Avent Isis Manual Breast Pump
by Philips AVENT
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Our Price: $59.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Baby Product See more product details |
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Baby Products Reviews of Avent Isis Manual Breast Pump
Customer Review: Works better than the electric and manual pumps I have used
Summary: 5 Stars
Though I can only compare the Avent Isis manual breast pump to the manual and electric Medela pumps, I believe the Avent deserves five stars. Experienced friends and lactation consultants had steered us toward Medela. Due to a health a concern, I needed to pump and discard my milk for a few days and feed my baby using a bottle. All I had available was my manual Medela pump, which is meant only for occasional use or to relieve engorgement. However, from the first session, I found it very tiring and cramping to my hand and forearm as well as resulting in nipple soreness/bruising on medium suction (with the suction closer to the "minimum" setting, which was less painful, I had to pump longer to get the needed milk to keep up my supply, thereby causing more fatigue and a rather lengthy session). On average, I would estimate that I pumped about 2.5 to 3.5 ounces from one breast in 20 to 30 minutes. The electric model, which I used in the hospital, was of course easier since it did the work for me, yet even it did not work as quickly or comfortably as the manual Isis pump. Additionally, I was never able to completely empty either breast with the manual Medela pump, with up to 40 minutes of pumping. I thought that if I tried to pump that long again, my arms would fall off or my breast would respond with far too much milk production the next time my milk let down. : )
The Avent Isis pump was such a relief for me. The soft petal cushion does make a difference in comfort for the breast and encouraging let-down reflex. You are instructed to pump 5-6 times rapidly to aid the let-down reflex and then to start a 2-3 second pumping cycle. It really works! The milk flows out continuously for the time you have the handle depressed and sometimes even continues to flow as you let go. The handle is easy to pull, you have good control of the amount of suction on your breast, you control how fast you want to pump, and I found that my hand and arm did not get sore and cramped. I have been consistently able to pump 4-5 ounces from one breast, typically in less than 10 minutes. To pump enough for one feeding I can have the job done in about 15 minutes, and comfortably too.
It is a pleasure (relatively speaking) to use the Avent Isis. If the Lord blesses us with another child, I would definitely use this pump to relieve engorgement, store away some breast milk in the freezer, or use it on a daily basis if that were to become necessary. Even if someone offered to buy me an electric pump, I think I would still choose to use the Avent Isis (maybe there are electric pumps out there that are better than the Medela). The Isis really is that good. It is surprising to find a product that works as well as it claims to, so comfortably and quickly too. I would not hesitate to purchase this product again, as well as to recommend it to others. Hope you it works as well for you. : )
A couple of notes:
1) the pump does sometimes make a "creaking" noise if you pull the handle fully. This noise is less annoying
to me than that of the motor of the electric Medela pump or the "whoosh" and squeak of the Medela manual pump. Maybe I say that because I like the Isis so much.
2) the Medela and Isis manual pumps have about the same amount of assembly and cleaning requirements. I found neither brand to be confusing or tedious after the first time or two of getting used to each one's particular design.
3) for the amount of money spent (around $45.00 US) both my husband and I think that it was a good investment in a product that delivers on its promises.
4) as with any product, it is essential to follow the instructions closely. The Isis's parts do seem to have a more perfect seal when it is assembled while wet. Once your breast begins to soften as the milk is pumped, you will need to support your breast to maintain good suction. The process is so fast though, that I don't mind this (the same instruction applies to the Medela, concerning breast support).
5) recently, I have found the best disposable breast pads to be Lansinoh and Gerber (the thin kind with the adhesive strip). Evenflo and Johnson's did not work well at containing leaking.
Customer Review: Excellent Pump
Summary: 5 Stars
My six month old daughter never latched on, and has been fed exclusively breastmilk using this pump. Most people are surprised when I tell them this, because they wonder why I don't use an electric pump. The truth is that I just never felt the need. I can't imagine any pump being faster or easier to use than this.
The benefit of a manual pump is that I can control the suction, and the time of each pump. I don't think I'd get as much milk if the suctions were evenly timed. Through my many pumping sessions I've learned when to use more or less suction, and how long to hold the suction. Surprisingly, breasts work independently of each other, so what works on one does not necessarily work on the other.
I also love the convenience of being able to pump anywhere. The pump is small and light, and I carry it all over. I pump at the computer (one had typing, or reading!), I pump while watching tv, while playing with my daughter, and even in the car (as a passenger).
The pump is easy to wash and re-assemble. I don't wash it each time though. Because the pump is so small, I am able to put the entire thing in the fridge after each use. I just wipe down the massage cushion. If I had to wash the pump each time, I don't think I'd be pumping. I usually wash it 3-4 times a week.
One reviewer wrote that milk sometimes gets stuck behind the cushion and on top of the valve. Some milk does get stuck behind the cushion, but it is literally a few droplets. On occasion, there is a bit more and it ends up squirting out and making a mess. This has only happened a handful of times. I'll gladly lose a few droplets of milk and get the benefits of the cushion. Regardless of weather it actually causes a faster let-down, it is very comfortable. I cannot imagine pumping without it, onto a hard plastic. As far as the milk on top of the valve, since I keep it in the fridge without taking it apart, the milk eventually drips into the bottle.
The tiny little valve is the only piece that has ever given me any kind of trouble. First of all, you must be very careful not to lose it when washing the pump. I've had it fall out of my hands while washing on a few occasions. They supply an extra, but if I hadn't been careful, I would have probably lost both by now. Another problem with the valve is that it sometimes pops. This usually happens when the suction is too strong. When this happens, you need to lift the silicone diaphragm, remove the valve, and reinsert it at the bottom of the pump. Not a big deal, but still a hassle to fix while pumping.
As with any pump, there is a learning curve. When I first started using it, I didn't get much milk. I was lucky to get two ounces. But pumping is a skill that is learned, and with time you should get plenty of milk with this pump. (When I nursed my son, I barely got any milk when pumping. That's because I rarely had to pump, so I didn't learn how to. Pumping is different than nursing). Also, I do have times when for whatever reason I have less milk. That's not the pumps fault. I just add in a few extra pumping sessions to keep my supply up.
I am planning to test an electric pump this week. I'm curious to see if it would help me pump faster (right now It takes me about 20-25 minutes, 3 times a day to get 28-35 oz.) It would have to be a lot faster for me to use it though, given that I'll have to give up on the convenience of a portable pump. I'll try to update the review weather it worked or not.
For both speed and convenience this pump can't be beat. In fact, I'm traveling to Europe in a couple of months, and will be taking 2-3 of these so that I always have a clean one handy when touring.
Note: Avent uses Bisphenol-A in their bottles. This is a controversial chemical. I wish they didn't use it, but I feel like I can't give up this pump. I do transfer the milk to disposable liner bottles after pumping. The avent nipples/bottles did not work for us, my daughter drooled with them.
Customer Review: This is an excellent manual pump!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I am returning to my full time job in a couple of days, and I made up my mind to keep my Medela pump in style at work and not carry it back and forth (since it is kind of heavy). I did not want to buy another costly pump to keep at home so I decided to research reviews on the existing manual pumps on the market because although the Medela pump in style comes with an attachment to create a Manual breast pump, it was awful. Not to mention that my arm was hurting, and I wasn't able to express any milk. I hesitated in buying the Avent Isis pump because of some negative reviews, but it seemed that more positive reviews outweighed the negative reviews. I decided to go for it and bought the Avent Isis pump this evening. I got home and carefully read the instructions, etc. I then tried pumping, but nothing would come out. I was afraid of facing the same problems the others did. But then I finally got it!! After 45 minutes of trying and no suction and no milk, I checked the parts and discovered a few errors on my part. I checked to make sure that the white star valve was in place (this is vital in creating a suction). I checked the silicone diaphragm to ensure it sealed properly. And then I removed the massage cushion, and reinserted into the funnel making sure that the inner part of the cushion went in as far into the funnel as possible. I think improperly inserting the massage cushion the first time caused my problem. The instructions do say that any air will not create a suction. After reassembling it, it worked!!! Then I re-sterilized, and reassembled. Again I had suction and I was able to express 4 oz in 10 minutes (this is normal for me). I was so excited to get this working. I think a key factor in creating a flow, is to follow their helpful hints where they say to pump 5-6 times continuously, and then hold a pump for 2-3 secs. I couldn't believe the milk was just pouring out in a very reasonable amount of time.
I think this will work great for me when pumping at home. Plus I already have Avent bottles, and storage containers, and all their items are compatible with one another. If in any case I encounter broken parts in the future, reading from other reviews, Avent seems to have great customer service, and I do not doubt they will replace any broken parts. I am giving the pump 4 stars because I have owned the pump for only a few hours, but I am sure I will be satisfied. To any prospective buyers: Go for it!!
Hi, its been over a month, and this pump is the best thing ever for its price. It continues to be very practical and ready to use at your fingertips. The pump has saved me when I was waiting for a replacement part for my Medela Pump in Style.
Just a few more words of advice, when pumping, I find it extremely helpful to hold a pump for a few seconds, and yes the suction may be strong, but you can alleviate by pulling the pump away to allow air and then continue pumping. Not only will you allow air to go through, but you will see any milk in the valve, flow to the bottle. After figuring out these little quirks, the pump has one more very satisfied customer.
Customer Review: Makes me wonder why I bought the Medela Pump In Style
Summary: 5 Stars
Everyone on Earth told me, "Don't cheap out and get a manual pump! Get the Medela!!!" I do like the Medela, but...well, read on.
Last week, when my baby hit 4 weeks, my husband and I spent the weekend on a mini-vacation while my mother-in-law took care of the baby. I didn't want to take my big, luggy Pump-in-Style along and set it up in the hotel room, just to express milk that I wouldn't keep because I had nowhere to keep it. So I went to the drugstore and bought the Avent Isis, about which I'd heard good things.
Compared to the electric pump, this was SOOOOOOO CONVENIENT. All you have to do is hook up an Avent bottle (or disposable breastmilk cup) and go. There's no tubing to plug in, no bag to lug around, etc. I got just as much milk out of this as I do from my Medela P.I.S. It was easy on my hand, too, and I have a tiny, tiny bit of residual carpal tunnel syndrome left over from pregnancy. The milk just flowed.
Also, I was already using Avent bottles, so that makes this even easier. If you want to store your milk in Avent bottles but use another brand of pump, you have to buy Avent's bottle-neck adapters. (I have these, too, for the electric pump.)
With the electric pump (for the unfamiliar out there), you have to hook up tubing between the part that gets the milk from your breast, and your electric pump unit (concealed in the fashionable bag). You also have to hook up a plug from your bag/pump unit to the wall. It is annoying if one end of the tubing, say, touches the floor or your pet comes up and gets his face on it before you get started (have to re-clean and start over). There are other annoyances, but the setting up is the most inconvenient part of the electric pump. With the manual pump--and the Avent Isis is a particularly good one--you just hook the bottle to one end of the pump, put it up to your breast, and get milk.
I guess the one advantage of the electric pump is that you can pump both breasts at the same time.
I don't find the Isis to be remarkably slower than the P.I.S. And I get just as much milk. (Some people don't.) If I had less money and economy were more of a consideration, I'd surely try this pump first before trying an electric pump.
So...
PROS
--easy setup
--very portable
--gets as much milk as an electric pump (at least, for me)
--economical (much cheaper than electric)
--if you use Avent bottles, it's easy storage
--almost as fast as electric pump (at least, for me)
--hooks right up to Avent bottles OR disposable cups
--Avent adapters separately available for use with other brands of bottles
CONS
--only pumps one breast at a time
--doesn't always get good milk from all people, but does from many
Oh! One more thing: if you want to store your milk in bags, whether you use an electric or manual pump, just express the milk into a clean bottle and pour it into a bag. The Medela has a complicated method for expressing right into a bag, but it takes EVEN LONGER to set up. And use Lansinoh bags.
Customer Review: Better than the huge hospital toaster-sized pumps!
Summary: 5 Stars
Firstly this costs the same as the Advent with no bottles so you may as well get more for your buck.When the baby lost too much weight from not sucking right (so they say) I was in hospital with him for 10 days. While there I was able to use their electric Medela pump in the newborn area. It was a toaster-size contraption - something a bit more advanced than the small battery versions offered but the same company.
When leaving they wanted me to get an automatic and Medela was a recommended brand. I'd already bought the Advent based on its comparative reviews here but I was so used to the automatic one I wasn't sure it would be as good and after using a free disposable hospital manual pump also (they wanted to make sure I left the hospital with SOMETHING until I could get an expensive automatic).
The hospital manual was tiring and left me rather depressed and figuring I'd HAVE to get the Medela even though I still had not tried Advent yet. After I learnt how to use Advent the first time, it was good except the let-down cushion reduced the hole size so my nipples were squeezed to a pea-shape and hence very sore. The second time, I removed the cushion and the suction cup was now the same size as the Medela in the hospital and felt the same with significant suction.
Now the amount you pull down is dependant on a number of things - hydration, stress, how often you pump, baby stimulating lactation, etc. so I won't comment on that. What I did notice with Advent however, is that the amount I expected from the huge hospital monster 2-breasts-at-once machine was the same I got from Advent. But instead of 15 minutes for both at once, it took only 8 minutes for 1 breast at a time and proves to be a lot easier to handle (no pumping tubes to get tangled up!) - a nice self contained unit.
So considering I can get the job done in the same time, it's much cheaper, and quiet too so as not to draw attention to yourself, forget about the more expensive Medela varieties.
The nipple that screws to the bottles in this package is also better than the hospital nipples I was using in that it drips much less so my baby also dribbles less when he takes little rests in between sucking and swallowing - not as much milk is constantly dribbling out - he has to work a bit harder for it, like a human nipple.
To top it off, as pumping is done by squeezing a handle (Much easier than the up-down-up-down of the hospital or Medela manual pumps), it is also provides theraputic hand exercise for carpal tunnel syndrome - an added bonus!!!
I read about the neck cracking problems and I'm concerned about that but that's my only worry...