My Equipment

First, I'm going to warn you that I blog from my phone while I'm pumping. I have a few photos to add here, but I can't guarantee that they will post in the appropriate place.

The Pump

After trying a couple of other pumps (Medela PISA, Medela Symphony), I've settled on my favorite: the Hygeia EnJoye. I started off my renting it from my Lactation Consultant, but then bought one at a raging deal during Breastfeeding Week (Month?) from ecomom.com. Raging deal.
Why do I love this pump? 1) it's quiet...for a breastpump. I pump in the early morning hours and it doesn't wake the baby, my husband, or any of our other children that may have wandered in during the night, 2) the tubes are very long and very flexible. I don't have to sit right next to the pump. I have never had an issue with tubes popping out, 3) it's eco-friendly. It's a closed system pump so all you need is a new filter to be able to pass the pump on to someone else, and 4) the speed and pressure are totally variable and controlled by me. A letdown button is thoughtful (Medela), but I'd rather control it myself.

The Accessories

I'm not a big fan of the Hygeia shield. I think it is shorter than the Medela and (for me at least) tends to slip off the breast. For that reason, I use Medela shields.

I use Evenflo glass bottles for milk collection. They fit perfectly with the Medela setup and are more sturdy than plastic bottles or plastic bags. I used to use plastic bottles, but then I would often times knock them over and cry over spilt milk.

I absolutely hate Medela membrane valves. They are a pain to wash, get lost in the sink drain if you happen to drop them, and constantly need to be replaced. I love, love, love Hygeia duckbill valves. So easy to wash, sturdy and they work great. If you don't have good valves, you will not get good milk output! I've shown in the photo how the Hygeia duckbill valve fits perfectly in the Medela setup.

I've also included a photo showing how the Hygeia tubes fit perfectly with the Medela setup.

I'd rather have AK be able to exclusively breastfeed, but if I have to pump I want to have the best equipment. In my experience, the Hygeia EnJoye is the best breastpump out there for the price. I'm happy that I've settled on that and a good setup that works for me.