breast pumps: Medela vs. Ameda?

[Anonymous]

To all experienced breast pumpers out there: Any preference between the Medela and the Ameda breast pumps? It seems the Medela have BPA-free pumps, but the Ameda are easier to clean. I already bought a Medela (still factory sealed and I could exchange it), but my friend warned me that Medela pumps are a nightmare to clean. Any thoughts pro or con either system? I will be going back to work and have inverted nipples so I want a good one.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

correction to my post: I meant that the Medela system has BPA-free bottles.

[Anonymous]

Here's my $.02:
I had an Ameda Purely Yours double pump that was less expensive that the Medela, and worked really well...'til I was ready to stop pumping. Then it kind of gave out. The word I heard on the street was that the Ameda is good for about one kid. The Medela reportedly lasts longer.

[Anonymous]

I've used my PIS for one year each for two kids - I bought it in 2004, and it's still pumping strong in 2008 - 24 months of use, and two years sitting in a closet. It will probably work for a third child, as well.

I have a spare (home) pump, as well (didn't want to carry the backpack home) - the Swing - costs $150, and works really well. I think that it works even better than the PIS, despite the fact that it is a single electric.

I have no experience with Ameda.

[Anonymous]

there was a posting on the exact same topic about a month ago so you may want to do a search.

I actually had both since I needed a spare (long story). The ameda was definitely bare bones - no bells and whistles (ie no tote bag, no extra freezer bag, etc.) but that was fine with me because it was way cheaper.

The PIS was nice. Quieter than Ameda, but bigger and bulkier because it came enclosed in a tote bag. It was more expensive, but had more accesssories - extra bottles, ice packs, freezer bag, etc.

I am not sure about what you mean about cleaning the pump. If you are talking about the pumping horn, diaphram, etc. then, yes, the PIS has more parts to clean than the Ameda.

Both pumps are interchangeable with bottles. I was able to screw the medal bottles on to the Ameda pumping horn and vice versa. I also bought extra bottles and the Gerber bottles also are interchangable.

[Anonymous]

OP here: Just to clarify my question. Is the Medela PIS super-hard to clean (the valves, pumping horn, etc) between feedings?

[lmayr]

I haven't tried either because I too am expecting, however, I did see that Ameda does now sell BPA free supplies for the pump, see http://www.mothersboutique.com/bpafreeacc.html. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I did not find the PIS Advanced hard to clean at all. I bought a Munchkin bottle parts holder for the dishwasher and threw the parts in there and had no problems. I put the horns in the bottom of the holder or just over the stiles in the dishwasher, put the other L-shaped pieces in the bottom of the holder and put the yellow parts in the top where the nipples go. Dishwasher did a great job. I just hand-washed the white valves.

I definitely recommend buying an extra set or two of the parts, because it is handy to have a fresh set ready to go. I pumped at work and at home and had a PIS both places with at least two sets of accessories (horns, L-shaped things, yellow parts/valves) with each pump. Definitely made my life easier.

I thought that the silly wipes they sell are a rip off. If you try to clean with those things, you WILL have a hard time, although it is not impossible.

By the way, loved the Metro edition of the PISA. It came with a over-the-shoulder bag and you could take the motor out for when you were traveling, but they bag was very handy and held lots of extras.

I would recommend the PISA to other mothers who are pumping. The accessories are readily accessible and the pump is easy to use. I have not seen the Ameda accessories at as many places (although I may not have noticed).

[Anonymous]

I have both - the Ameda is easier to clean, but I wouldn't say the Medela is a "nightmare". Main difference is the Medela horns are two parts, while the Ameda horns are one. There is one part of the Medela horn that is nearly impossible to reach with any cleaning device, so if you are a real stickler for cleaning, that may bother you. (It doesn't bother me - I either put them in the dishwasher or use hot soapy water when at work) If you already have the Medela, may as well stick with that.

[Anonymous]

I have the Medela Freestyle (which I absolutely adore) and it is really easy to clean. No experience with an Ameda, and I think the Freestyle's parts are a little different than the PIS or other Medela pumps, but cleaning hasnt' been a problem at all. At work, I rinse off between pumpings, and clean in one of the microwave sterilizers at the end of the day. Once a week, I boil the parts.

[Anonymous]

the plus to the medela is that Target and BRU sell the replacement parts so if you forget your horns (like I did several times) you can run to the nearest store and buy an extra set.

[Anonymous]

Another wonderful amenity of the Ameda pump is the controls over the speed and suction levels at which it pumps. Each mom is different, and everyone will produce the maximum amount of milk under different circumstances. (by the way, being relaxed is the absolute best way to ensure you express the MOST milk possible) This pump puts the decision in your hands, and it even includes a let-down cushion to provide maximum comfort.
http://clearblogs.com/ameda-breast-pump

[Anonymous]

Ameda provides Purely Yours backpack and a Purely Yours carryall models that are also FDA approved and also has anti-backup system.
http://yoursbreastpump.blogsome.com/

[Anonymous]

Honestly? I would wait until after you have the kid to buy a pump. A salesman advised me to do this, and I completely ignored him, since I knew I wanted to breastfeed and wanted to have the pump all lined up for when I got home. But he was right. The hospital pumps are SO much better than anything you can buy in a store - quieter, more comfortable, and according to the lactation consultants better at creating and maintaining your milk supply - that I ended up renting one "just for a week" and then continuing to rent it for months even though I had an expensive highly-recommended home pump sitting in the closet. (Every time I tried to pull it out and use it, I hated how loud and uncomfortable it was compared to the hospital pump.) You also never know if you will be able to breastfeed - sometimes despite best intentions, it just doesn't work out. Eventually, it may make sense to buy one, but for the first month or so, the hospital pump will work better and may end up saving you some money.

[Anonymous]

Consider also the type of pump your hospital uses. I pumped in the hospital then rented a hospital pump because of feeding issues during the first several weeks. When I later went to buy a portable pump I bought the same brand as the hospital because (1) I was completely comfortable with it and (2) I already had a good number of bottles/flanges/etc.

Current Ameda pumps have BPA free bottles.