First a disclaimer: I've made money from both pump companies (technical 
writing for Medela, speaking fees for Ameda).

I think *most* Medela pumps are good products, and have seen them work 
for many moms. If a mom asks specifically for a Medela pump, I refer her 
to their referral line or a colleague who rents/sells them, and give my 
recommendation for which pump to get in her situation (I prefer the 
Classic for it's smooth suction curve for most mothers of preterm 
infants or mothers with milk supply issues.)

I rent Ameda pumps in my own practice and prefer them for several reasons:
1. The closed system kit - I never have to deal with backed up milk, mom 
doesn't have to worry about who used the pump last.
2. The one piece valve is easy to clean, and spares are included in 
every kit, because it's the most delicate piece.
3. The slightly wider nipple tunnel in the standard size kit makes it 
kit more mothers. They do make wider nipple tunnels, and make an 
inexpensive kit with both sizes for both breasts, so every mom can have 
them all for changing needs (engorgement, etc) if the standard ones are 
snug.
4. The same kit fits every pump, so mom and staff only need to learn ONE 
way to put it together, and if mom changes from a Purely Yours to a 
hospital grade pump or vice versa, she doesn't need a new kit or new 
parts to adapt her kit.
5. The kits are packed sterile and assembled, so when I see an engorged 
mom, we can take it out of the package and use it immediately.
6. The company stands behind their products 100%. If there's a problem, 
the product is immediately replaced. They don't deny that there is an 
issue. Once when the valves were new there was a bad batch, and I 
received a bag-full of new ones with an apology and a request to pass 
them on to mothers who purchased the last batch of kits. Most companies 
wait for complaints and then only bother replacing products for 
customers who take the trouble to complain. I respected this proactive 
approach.

Hope this answers your question.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  NYC

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