Which Breast Pump?

Hi Ladies--

Here's a question for those of you who used an electric breast pump....I'm researching the different models and I seem to be leaning towards the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. It is the one I've heard the most about and know people IRL who used it and were pleased. However, in my research, I've also seen some really good things about the Ameda Purely Yours Pump. Both pumps have a similar price point.

It is something I want to get and have ready BEFORE the baby's arrival. However, I've heard some theories that it is best to wait and see if it is even needed. What are your thoughts?

Thanks for your input to this first-time mom-to-be!

--Paula

I had the double Medela pump in style with my first son.  It worked great and I liked it.  With this baby I am renting a medela hospital grade one which I think works about the same as the pump in style did.  Not sure if I am going to keep pumping and breast feeding so we didn't want to buy one if I didn't keep it up.  But I wouldn't buy one until you are sure you need one. 
If you need to use one in the hospital, they should let you use the ones they rent.  Atleast they did at our hospital. 

I used the Medela Pump in Style Advanced back in 2001 when I was a surrogate.  Loved it so much that I upgraded to the same pump just newer model with my son.  I LOVE IT and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

 I used the Medela Pump in Style Advanced and LOVED it.  It was so easy to use and so easy to bring back and for to work or while traveling.  I  highly recommend it.  All of my girl friends and my cousin used the same one.

I have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced (the backpack one) and loved it.  My husband picked it up for me the day we were discharged from the hospital.  Elijah was breastfeed exclusively for 8 months or so; I started pumping when he was just two weeks or so.

No complaints with the Medela.  Make sure you have the right sized breast cups.  Mine had to be upgraded.  LOL.

I have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced (the backpack one) and loved it. 

I rented a hospital grade Medela for my 1st son.  This time I bought an Avent Isis because it was super affordable.  I had no problem with milk supply the first time around and am not planning to have any issues this time.  Honestly - after my son learned to nurse when he was 10 weeks old I didn't really use the pump.  I had a single hand pump and used it a few times.  It just wasn't necessary for me because I'm a SAHM.  If I worked outside the home I'd definitely have a Medela Pump in Style!!  Wish we could afford one!  :)

I bought the Medela Freestyle...I Really liked it!  It was small and very light and worked good.  (You just have to make sure you plug it in to charge it if you are going to be out)  Like a prior post, make sure you get the right shield size!  That makes a difference.  I only used mine for a few months because my son couldn't latch right (He has a combo of  three things-he was tongue tied at birth (had it clipped), he has a misshapen pallet, and his hemangioma is slightly internal so he had a hard time learning to latch correctly) Then I had my gallbladder out and that was that.  I had a chance to sell mine to my cousin, but I decided I liked it too much and was keeping it for the next baby! 
I have no experience with the other two you mentioned, but I did like the Freestyle a lot.  I never used the hands free part of it...but I did like that once you found a combo that worked for the let down that you could program it for speed and time...then all you had to do is push a button an go!
HTH!
http://www.medelafreestyle.com/

I have the Medula PIS on my registry (but not sure anyone will buy it LOL), and will buy it if I don't get it as a gift. I hate one with the triplets and I loved it, actually cried when I sold it on ebay.

PS - I called my insurance company and they will actually reimburse me for a percentage of the cost of the pump or will pay 100% for me to rent one from the hospital or a local medical supply, so call your insurance and see if they do that too!