Mad at Medela

I hate pumping. But it's a necessary evil for mums who are working, or who are unable to breastfeed their babies directly at every feed. I have never used a Medela breast pump. I tried it once and didn't like it, so didn't buy it. In the end, I bought an Ameda Lactaline, which cost a fraction of the price, but was lighter, and worked better.

After more than 6 years of breastfeeding, I am on to my second Ameda pump. When my first broke down a few years ago because I had dropped it on the floor one too many times, I was almost seduced by the Medela Pump in Style. I had heard and read great reviews about it. And the bag was cute too. But the price-tag was off-putting. And it was as heavy as a brick. I decided to stick with the devil I knew.

After reading this article on the problems with Medela, I am so glad I stuck with Ameda. Ignoring all of Medela's WHO Code violations (which I already find offensive), the idea that theirs is an open system with no way of ensuring that the milk is isolated and kept clean and uncontaminated, is sick-inducing. Based on this fact alone, I would encourage nursing mums to stay away from Medela pumps. (This does not apply to the Medela Symphony, which is a hospital grade pump, and since it is to be shared, has to be a closed system.)

I am not necessarily recommending Ameda, which has served me faithfully. My favorite method of expression are my hands. They are free, and you don't need to wash pump parts. More on hand expression another time.