A Pregnant Pause

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For breastfeeding mothers on the look-out for a reliable, fuss-free and value-for-money pump, I strongly recommend the Avent Isis Manual Pump.

I owe this pump for supporting my efforts to continue breastfeeding when I went back to work.

Retail price: RM270 (Feb 2006)

This set comes with:

• 1 manual pump and cover
• 2 8 oz bottles
• 2 5 oz bottles
• 2 ice packs
• 5 disposable breast pads
• 1 zipped cooler bag

After pumping for only 20 minutes, I managed to produce a good 6 oz milk from one breast! I was *ecstatic* when I achieved letdown after gently pumping for about 5 minutes…

I was overjoyed because I had been struggling for a few weeks with another pump, with little output and no letdown.

Besides doing what it’s made for, I like the pump for its design, which enabled a quiet, relaxing and productive experience.

Its manual functions means that I need not worry about buying/changing batteries and had uninterrupted pumping sessions despite encountering 2 power failures!

The pump is also sturdy and looks as good as new even after everyday use. Every part is removable and easily cleaned – I only use hot water to rinse everything thoroughly when I’m in a rush in between pump sessions at work.

While you can buy the pump on its own, I decided to go for the set as it came with a cooler bag that holds the pump securely in place.

The black bag holds the pump, the bottles and cooler packs effectively and you have a stylish-looking bag that doesn’t scream “Breastfeeding Mum”, if you prefer discretion.

I also use this bag when I travel for work and its sturdy casing stands up to changes in weather and being bumped around.

Although the ice packs claim to keep cool for up to 6 hours, this only applies to cool weather countries. Boosted with cooler ice packs e.g. TechniIce, the breastmilk keeps cool for the whole day I’m at work in an air-conditioned office.

My set is in storage now, awaiting its next use when my second child comes into the picture. I’m using the 8 oz bottles now for my toddler’s milk and the 5 oz ones sometimes for his snacks.

THE VERDICT
I’d STRONGLY recommend this pump to the new Mummy, especially if you have encountered problems with your pumping sessions. I was struggling initially and seriously owe my breastfeeding success at work to this pump.

Before using the pump, check out how the patented ISIS system works.