What caught our eye with this pump was that the company figured out how to get as close as possible to mimicking the tongue action that happens during suckling. I had my eye on this one for the last couple years when I first heard about it. We were skeptical at first but decided to give it a go because all my other pumps (the standard popular ones) weren't doing very pitiful compared to my hushand - I know mouth is best, but I can't even express half of what he's getting out, even during his evening suckle.

I received it today. Have only had one session with it and am impressed.

I got the single pump, which came with a pair of everything that would eventually need to be replaced - like you need to with other pumps - flanges, duckbills, membranes, etc. Very handy as I can have one drying while still being able to keep my schedule and don't need to replace anything for 6 months.

It does look huge, but really isn't when compared to hospital grade pump kits like for the Medela Symphony. I put the Annabelle beside my Medela manual and the length of it is the same. The difference is the width of the Annabella is a little larger but not much wider than a Medela flange width at its widest end.

This pump is definitely unlike other pumps. The suction doesn't need to be comfortably high to get results (as other pumps seems to need for me) because they have incorporated tech into it that mimicks the tongue motion that happens with suckling. This helps to send the same signals to your brain that suckling does to produce and express milk.

The flange they give you fits from 18mm to 24mm flange sizes. Adjusting the tongue level gives your flange size - no need to buy extra flanges to find your size! Though they do over a larger flange for those sizes from 25mm to 28mm. I have had problems with flange sizes from day one. With the suctioning and leveling of the tongue motion I was able to find a setting where my nipples weren't rubbing at all. It felt like my husband suckling with a perfect latch. I normally come away with marks on my breasts from flanges. This flange left none at all.

Cleaning wasn't too hard, though I only needed to clean the flange itself regularly as am not producing more than medium sized beads right now. (I clean all parts after my last session of the day) But it doesn't seem to be too hard to clean and there aren't many parts. We have been planning on investing in the Maymom bottle washer, sanitizer and drier at some point in the future to help with this.

The noise of the pump isn't too loud. I would say it's on par with other pumps such as the Freemie Liberty that I have, but nit as quite as say a wearable. The suctioning and tongue motion part does make noise but I didn't find them to be too bad. I would recommend having a fan or a tv on while pumping if you're not alone though, if you don't want anyone to know what you're doing.

It is a little heavier than other pumps so it won't fit in standard pumping bras but they do have one made specifically for this pump.

The battery is rechargeable. Takes about 2 hours to charge from no charge at all and lasts up to 5-6 twenty minute sessions - from my calculations.

Besides the tongue motion, what also caught our attention is that they offer replacement batteries! My husband said the battery is the same one he uses for some of his RC vehicles. I am not aware of any other pump on the market that offers this ability.

Overall, after my first use, we are very impressed with it. After reading the manual and understand how this pump works, I was able to set it up to where I expressed more than I have with my other pumps, but not as much as my husband is able to currently express with suckling. I am 4 months into my inducing and with suckling my husband is to feel milk "dripping" at a steady pace for a few mins. With my other pumps (standard electric, wearable, and manual) I barely get anything other than some small beads with the occasional medium sized bead. And both breasts wouldn't express every time. Using Annabelle for the very first time, for my 6pm session, I was able to express a couple small beads on one side and a few medium sided beads on the other.

I can't compare it to the suckling of a baby, as breastfeeding didn't last that long for me, but it definitely can get as close to feeling like my husband suckling!

It is a little pricey - on sale as I write this - but with everything it offers, it's definitely worth the investment if you're having the same problems as I have with other pumps.

I'll share my thoughts in a week after I've had more time with it.