See what Mumsnetters think of Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pumps - £300 voucher prize draw for testers’ feedback! NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 150 Mumsnetters who are trying the Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump.

Here's what Philips AVENT say, "When you are comfortable and relaxed, your milk flows more easily. That's why we created our most comfortable breast pump yet: Sit comfortably with no need to lean forwards and let our soft massage cushion gently stimulate your milk flow. The breast pump has a unique design, so your milk flows directly from your breast into the bottle, even when you are sitting up straight. The breast pump has a compact design, which makes it easy to position. Its ergonomically-shaped handle offers a comfortable hold and full control when expressing milk. Being small and lightweight means it is easy to store and transport, making pumping on-the-go more discreet."

More info on the pump here

Testers, please answer the questions below but do feel free to add any other comments you may have.

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

All testers who add their feedback to this thread, add a review on MN and complete the survey we sent you will be entered into a prize draw where one tester will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher!

Thanks
MNHQ

[paddlenorapaddle]

sorry about the copy and paste baby on boob as we speak

[chanice]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation? It's a breast pump that you use by putting it on your breasts and squeezing the handle.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use? Quite comfortable

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use? Very simple to use. I have used different brands and found it quite similar.

Q5. Yes I would as an alternative to tommee tipee

Q6. Yes occasionally

[louise987]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?
Small manual pump which is really portable, perfect for on the go use. Easy to use and very simple to assemble.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
Very comfortable. The shape of the pump means that it is soft on the breast, and the design of the handle means that you can easily pump using one hand. I often pumped while feeding and the design of the pump meant this was easy to do as I didn't need to be in a specific position to use the pump effectively.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
Very easy. It is very easy to assemble, much easier than my Tommee Tippee electric pump. It was easy to pump and manage the first few pumps to encourage let down without tugging on the nipple and causing pain. once in use the handle of the pump was smooth and perfect for me. I'm not sure how easy it would be to use if you had larger breasts/hands (i am a B cup) as it was on the smaller side compared to other pumps, but this suited me perfectly.
In comparison to other pumps I have been able to express far more milk in a shorter space of time with the Avent manual pump - so I am very happy with that!

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?
Yes definitely. The ease of use and small portable size of the pump were big plus points for me.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I will. I find it so quick and easy to assemble that I don't need to 'plan' when I express like I did with my other pump, this is much more 'on the go'. the only element about it I might change is the size of the bottle it comes with, it would be good if it came with both a small and large bottle as it quickly fills up and needs changing if I want to completely empty my breasts when expressing. I like the small bottle for on the go flexibility but if at home then a larger bottle would be handy, however I am sure I could buy one separately if i needed to.

[indyswoofer]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

Small manual pump for expressing breast milk, comes with one bottle and teat

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
It felt comfortable on the breast, but handle was not comfortable in my hand, think the handle is too short for me.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
Easy to use and sterilise,instructions were easy to understand and the milk was expressed comfortably and didn't take too long.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?
I would recommend for occasional use, maybe on a long journey if necessary or if there was a power cut!

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?
I may use it occasionally. My electric pump if far quicker though and I am impatient!
It is, however more comfortable and efficient than a previous manual pump (tommee tippee) that I've used.

[SlurplePurple]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?
I've already spoken about the pump (and others I've used/am currently using) to my 37wk pregnant cousin.
I've told her it's a nice quick and easy way to express when engorged and easier to clean than a double electric pump.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
It was slightly uncomfortable on my nipples but I was expecting that as I usually need the biggest shields I can find to be able to use my medela comfortably.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
It was really easy to use and assemble. I did get a bit of a hand cramp when I used it to empty a really full breast but that took over 10 minutes so was expected.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?
I've already recommended it to my cousin.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?
I think so but only when there isn't time to sterilise my electric as previously mentioned it's a bit uncomfortable on my nipples.

[Tiredstressed]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

A manual breast pump which comes with a bottle top and enables pumping on the go.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
Very comfortable - the pump has a comfortable rubber cover.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

Very easy. I had not used a manual pump before but I was pleasantly surprised by how quick it was to pump a feed and how convenient it was not having to faff about finding a handy plug. I thought it would be hard work but it was not.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

Yes - very handy if you want to pump occasionally or at work or anywhere using an electric pump might not be convenient.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. Ideal if you are out and handy for pumping a quick feed. Pleasantly surprised and I wish I had bought one earlier!

[Firewall]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

Fantastic, compact gadget breast pump that is easy to use.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?

Very comfortable , it makes such a difference that you can sit back and no leakage.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

Very easy, perfect size. It's nice and quiet and can be used on the go which is very handy.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

Yes, it works well and good starting point. Is cheaper than electric one too .

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes

[ClaireFraser]

1. A small, portable, affordable and easy to use breastpump.
   

1. Comfortable to use, didn't need to lean forward like I have to with my electric pump.
   

1. Easy to use, especially when out an d about as can just pop it in your bag. Quiet to use which means I will be able to pump in bed at night if need be. Had to express in the night when DD was a tiny newborn and my electric one was so loud I had to go downstairs and to the opposite side of the house!
   

1. Yes I would recommend it
   

1. Yea I will continue to use it, as v useful for the times when I want to leave DD with DH and don't want to affect my supply or have exploding boobs by the time I get home, as it means I can easily bring it with me.

[rudolphistheboss]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?
I have described the pump as a convenient, easy to use, manual breast pump that easily fits in my changing bag to take for days or evenings out. Because it doesn't need a power source it can be used anywhere and is quiet and discreet. I particularly like the cover that clips over the shield to keep it clean.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
Very comfortable. I liked that I could sit back normally and express without getting a sore back. The suction wasn't too strong and the speed obviously controlled by your own hand so easy to use comfortably.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
Very easy. Simple to set up and take apart and clean. Easy to store. Quiet to use and discreet.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?
I have already recommended to a friend who was looking at options for feeding her 2 month old. I will continue to recommend to anyone looking for an occasional pump.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes. Easy to clean and store and compact enough to carry about. Comfortable to use. I also have a medela swing breast pump which is quicker but doesn't have the same benefits regarding being able to sit back comfortably.

Many thanks for allowing me to test the product.

[Caillou]

I am black home tomorrow, so I will report back as soon as possible,

Such a shame it didn't arrive before I went away as I would have loved to take it with me.

Dh confirmed to me that we received it :)

[Bubbles85]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

A quick, easy and pain-free way to express milk for your little one.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?

Very comfortable and didn't make my breasts sore at all.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

Very easy, instructions were easy to follow.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

Yes - it worked well for me so I would hope that friends/family would get good results too.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, it works well for me.

[HaveTeaWillSurvive]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation? It's a nice little set which contains almost everything you need to do some occasional pumping. It's compact, easy to put together and feels quite solid.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
This is where it goes wrong for me, I found it almost painful to use. I tried different positions but it just didn't seem to 'fit' me. I have another manual pump which in itself feels more flimsy and basic but is a lot more comfortable to use.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
Not withstanding Q2 above it was very easy and straightforward to put together and operate.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family? Perhaps, I also have the tommee tippee equivalent which is a fair bit cheaper and also comes with a microwave steriliser box so I'd probably lean towards recommending that one. However I always say to expecting mums who plan to breast feed that it's worth getting one of these basic manual pumps as you are likely to need them at some point.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not? Unfortunately not because I can't find a comfortable position. I'll be sticking with my tommee tippee one.

[london78]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

A lightweight and compact breast pump

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?

Fairly comfortable once I had adjusted the positioning of the cushion

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

Easy and similar to other breast pumps (I use the Medela Swing and Mam manual pump). I prefer the Mam manual as it self-sterilises as a unit in the microwave.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

I would recommend it for occasional use or to take away to pump outside of the home or whilst travelling.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

I am nearing the end of my expressing journey (8mths) and am more likely to use my other pumps whilst at home to express.

[melodycat]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

A small manual pump, easy to set up and use.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
Pretty comfortable once adjusted as advised

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
Easy, much easier to set up than my electric pump (and easier to clean as less parts)

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?
Probably, as I found it easy and comfortable to use

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, want to express occasional milk for my dd, might find it too much work if was expressing frequently.

[Bec0mum]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

A handy portable device to express breast milk.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?

It is comfortable. Occasionally I had to adjust where my nipple was located inside the shield but that happens in my other pump too. It made my hand ache a little towards the end of expressing.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

It was easy to use and clean. It is fairly self explanatory and there were no problems putting it together and taking it apart etc

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

Yes I would. It is a good price and gives good results.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I will continue to use it several times a day because it works so well!

[zarinebedford]

Q1: I would describe the pump as very comfortable because I don't have to lean forward. The design & ease of use is very true to the Avent range of products for mums & babies.

Q2: Comfortable with a capital C.

Q3: Philips products are known for their simplicity and this pump is no different. It's very easy to use without compromising on design or quality.

Q4: Yes. I would recommend this pump without hesitation. it is a far better choices that a noisy electrical pump.

Q5: Unfortunately I will not be using the pump for much longer having recently made the transition to solids and follow on milk with my baby. I do wish I had been introduced to this pump sooner, it would have taken away my initial struggles & made life a lot easier for me

[Parentinginpyjamas]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

A gentle manual breast pump that really emphasises mother's comfort.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?

Very comfy! Liked the gentle padding around the breast.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

I found it quite easy and the instructions were lovely and clear. I haven't pumped before so I was surprised at how long it takes but after a bit of research I realised that's just the way it is with pumping v breastfeeding.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

I'd recommend it because of the emphasis on mummy comfort - very important! You're encouraged to sit back and the pump design seems gentle and ergonomic - very important!

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

I won't as I don't think pumping is for me! I just find it easier to whack a baby on my boob! No reflection on the pump :)

[EmberRainbow]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

Easy and simple to use,transport and clean

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?

Very, even when used on a swollen and sore engorged breast :( the pump was cushioned and comfy

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

Super easy, parts fit together intuitively and it's light, the short bottle means the pump can be used one handed even if lying back, there's no leaking of milk on breast when using and there's a cover too so it's very clean to use

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

Yes, I already have, it's a revelation compared to the one I had been using!

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, it's so much easier than my previous one, comfortable light and easy to clean and truly one handed operation.

[Hazeydays]

Q1. I was very impressed with the philips breast pump. It is a straightforward compact simple design but very effective and does all everything that it says it will. easy to assemble and clean so useful for on the move.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use? The pump was quite comfortble once i got the hang of using it, it could nip slightly when i first used it, but i think this could have been my technique rather than the pump

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use? very straightforward though it might be useful to add more tips on how to stimulate flow to the information pack for firdt time pumpers

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family. it is relatively cheap, its effective easy to clean and works quickly to get the job done

Q5. I Will continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump as it suits my needs very well. I do not need to pump frequently as I only use it for ocassional bottles

[Hazeydays]

all that I needed for Christmas at the in-laws! Thank you Philips!

[ReluctantRomantic]

lease detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?
A straightforward manual breast pump

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
i found it quite difficult to get the amount of suction right to get things going and ended up becoming quite sore

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
its easy to use straight out of the box, but you need to read the manual to find out how to pump most effectively.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?
i wanted to try it because i need to pump diseetly now i am back at work. Unfortunately i just didnt find i to be remotely as efficient as my Medela Swing. it felt quite uncomfortable to me and i was quite sore and tingly afterwards. I also didnt manage to pump anything near as much as the same amount as normal. For those reasons I would not recommend it. For me its just better to invest in an efficient electric pump even if i is noisy.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not? i will keep it on hand for emergencies but i much prefer the medela swing.

[farmergirl29]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?

An easy to use manual pump, that is comfortable and a good option for expressing if you plan to do it less frequently i.e a few times a week, in preparation for a night/day off, or on the go if needed.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?

Very comfortable. I am already using the electric version of this pump so I am very familiar with the feel of the 'cup' against the breast and also the fact you can sit back, which is great. I do find using a manual pump more uncomfortable than an electric (but that is personal preference). When my baby was first born (now 17 weeks) I did have a manual Tommee Tippee pump but I didn't get on with this at all. Had I gone for this advent one I think I would of continued with a manual one a bit longer as this feels more comfortable and the pumping action seems less tiring.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?

Easy to put together - but this may be because I already have the electric version so am very used to putting the pieces together. I did find connecting the plastic pump handle to the top a bit awkward at first, but soon got the hand of it. As with the electric version I find you need to make sure all the air is really well pushed out between the rubber cup and plastic cup when you put them together else it doesn't work well.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?

Yes I would, as either a starter pump or as mentioned above for infrequent use. I personally think if you are expressing more frequently then an electric pump is the way to go. I have to express daily in order to have enough expressed milk to give my little one her gavison doses mixed in before each feed.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I probably will. I can see me taking it when I go away, rather than taking the whole electric set up. The only reason I would not use it more often is because I have the electric version.

[Missydurrani]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?
A very efficient handy little portable pump, very discrete does what it says on the tin.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
Very comfortable as it's quite natural shape means I didn't have to lean forward. Fits well too.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
Very simple and easy unlike my other electric ones. Can be easily discretely used when baby is asleep or at work of course in break time.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?
I would but only if you're expressing May be once a day or occasionally but it's not for those who want to express more than once a day as it can be quite tiring and puts strain on the wrists. For frequent use I'd advise to go for electric ones.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?
I will continue to use it until I stopped breastfeeding. I've gone back to work part time and I only need to express one bottle 2-3 times a week so this pump does the job efficiently and I've put away my electric breast pump as it's just a hassle, although it doesn't need my wrists working hard but still the noise wakes the whole house up. That's why this manual is a Godsend for me which does the job without waking the baby up and the hassle of using batteries or main switch.
But as I said before if anyone wants to express 2-3 times a day, this is not for them as it's tiring.

[Odlums]

Q1. Please detail how would you describe the breast pump to friends/family if it came up in conversation?
A portable manual breast pump for discreet noise free pumping on the go.

Q2. How comfortable did you find the breast pump to use?
I found the pump really comfortable to use. I struggled with other manual pumps in the past, I still wince at the memory of trying to use a tommee tippee manual pump while crying through the discomfort. The plastic petal cushion ensured a snug fit around my breast – not always simple when I’m now a 36HH cup – and pumping was easy and pain free. My hand got a bit tired after a couple of minutes but I had pumped enough to fill the small bottle at that stage.

Q3. How easy did you find the breast pump to use?
Very straightforward to put together and incredibly easy to pump with, easy to disassemble and chuck in the steriliser and small enough to fit in my handbag/ nappy bag to pump on the go. I really liked the cover that fits over the pump body as well.

Q4. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump to friends and/or family?
Yes I would recommend the pump for ad hoc pumping, but if you need to pump regularly or are exclusively feeding expressed milk I’d recommend an electric double pump instead.

Q5. Will you continue to use your Philips Avent Natural Manual Breast Pump? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I will continue to use the pump out and about. It’s lighter, more portable and less noisy than my electric double pump. I would be much less self conscious using this.