Breast pumps!!

[MrsMcJnr]

Ladies help me with this piece of kit! I hope to breast feed but I'd like to express too so DH can feed the baby and as I might have to go back to work before I want to stop feeding (if I can).

I've heard electric ones are best and that the one sided ones are better than the double one and that Medula is a better make than Avent.

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!

Same goes for microwave steamers - any good and what brands are best!

ok, I have the tommee tippee hand expresser which is good for me, and I also have the tommee tippee microwave steriliser [they were on offer at tescos] which only holds 4 bottles etc but can also be used as a cold water steriliser. It easily handles my expressing needs anyway.
I hope this helps.

I hired one from the NCT initially, and later went on to buy. The one I used was similar to this and it was excellent.

i had an Avent steam steriliser which held 4 bottles at a time and it worked good for me.

No experience, but recent research (i am due in dec)
Medela swing (electric, one sided) has the best reviews. You can get bags that fit onto it for easy storage in fridge.
Most user friendly steriliser seems to be the avent iq24 which has 2 settings- one sterilises in 6 mins, the other keeps sterilising automatically so that you always have a sterile bottle ready.
That is what i have ordered, but would be interested to see other replies

Thanks Ladies off on hols but I'll be looking into this when I get back.

My midwife commented it's a very individual decision - and my experience went along with that.

I borrowed a Medela mini-electric from a friend, but didn't get on with it very well at all. I've got a Medela Harmony (manual) now, which I'm much better friends with . I thought the Avent let down comfort cushion thing looked good, but I got a couple of the breast shields that have the same features to "drip catch" and found them really uncomfy.

Whatever pump you get, it's worth learning how to hand express - some women find it really easy and much more effective and comfortable than any pump, plus you can't forget your hands. The Marmet Technique is pretty good if you want to give it a try.

Be aware that not all pumps are safe to sterilise in a microwave - both the Medela ones I've used aren't microwave proof. I boil them.

Bags are great for storing in the freezer, but the measurements are approximate to say the very least. I tend to pump into a bottle and then decant into a bag for storage. That way I know how much I've got, and there's a bit more grace if I knock the pump over!

Thanks Tangle that's really interesting about the Medela - damn it!

we went on a course at the Active Birth Centre in London recently and they recommended a Medula - this one in fact.

They said that they thought that although it was a little pricier, it was hands down better than any other breast pump they'd come across.

I've never used one and haven't bought one (yet) so can't give you personal experience.

Hope that's helpful

i use medela electric swing pump as am expressing for same reason you have said - DH gives nighttime bottle. I find it superb - am able to express around 5fl. oz in about 15 mins.

re the steriliser - I have the avent microwave one. is compact but fits in my sterilising equipment and a few bottles easily. sterilises everything in 4 mins.

Both bits of kits are fab. also recommend the lansinoh breastmilk storage bags for freezing supplies you may want to build up.

I have a medela double electric, which is ummm, a bit bovine, but very effective and efficient. Worked well for us.

Sabinar ? that?s the one my sister swore by too.

Thanks ladies, this is all good to hear.