When I was pregnant with my first baby, I bought the Medela Mini Electric breast pump, which turned out to be useless because the funnel / breastshield / flanges were too small for me.
Apparently, the Medela Mini Electric comes with the standard 24 mm PersonalFit breastshield (made of polypropylene plastic), which would fit women like the one in the photo above.
Not me!
Since I had to go back to work in almost 3 weeks’ time, I had to rush out and get the AVENT Isis Manual Pump, which has a slightly bigger funnel / flange / breastshield (made of polycarbonate plastic). And so, I lived with the AVENT Isis Manual Pump, which only allowed me to express milk for about 8 months.
Isn’t that great? No, especially as I was getting only 2-3 or 3-4 oz per session from both sides and hating every minute of the pump session.
Then, I had the chance to try out the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
However, the Medela SoftFit breastshields are slightly deeper than the AVENT patented cushioned let down massage cushion. Can you see the difference in the photo below?
The AVENT breast pump is the hard, clear one (PC – polycarbonate) while the Medela SoftFit breastshield is the soft, opaque one (made of silicone, BPA-free).
A slightly deeper funnel makes a huge difference especially for women who are less of an Audrey Hepburn and more of a Marilyn Monroe 
If you have been subscribing to my blog, A Pregnant Pause, you will know that I had a really tough time breastfeeding my second baby. I hope that these posts on breastfeeding will help new mothers-to-be. I was so busy with work, I didn’t have time to check IF I was having a problem or if I had the right breast pump. Learn from my mistakes, ya?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Like you I bought the medela mini pump first and it only get me 3oz per session. But with the Avent ISIS I could get more than 8 oz. I was happy with it.
Michelle – I think the Mini E suction is too weak. Lucky for you the AVENT Isis works. I’m hoping that the Medela Freestyle will work for me!