buying a breast pump?

Question

Warning!
do NOT buy AVENT products, customer service sucks. Agents are rude, condescending, and liars!

I've ordered a new piece for my pump over 3 weeks age - replacement piece was not able to produce any suction - Representatives told me a new piece was in the mail TWICE - when I called today to inquire about my piece I was told that it just went out TODAY (not 10 days ago like it was supposed to). Now I am FORCED to go ANOTHER 10 days without a breast pump and company REFUSES to issue a refund.
I've gone 3 weeks without a breastpump and for many new moms; this is NOT something that we can sit around and leisurly wait for.

please beware.
Anyone else have problems with Avent?

Answer 1

Avent are great product but I prefer Medela, both companies offers great customer service. But it someone at Avent dropped the ball. Please email me see below.

Answer 2

The only problem I had with Avent is that I had heard they were the best bottle company for breastfed babies. So, before my daughter was born, I stocked up on their products only to discover that she hated the shape of the nipple. I think the reason they toute themselves as best for breastfed babies is because their nipple is so unnatural feeling for a nursing child that they refuse it altogther and that makes them better nursers.

Of course, in my need to nest I had pre-opened and sterilized (using my ridiculously priced micro-wave Avent sterilizer) all of the bottles and nipples and therefore could not return any of it. Instead, my daughter used the cheap Gerber bottles with the "orthodontic" nipple not intended for breastfeeders--go figure :)

Have you considered renting a hospital grade pump from either a lactation consultant or from the hospital? I found it worked wonderfully (and so much faster than my Medella). It only cost about $25 per month to rent.

Good luck--it sounds like you've been overly frustrated--the last thing a new mom needs from her breastpump company!

Answer 3

I had the same problem with Evenflow. If you look on the boxes, the state that it is for part-time use. Part-time to them is less than 5 days a MONTH for less than 3 feedings each time. I ended up spending the extra for a Medela Breat pump and I haven't regretted it. You can buy the pump (motor and bag) used and buy new attachments for it for about the same price as the Avent one.

Answer 4

I don't know about Avent....but I do know that most everyone I know who has used a pump has highly recommended any of the ones by Medela. They are expensive (usually around $250) but if it keeps you breastfeeding then it is totally worth it! I used one by evenflo and gave up after 2 months. I wish I had done it longer and with a better pump.

Answer 5

I had an Evenflo that said it was gentle... boloney. I took it back to the store and went and rented the Medela ones that they have at the hospitals. For my 2nd, I just bought a Pump n Style. Both of those work way better. Just a nicer quality pump. I wouldn't recommend anything else.

I am sorry that you have had to wait!! I know how painful that can be... not only to your body, but it's hard on your clothes too! all that leaking and such.

Answer 6

I would rent from the hospital and try to send the bill to Avent.
If you're using it because you work, pressure your company/HR to join a lactation program. Then they can possibly get you discounts on other pumps thru it

Answer 7

I rented a medela and it was great. Also I like the fact that the kit you buy to use with their electric pumps (rental and home use) is also a manual pump which works relatively well.

The other great thing with a rental is that if sometime breaks it is someone else's problem.

If you have one of those consumer fight back reporters you might want to give them a call because that is insane.

Answer 8

I went with all the Avent items I use I had great sucess-I used the pump, bottles were awsome, sippys are great, and we used thier pacis too! Loved them.

Answer 9

never had any problem with any avent product> This is more a rant than a valid question. If you want to rant get ablog please!

Answer 10

good luck