[Atwood]

I used the Medela Swing with both DD1 and DS and loved it. For both babies, it took me a few weeks to get breastfeeding established due to attachment issues, so I would pump several times a day and it never failed me. Once breastfeeding was established, I would pump as needed, and used it for a duration of 2 years.

Now that DD2 is here, I have not had the opportunity to sit for hours to establish breastfeeding, so am exclusively pumping. I decided that since this is how things will be for the next year or so to treat myself to a double pump, and bought the Ameda Purely Yours. I chose it because I liked the idea that it had the airlock prevention feature, and it was a lot cheaper than the Medela double pump. Once my milk supply had been established, I have found that I am able to pump 3 times a day and produce enough milk to feed DD and have some left over to freeze (about 1250ml a day in total), so am more than happy with this pump. Given that it was a lot cheaper than the Medela, I am pleased I went with this pump.

I bought my pump through Nursing Angels and find them fantastic!

[allforkids]

Having twins I started off hiring the Medela Symphony from the chemist as it was the one our hospital used so I was familiar with it whilst my bubs had their stay in hospital as it had the capacity to pump both breasts at once, whereas many of the smaller pumps on the market you could only express from one breast at a time, given every moment of sleep was precious I wanted to spend less time up pumping milk and more time in bed rather than being stuck attached to a pump. After a few months I switched over and bought a Medela Swing as it was small, compact and could travel anywhere with you, it took longer given it only has a single pump but saved money in the long run as we were no longer paying hire fees on the bigger breast pump.

[halcyodays]

I bought the Ameda Purely Yours- double pump and easily portable. At first I hired the Ameda hospital strength one from the pharmacy as I was expressing just for a few weeks ( I hoped) to boost supply, but then I needed to express when at work. I like it a lot. It is slightly noisier than the hospital strength pumps (which cost about $1,700), and doesn't have as smooth a suction, but it does the job of expressing for the occasional feed brilliantly.
Don't know how it would work if you were expressing all feeds, as haven't done that before.

[Pup-pup]

I have avent electric and was really happy with it. Saying that I would use it maybe 2-3 times a week, and the motor broke down after a few months ( it was replaced under warranty and no problems at all with this). I don't think it would be the best one for daily use. Definitely would get a double pump if using daily.

[Princess.cranky....]

I had an avent electric and I was exclusively pumping. First one broke down after 5 days and the second one after 1 month. I expected better for the amount is cost and don't recommend it.

[shortnfat]

I've tried the Avent (lent to me for a short while) then bought the Medela swing. I went on to buy the Medela Freestyle (a double pump). The Medela pumps are great - they got the milk off as quickly as the Avent but I found them much more comfortable.

The Freestyle has been used pretty much continuously for the last 2 years (I lent it to a friend between using it for my 1st and 2nd babies) and has been great.

There's a great website in the UK which you can order pumps and replacement components from much more cheaply than in Aus:
expressyourselfmums.co.uk

[ez21]

I have the Medela Swing. It's a great pump with good suction and very easy to use and clean. It's also very quiet. Comes with the standard size breast shield which doesn't suit everyone so, make sure you have the correct size to ensure you are expressing efficiently without doing damage to yourself. You can purchase the different sizes at nursingangel.com.au .

I found this pump very useful and was glad I had it when my bub was sick and wouldn't feed (to relieve the pressure!) This pump will suit everyday use.

[2 Gorgeous Girls]

My sister used the Medela Swing to exclusively pump for 4 months. I use it for occasional pumping. We both found it great for each purpose. I just had order some spare parts for it and I was impressed out how reasonably priced they were.

[soontobegran]

I think it does depend on what you want to use it for?
I am surprised with the number of women who buy one just in case as they really do not have to be used if your baby is breast feeding well and you are not returning to work.
If you just want one for the occasional pump to store then you do not need to spend an awful lot of money and the Avent Isis or just the Avent hand pump is a good option.
My personal favourite if you are full time expressing is the Medela Freestyle but it isn't terribly portable. I like the Medela swing otherwise.

Just a question if you don't mind me hijacking OP----Was anyone taught to hand express in hospital when you had your babies?

[bailee]

I've got an Ameda and its great. I've used both the Ameda and Medela hospital grade pumps and home pumps and prefer the Ameda as it has a stronger suction, which I need after having a breast reduction. I have had to exclusively express for both my babies for a few months, so have got my money's worth out of my pump. I have broken my pump now - after a huge smash on the ground (one too many - its survived quite a number) and I'm going back to buy the same one. I also like the Ameda cause its small and light weight and I was able to take it to work with me.

If you are going to do a lot of pumping, then you need an Ameda or Medela as other pumps are made for occasional use, so their motors give out if you use the more than once a day for an extended period of time.