Mothers who know that I own 2 AVENT Isis breast pumps must think I’m definitely going *CRAZY* when I post about buying this double pump.
I hope not. At least I think I am not.
First, let me share with you my experience with the AVENT and Medela breastpumps I’ve used. My first breastpump was the Medela Mini Electric (Single)
I’d bought it because it fits over most standard sized baby bottles but I had trouble expressing breastmilk because the standard Medela breastshields (21 mm) are too small for me.
In addition, the suction on this single electric breastpump was not strong enough that I only got droplets expressing one side after nearly 30 minutes!
However, if you are more Audrey Hepburn instead of Marilyn Monroe, you will have no trouble with the Medela mini electric. Get it from Amazon by clicking here
Hubby saw me struggling with this single breastpump and also agreed that I needed another one.
That’s when I went back to the baby shop to get the AVENT Isis Manual (Single)
Initially, I didn’t get the AVENT Isis because
a) it was a manual breastpump and
b) it needed wide-neck bottles (I had a batch of hand-me-down bottles from my sister, which is why I went for the Medela Mini Electric.)
Now, the funnel on the AVENT Isis did not fit me perfectly either. Thankfully, the suction on the AVENT Isis Manual is stronger and I *could* express breast milk while I was a full-time working Mum.
In the early months, I could get 3-4 oz but later on, due to stress (?) or the breast pump, I could only get 1-2 oz after expressing for 20 minutes on one side. I’d have to rush off for meetings bleagh…
Due to this, I supplemented with formula milk on the 4th or 5th month but I would breastfeed direct when I got home and through the night to maintain the supply.
However, when he refused to breastfeed directly at 9 months old, the AVENT Isis couldn’t express enough breast milk to maintain a good demand 
Update: Later, I figured out the right way to express breastmilk, I find that the AVENT Isis Manual (Single)
Recently, a dear friend lent me the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
If I have the time, I’ll also pump the other side and find that I can get about 1 oz. FYI, many, many Mums can survive with a single pump because the breastshield fit them PERFECTLY.
If I get a double pump, I could probably activate my “inactive” side too since double pumping stimulates prolactin, the hormone that helps in milk production.
There are successful stories of relactation even when the baby is already 4-6 months old. You do need about 6 weeks of regular pumping every 3-4 hours.
Browsing online, I find that the cheapest Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump with Metro Bag found in the US is US$249.90 (no sales tax, free shipping within the US) and coupled with shipping to Malaysia about US$43.80 = US293.70 (RM969.21).
This is really, really cheap compared to the online shops here in Malaysia which retail the Medela Pump in Style Advanced with Metro Bag at around ~RM1,450++
MEDELA PUMP IN STYLE ADVANCED (DOUBLE) WITH METRO BAG
***Update***But the the Metro Bag looks huge. I’ll be dwarfed under the size of this giant!!!
If I’m going to pay that much for a double pump, maybe I should just go for the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
MEDELA FREESTYLE (DOUBLE) HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP
After all, it’s a smaller, portable and equally powerful double breast pump.
Then again, my baby is already 6 months old – many mothers would probably think I’m nuts to want to invest in a new breast pump. Honestly, she’s drinking up to 5 ml of Similac now, which costs RM70 per 900g.
At the rate she’s going, she’ll probably drink 4 cans per month = RM280 x 6 months = RM1,680.
I’m still breastfeeding her direct about 3 times a day but I don’t think it’s enough and I get really stressed when I don’t have time to express or breastfeed her directly.
With a good double pump, I can actually build up a milk supply – something I could NOT do for either one of my children.
Plus, her skin allergies and recent constipation/diarrhea problems from starting solids make me feel that it’s worth paying for a good double breast pump for her.
UPDATE: I bought the Medela Freestyle
Read the full review here.
Call me crazy but somehow, I just don’t feel fulfilled for failing both of my kids, you know?
However, if I buy the breast pump directly from the US:
- I will not have LactaEquip Malaysia’s warranty for the breast pump. It’s probably not worth the shipping charges to and fro the US (about US$80 x 3.3 = RM264) for servicing. I believe that LactaEquip will charge a fee for servicing Medela pumps but I have no idea how much.
- I will need to get an adapter to convert the US plug into the standard UK/Malaysia plug (2-pin to 3-pin, I suppose). A kind reader informed me that it costs about RM40.
Looks like I’ll have to go for the Medela Freestyle if I want the Soft Fit breast shields. Also, the PISA weighs about 5 kg while the Freestyle is about 900g?
Let’s see what I find out, ok? Please let me know if you hear of a good deal anywhere, ya. I’d appreciate it!
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
How about trying other cheaper double pump like Ameda? Its half the price of the Medela Pump in Style and you can try it out at some stores before purchasing.
Pumpkin – A friend just offered her Ameda double pump for me to try
I think I will try it out especially if the flanges/breastshields are about the same size and shape as Medela’s Soft Fit. Thanks for the tip too!
hai there
i am using medela FS for 1 month and i very satisfied with the performance besides its noisy motor sound.
for your info, i did buy this breastpump from ebay for rm1138 including postage, however i need to buy additional plug adapter bcoz it has 2 pin.
regarding milk production after using this pump, i’d managed to pump out 2oz – 4oz per session and depend either my baby drink milk on 1 breast or i just pump out milk from both breast. usually i will pump for 20min-30mins
hi there,
just for your info, i am using medela swing and i replaced my adapter because the pins broken. I got my adapter(3 pins) from the local electronic shop (Puchong) for about RM40 each. I also help my friend from Penang to buy these adapters. But, provided the freestyle pump adapter the voltage and the amphere is available in that shop…
cheers
Hieee!!! =)
Been using Freestyle for the past 2 years. LOVE it to bits!!! Not the SoftFit flanges though, so I use the standard PersonalFit flanges. I have PISA too but keeping it as a backup in case Freestyle goes on strike (never the case yet).
Your concern will not be on the size of the Metro bag (my PISA came with the limited edition bag) . Rather, the weight of the PISA itself. It’s H.E.A.V.Y.
I have friends who use Ameda Lactaline and they’re quite happy with it.
kambingbujang – Thanks for sharing that. Was it ebay Malaysia? I’m kinda worried about getting it from the US because I’ve always had back luck with hardware stuff. Worried I may just get a dud and I’ll be cursing high and low about it then. Still thinking and thinking.
llewelynn – RM40 for adapters don’t sound too bad. Got to check around our side to see if they are available. Thanks ya.
Farrah Rahim – Looks like it’s 2 – 0 for the PISA vs Freestyle. Gosh, Freestyle sounds so good! I just missed out on a lot of sales for the Freestyle and since a friend’s offered to lend me Ameda, I’m waiting to see if I should spend this money.
Haha!!! You are serious, aren’t you? Remember my aborted purchase on ebay for PISA? Well, I survived with good old Avent ISIS till now so I’ve totally abandoned the idea of getting a double pump, for now, unless the stork decides to pay another visit
My colleague is heading to US sometime this month and if you are really serious about getting Freestyle, let me know and I’ll ask if he minds to buy it for you.
Hi. I’ve been using PISA with back pack since my 1st DS was born 6 yrs ago. Still functioning well for my no 4, who is 2mths plus now. Would like to try freestyle, but since i can use the PISA, no excuse to give hubby to buy freestyle. Heard freestyle is very good. Anyway, for me, worth buying the medela product.
hi just to drop a note that i am a user of the freestyle and loved it sooooo much. it also helps that it is so small and the batteries are light and work so well that i can bring it out when i go out without baby and pump in nursing rooms outside, even if the rooms do not have a powerpoint.
the suction is fantastic too and has a larger suction than PISA.
A Mom’s Diary – I know…I’m crazy and I’m still thinking about it. Would really want to buy it from the US since I’d save so much $$$ but what if something happens to the pump? I heard I won’t be able to get technical support from LactaEquip at all!!!
dina – Thanks for the testimonial on PISA
reg – Wow, the Freestyle is that good, ya? Stronger suction and long battery time are keywords for me
Thanks!
i found it’s S$988 for Freestyle! Warranty in S’pore. But 1 year nia.
but ~S$450 for US pack, no warranty in S’pore.
So which one u wan?
will try to search at my first year at kandang kerbau hosp or paragon. Other friend said there cheaper wo.
allisia –
1) Can you test the S$450 pack from US? If you can take the pump and parts out of the package and test the motor to make sure that it works, then I may be interested.
2) Can you also check that the S$450 is a 2010 batch? I heard that the earlier Freestyle models had some problems…
Please, please, please check the above and SMS me before you buy, ok? Thanks!!!
Help!
A friend just got me the medela pump in style advance from US. Now I’m looking for adapter that is compatible to use in malaysia? Any suggestion where I can get it?
Virgogal – A kind reader wrote that she helped friends to buy the adapters in KL for about RM40. Why don’t you try searching for “Medela Pump in Stye PISA adapter” on Google? That’s how I’ve been searching for my Medela deals. Good luck!
@ llewelynn, hi.. if you cud tell me exactly the address of the shop, i be very very happy… im looking high and low for the adapter..
i hv a PISA bought in US and looking for the local adapter now. I called lactaequip here in dataran palma and they charged rm250 for the adapter but if you purchased in us, they charged it double, RM 500!!.. crazzy huh..
edna – Thanks for sharing the info you got from dealing with LactaEquip. I don’t understand why they’d charge RM500 just because your pump was purchased in the US. Did they really say that? Doesn’t make sense.
Have you checked the online shops in Malaysia selling breastpumps? I recall some of them selling the AC adapters too.
I hope that llewelynn will contact you.
hi kitty cat.. yeap, they really said tat.. and i asked her how’s she going to know if i bought my pisa here or US..? she said somethg like i have to bring in my pump and the connector is different?? well.. i dont know.. but i doesnt make sense to me.. but rm500 or even rm250 for an adapter seems extraordinary expensive to me..
yeap im still google for it and hope to find one and oso hope IIewelynn will post the address or at least the ctc # soon..
Hi Kittycat,
Thanks for the post!! I am looking for medela breastpump as well, torn in between the choices of FS or PISA. Been heard alot of good review for FS too, still can’t decide yet. According to some medela users, FS is more noisier than PISA, you have any idea?? =)
edna – Maybe there are differences, who knows? I hope you get your adapter soon too.
Cassandra – I’ve not used the PISA before. I’ve only used the Medela Mini Electric and that was seriously LOUD and NOISY! Really embarrassing when using in office. The Medela Freestyle? Super quiet yet powerful
Gosh …. am so tempted to take the FS frm ur hands but I must be crazy ……… my girl is already 14 months (still BF) & I already own 2 pumps …. Avent Uno Isis Electric (light weight single pump which I use when on the go) & Spectra 7 (heavy hospital grade pump… which i hate cause it’s not as gentle as Avent but gets the job done).
My girl has stopped direct BF (or shall i say refused) at ard 8 months as she found bottle feeding is easier (even with Avent + newborn teat). So, I’ve been pumping exclusively ever since. I would love the FS but darn …. so have to wait till the next baby arrive which won’t be soon. Am planning to sell of my pumps (at least the spectra when my daughter hits 24 months…. 10 months more to go)
Samantha – Wow! You are one gung-ho breastfeeding Mum alright
The Freestyle is a really nice breastpump to use now that I’m getting used to it. Gosh, I do hope someone buys it from me soon because I may just get too attached to it! Am giving double pumping a shot to see if I’ll succeed in relactation…
Virgogal/ Edna,
Have u managed to get the adapter ? Can I know the name of the shop (I stay in Klang Valley) ? Thanx !
Hi
Anyone interested to buy used :-
1. Medela PISA – RM800 (Negotiable)
2. Spectra3 – RM250 (Negotiable)
Send me email any of you interested.
I bought Medela FS from ebay US but detained by Malaysian Custom and need to pay 5% import duty + 10% sales tax.
Medela PISA for only RM800?? Brand new or second hand?
Karen – This post was more than a year ago so I’m not sure if you can still find a new one at this price. If you re-read the post, you’ll find that it comes up to RM900+ when shipping from US is included.
Dear, I know that this post was like a year ago.. just need your view on Medela FS. My son is now 7 and myself is seriously thinking of switching from Medela harmony to FS.. was it good and did it helps in the milking thingy? I am currently only manage to pump about 4oz /session.
Payarumput21 – Medela FS is a double breast pump, which as you know, helps to stimulate more milk than a single pump.
If you can afford it and plan to breastfeed for the long term, yeah, I would recommend switching to Medela FS.
Hang on to your Medela Harmony though because Medela FS does not convert into a manual pump!
Hi! I find your post informative. Am gonna be a mom nxt yr! So am now sourcing for eletric breast pump in good price hopefully! Medela is exp! Can u give me suggestions where to get them cheaper? I am a part time working mom, am still not sure to get a single pump or double pump. Pls advice.
Dorothy – If you’re planning to breastfeed long-term, I’d go for a double pump as it’ll save you time and also keep up the milk supply.
I’d heard of cheaper double pumps but have not tried them out. Sorry, I can’t help out here. You can check out the many mothering forums out there for further discussions.
If you’re an average sized lady, I *think* you should not have any problems with most of the breast pumps on sale. All the best!
Hi, I finally found someone who have tried both Ameda and Medela FS. I’m really interested in FS, since I got a passed down Ameda and the noise it made is really loud. I’m wondering if the FS is quieter. Do you think it’s worth the investment for spending $$$ for just the noise.
Nancy – I’ve only tried AVENT and Medela breast pumps, not Ameda. Thus, I can’t comment on the noise level of their pumps.
FYI, I’d tried out the Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump, which is REALLY LOUD.
That’s why I felt that the Medela Freestyle Double Electric Breast Pump is softer and more soothing in comparison.
So medela FS is betterbthan avent IS duo in terms of suction? I used avert manual before n it sure helps but tiring t hands! Now looking for electric one. Should I go for FS?
Bs – I’ve not tried the AVENT Isis Duo. I’ve only tried the AVENT Isis Uno and the AVENT Isis Manual pump. Comparing AVENT’s and Medela’s manual pumps, I’d say that the suction on AVENT is stronger.
Since you have an AVENT Manual pump and looking for a double electric breast pump, I’d say go for the Medela Freestyle. Keep your AVENT manual breast pump as a back-up because the FS does not have a manual mode
KittyMom: that’s what in my mind. Buy FS n hv avent manual.
Thanks alot!
I love the post here.. I give me an idea i should stick to FS now instead of any other types. Thanks and it is not easy being a mummy huh? we mommies need a pat on our back for being so patience and persevere in giving breastmilk as much as possible. however, in my case sometime baby would still cry after feeding so had to top up with formula
ANyone face the same issue?
Bs – You’re welcome and if you’re ordering from overseas, I hope that you’ll buy it from my Amazon link above. Hopefully, I’ll earn some $$$ to buy my kids a nice Christmas pressie!!!
Izzreen Mom – Do your research before you decided ok? I read loads and loads of pages on the net before ordering my FreeStyle because I knew that it’s the breast pump that would help me.
Not sure how old your baby or also if you’re breastfeeding direct or bottle feeding? If breastfeeding direct, baby cries not because he’s still hungry but because he loves the boob.
If bottle feeding expressed breast milk, baby could be crying for a burp? I knew that I had to gently rub down my boy’s back a good 10 minutes before I heard a loud “BURP!!!”.
By the way, I topped up with formula because I was only bringing back a pathetic 2-4 oz per day for a 2 month old baby when I started working full-time. Obviously, that wasn’t enough so my Mum topped up with formula when I’m at the office. I would breastfeed him direct when I get home at 7 pm and then through the night at 10/11 pm, 3 am and finally 7 am.
Hope this helps!