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Avent is the best. There's a pump that they have which allows you to manually breast pump. It also comes with a plug that allows you to electronically pump. Both ways work fine and are pretty easy. Good luck!

BTW the pump cost about $100-$150.

I'm partial to the Medela Harmony. It works with almost all bottles so you can pump and store easily. If you use the Avent Isis and do not use Avent bottles, this can be a problem. If you already have a Medela electric pump, the accessories are compatible.

I initially used the Medela Harmony exlcusively, then moved on to the Medela Pump-in-Style for double and hands-free pumping. Comparing the two, even though the Pump in Style was faster, the Harmony was plenty strong.

Also, the Harmony has a let down option on the handle and the ergonomic design is quite comfortable.

Hope that helps!

I LOVE the Avent Isis hand pump. I use it every day. I also have the Medela Pump In Style but I find that the Isis works just as fast for me but the fact that I can be anywhere in my home with the Isis and not tethered to the electrical outlet is what I really like about it. My hand has never become too tired and I find the silicone shield to be very gentle on my sensitive breasts (I'm just 4 weeks into this BF thing and engorgement/oversupply is a problem for me). The one thing that could be improved is the number of pieces to clean. Still, I like how I can just take the pump off the top, replace with a nipple, and voila - a bottle is served.

I was unable to use the manual pump, despite best efforts (low milk producing, even lower patience after trying 10x!). Before spending the money see if you can't borrow one from a (v. close) friend to see if it is even worth it. And yes, since everything can be sterilized that is sanitary - and if you get the wiggles thinking about that, pump and dump.

I loved the Avent pictured here. It actually worked as well as the electric that I rented. I highly recommend it.

I also use the Medela Harmony. All of your parts are compatable with most electric pumps as well. I am currently using the Medela Pump-in-style, and the Harmony works just as well, it just takes a little longer because you have to do each side (obviously). Both have helped my milk supply when I was having troubles.

Also, a great resource for breastfeeding is www.lactationstation.com. They are based in Salt Lake City, but I am sure she would give you advice over the phone. They are wonderful!

I just picked up the manual Avent pump pictured above at Walgreens (Madison, WI) on clearance for $12 (regularly priced @ $45)! Check the endcaps. :)

I have used the Avent pump pictured above through two children. I like the portablility. I never liked being hooked up to the electric pump in style, felt a little too bovine for me :)
I had good results with had pumping and never got a sore hand.

I have an Avent as well. 2 actually. Both hand-me-downs. I replaced the two replaceable, soft parts and sterilzed the rest. Works great. I use a Medela double electric as well, and I get just as much milk from the manual Avent. I pump at work and can accomplish a 4-6 oz. bottle in a 15 min. break. I don't get a sore hand, but I do get tired of squeezing the handle on occasion, in which case, I just switch hands. It's no big deal. Having 2 bottle styles is no biggie either. Since my daughter was a bit picky when it came to bottles, we had a small collection of various types anyway. I use the Avent for storage, and now for the trainer cup to try and move her towards using a sippy while Dad still uses the Medela to feed.

Highly recommend the Medela Harmony.
It is only $36-, not a lot of pieces to clean/ take apart and it was all we needed. It is also BPA free. As others have said- If you decide to upgrade to electric, the parts are compatible. My sis had production problems and had used the Avent electric-but broke the membrane off(it's a detachable piece on the Medela). She switched to the Medela and has had no problems. Recently had a chat w/ customer service and they were excellent. Shipped us a new part(I lost) for free!

I used the avent. Beware though of the squeaky sound as you pump, my husband likened it to the theme tune from psycho, said it drove him nuts!

I had to pump around the clock for 10 weeks for my first child--a 29-week preemie....at home, I used a Medela rental pump from the hospital. (I pumped so many times a day, that the sound of a vacuum cleaner or a blowdrier would cause letdown). The electric pump was very effective, but I found that the Avent was also easy to use, and much more portable and discreet. I carried it everywhere and could use it when the need arose. With my next children (full-term) pumping wasn't so crucial, but I did continue to use the Avent whenever I needed a bottle for hubby or babysitter. Have fun on your vacation!!!

I have the Medela Harmony, too, and I love it. I think it is much easier to use a manual pump than an electric... no wires, no tubes, no noise. The Harmony pumps very efficiently and I can use it with one hand (though I usually use a second hand to gently hold the bottle). When I have a lot of milk, I can get about 3 ounces in just 5 minutes. I don't know how that compares to electric, but when I tried to use one of those, I found it to be fussy and take up a lot of storage space as well. Good luck!