Technology
Designed to feel more like your baby than any other manual pump, the Harmony features two-phase expression technology, an advanced pumping pattern that mimics a baby's natural nursing rhythm.
This system works in two modes: the simulation mode and the expression mode. The simulation mode simulates your baby's initial rapid sucking to start your milk flowing, while the expression mode simulates your baby's slower, deeper suckling to express your milk gently yet efficiently. These modes work together to make pumping a quick and painless process.
Convenient, Safe and User-Friendly Design
Medela knows that busy moms don't have the time or patience to struggle with complicated parts or to wait for the pump to stimulate milk flow. That's why the Harmony is designed for faster let-down.
Additionally, this one-piece unit features fewer pieces to assemble and clean than traditional manual pumps, making it a snap to start pumping when and where you need to. Most importantly, the Harmony is a safe and sanitary way to provide your baby with healthy breast milk--all parts that come into contact with breast milk are 100-percent BPA/DEHP free. For added convenience, this pump is also upgradeable to electric pumping with the use of the Symphony or the Lactina conversion kits (not included), and it is backed with a 30-day limited warranty.
About Medela
Founded in 1961 in Zug, Switzerland by Olle Larsson, Medela is committed to supporting the WHO Code's depiction of breastfeeding and breast milk as the optimal nutrition for the growth, development and health of babies. The company believes it is their obligation to offer a complete solution, "from breast to belly," of high quality products that enable mothers to provide the optimum nutrition of breast milk to their babies. Today, Medela's primary focus remains to help moms successfully breast feed their babies as long as they wish. This goal lies at the heart of every product the company develops.
What's in the Box
One SoftFit breast shield, one container stand, two five-ounce containers, two lids, Breastfeeding Information Guide and Instruction Manual.


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1/22/2010

Review of Philips Avent ISIS Manual Breast Pump - White

I am a full time working mom and this is my third time around with the Avent manual breast pump, and I could not be happier!During the past 4 years I have tried several (and researched several more) manual and electric pumps with the hopes of breasfeeding each child for at least 1 year each. I can honestly say that this pump is far superior to anything else out there.I also want to express to anyone who is considering breasfeeding and has not done it in the past that, along with a stellar pump, you are going to need a stellar support system and some tips.When you are in the hospital for the birth of your child, DO NOT let anyone tell you that your milk has not come in and give your baby a bottle; this has happened to a lot of people I know and this theory is completely false!Also, I have noticed that some women say that breasfeeding hurts.In this situation, proper latching on is key.If your child is having a hard time, don't give up--it absolutely gets easier.Talk to a lactation consultant in the hospital or anywhere else and you will get the help you need.To keep the pain away in the first week or two, continuously use pure lanolin provided by the hospital (or get some at any superstore).I have read in some reviews (of different/previous models of pumps) that pumping hurts; again, this is where the lanolin helps.Consider the fact that when your baby is nursing, his/her mouth is wet--your nipples need to be moisturized with the lanolin before you pump to avoid discomfort.Another tip is, if you are going to work and intend to pump, start building a supply of milk in the freezer a couple of weeks before you leave the home.The best way to do this is to pump one breast while the baby nurses on the other.It is possible to get 4-8 ounces (or more if you like) a day in reserve.I have found that this also helps keep my supply up when I am back at work.Lastly, it really is important to pump at work as often as you can.I know it is "inconvenient," but your results will be so much more successful; I know results vary for everyone, but I am able to express about 18 ounces a day by pumping 3 times per day.And we aren't nursing our kids for the sake of convenience, but to truly nourish our children.The time passes so quickly and I guarantee that you will not regret your efforts.Good luck and best wishes to you and your family!I know that you will love this pump.


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Product Description:
This Avent baby product is BPA (Bisophenol-A) free.
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1/21/2010

Review of Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump, 1-Count

I read many reviews before purchasing this product.It was easy to find other brands in local stores, but I knew the brand Lansinoh assupplying top notch nursing products and was intrigued.Years ago I had tried other brands, like Evenflo, and they were ok.In the hospital I used a top-notch double electric pump.I prefer, however, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump to them all.I am not attached to a big contraption, like the big electric pumps--like a cow in a dairy.:-PIt is not as noisy, and I got milk just as fast and as comfortably if not moreso.Yes, you have to pump one side at a time, but I hated pumping both sides at once anyway because it just felt so unnatural to me.

You can adjust the suction level simply by how far and hard you squeeze the lever.I was worried the lever would tire my hand, but they have it attached to a neat little contraption which makes it a breeze.NO HAND DISCOMFORT whatsoever.It EXTRACTED milk QUICKLY.It was QUIET. (I have read some reviews saying theirs squeaks from time to time; mine does not.) The funnel at the breast has a COMFORTABLE SOFT SHIELD.I found that I could adjust the suction level to suit my own comfort just by adjusting how hard and quickly I pulled the lever.Slow and part way was sufficient to produce a fast milk flow for me, and it was not difficult to do so.

Out of all the breast pumps I've used--two hospital ones, and two single pumps (one battery and one manual)--this is by far the best.I couldn't imagine a better pump.If you've got to pump, this is the way to go.Thank you, Lansinoh!

(By the way, I also highly recommend their nursing pads.)

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Product Description:
INDICATIONS: Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump contains the unique ComfortSeal Cushion creates a secure seal for more comfortable and efficient pumping.

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1/20/2010

Review of Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Shoulder Bag

I rented the Symphony from the hospital for the first month before purchasing the PIS shoulder bag pump.I love love love it. It is so powerful, I think it is even more powerful than the Symphony. Its easy to carry around and can hold all my pumping accessories. I would recommend shopping all the sites (Amazon and Target) before buying b/c I paid 279 and now I see it on here for 235.I bought mine at Target and the week later it went on sale for 240 so I took my reciept back and got an adjustment and the difference back. I would suggest getting a few sets of flanges though. I have 2 and am considering buying a third. I am pumping full time. I made mine hands free buy cutting slits in an old sports bra and that has been wonderful. I figured the "freestyle's" bra clips could be time consuming and the freestyle is so much more expensive. The sports bra thing works amazing.

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Product Description:
Breast Pumps Medela Before buying a medela breast pump compare the models. The Medela Pump In Style Advanced uses a revolutionary new technology that was first researched for hospital grade pumps. The breast pump pumps in two distinct modes: The Let-down

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1/19/2010

Review of Lansinoh Double Electric Breast Pump, BPA Free, 1-Count Box

I use this pump everyday at home and at work. It works very well and is quiet. It is also very easy to clean. For the money, it's a much better deal than some of the other pumps out there that are more expensive and harder to clean. So what if it doesn't come with it's own fancy carrying bag? Just be careful if you have pets, my cat seems to think that the silicone tubing and diaphrams are delicious! Luckily, it was still under warrenty and Lansinoh replaced the parts he ate for free.

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Product Description:
BPA Free Double Electric Breast Pump

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