Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump with Backpack

Product Review (submitted on July 17, 2009):

I brought this pump after the birth of my second child. As with everybody, I did a lot of research before buying this one after the birth of my son before returning full time back to work. I spoke to two lactation consultants and both of them recommended either Medela PIS or Ameda purely yours or Avent Isis Duo.

I chose Ameda backpack version over others because of price,features and number of parts to clean. I use this at home over the weekend and Medela Lactina Plus at work which is a hospital grade pump that my office provides. Both pumps are comparable and I get probably an ounce more with the Medela Lactina plus. It is very easy to setup and clean and the motor is quieter than the Lactina that I use at work. The best thing is the suction and the speed setting which can be set independent of each other. I like the suction which is soft and with practice I have been able to set it up to mimic my baby's suction. I haven't been using it during weekdays so I don't know the durability of the motor.

The motor is small and detachable from the bag. The cooler is compact and does fit six, four ounces bottles and that is a great convenience pumping thrice a day. The suction feels stronger while single pumping and the data sheets say the same. My office has just 20 minutes schedule for lactation room and I have been able to set up the Ameda, pump and clean in that time slot. Cleaning is a breeze as there are no small parts. With the Lactina personal kit I have to be careful with the membrane which is very fragile, I have almost lost it twice while sterilizing.

Another added advantage is the prevention of milk backing up in the tubes. With the Lactina I need to inspect the tubes per the manufacturer's advise every time after I am done to check for milk backup. I don't have that problem with Ameda. I haven't had milk backed up yet with Lactina, but the anxiety of checking the tubes is always there.

The backpack is stylish although Ameda could have made it little softer. The inside liner is made of polythene and so the bag is stiff. Other than that many of colleagues have confused my backpack as a regular backpack. It does have an option of housing batteries and running the motor on that, I haven't had a chance to use it and not sure if I will ever use it.

Overall I think this is a good choice.