Hellobee Boards

I have heard good things about Hygeia. One nice thing is that it is a closed system, so if you want to give it to a friend or sell it, all they need is a new accessory set.

I had both the PIS and now Hygeia (from Insurance). I liked both but do feel I get more from Hygeia. However, for your use I would say get a Medela since the pump pieces are readily available. I never thought of it but when you get the pump from insurance make sure they send you the correct size flange's. Mine came with size large and I am a medium. Fortunately the Hygeia is compatible with all the Medela parts so I just did a swap but it would have been better if I had the right size to start with. You can go to either website and they have diagrams showing you how to get the correct size. I like that the Medela bags are easy to transport back/forth.

@Silva: @SupernovaJ: Unless you need to walk around while pumping, the Medela Freestyle probably isn't as good of a choice as the PISA. I read that the Freestyle's suction isn't as strong, which makes sense because it's usually used with batteries. I also don't think that the Swing is meant for frequent use so if you'll be using it every day, it's probably not a good option either.

Silva - if you can get it, try to get the one with the tote. You'll be able to carry your pump parts, bottles, and a lot of other stuff. It has more space than the backpack. I always have mine packed with my nursing cover, battery pack (with batteries), car adapter, nipple butter, breast wipes, extra freezer storage bags (just in case).

Good luck going back to work!

I had the Medela Freestyle and LOVED it. The suction is very strong, its small, light weight, portable, and easy to use. You plug in the pump to charge, but you don't have to be connected to a wall outlet, so it offers tremendous flexibility (if you have to pump in a room with out an outlet, pump in the car, etc).

There are a lot of nursing moms at my company and the Freestyle was by far the most popular pump. In fact, several moms that had the PIS upgraded to the Freestyle because it works just as well as the PIS, but is so lightweight, its easier to transport to/from work.

I pump 4 days a week and agree with everything @mizjl's has said. I loved my PISA so much I bought a backup when I saw a good sale on it. I had an Ameda PY originally and hated it, I did not think it was even close to the equivalent of the PISA.

I exclusively pumped with my LO and used the Freestyle. Absolutely loved it! Suction was great! I got more milk from the Freestyle than Lactina (hospital grade). I pumped 6 times a day for 9 months. I didn't walk around while I used it but it was nice to have because it's so compact and light. I take the bus and I'm not always guaranteed a seat so its size and weight were important to me.