Medela breast pump: how to choose and use?

Although it’s a wonderful and significant aspect of motherhood, breastfeeding isn’t always simple. A breast pump can help moms feel more in control and flexible when it comes to feeding. One of the best options for new parents is the Medela breast pump, which comes with a variety of options to meet various needs.

Selecting the ideal pump can be daunting due to the abundance of features and models in the market. Knowing what distinguishes each pump—whether it is for frequent use or infrequent use—is crucial.

Knowing how to use a breast pump properly is essential once you have the correct one. Gaining maximum benefit from your pumping sessions and supporting your breastfeeding journey can be achieved by being aware of the fundamentals. Comfort and efficiency are guaranteed.

When is it necessary?

Every woman who visits a maternity hospital wonders if she will require a breast pump or not. And not in vain, considering how pertinent, significant, and contentious this issue is. The quality of nursing will be greatly impacted by a professional approach to selecting this essential gear, which in turn will impact the baby’s development, health, and mood. Women have taken up the topic of whether or not a breast pump is necessary because doctors have not been able to provide answers to this commonly discussed subject up until this point.

It’s important to conduct a thorough market analysis in order to select a product that will actually make breastfeeding easier. Thousands of products are available for nursing mothers and newborns, and dozens of brands are producing these products.

This invention is very useful for a young mother, because it can help out in a situation when, for example, there is no way to breastfeed the baby. If you ask for advice from representatives of the older generation, you will receive surprise and misunderstanding in response, because, as you know, milk was previously expressed manually. And yes, everything went well and safely. But now are different times. And not everyone can express milk independently. And those who have difficulties with this, in the process may face a problem when it is impossible to get even a drop of milk manually. It is the breast pump that will save you in such a situation. From this we can conclude that such a device can still become a friend and assistant.

Types

• Mini Electric;
• Symphony;
• Swing Single;
• Swing Maxi;
• Freestyle;
• Harmony.

To make it easier for you to choose a female assistant, we will go into more detail about each of them.

Swing Single

Two-phase expression technology in a single electronic model. Its dimensions are small and it weighs almost nothing. It can be fixed on the table and worn over the shoulder or just hung around the neck.

Qualities:

• a powerful small motor and a practical funnel for pumping;
• compactness, which allows you to carry it in your purse;
• the ability to work on batteries;
• equipped with the latest technology, the device imitates the baby sucking on the breast.

The feeding process is simplified when the electric Swing Single is used. Thanks to this breast pump, issues like nipple wounds, breast infections, and difficulty latching on to the breast are left behind. In this instance, regular nutrition will always be given to the child.

The apparatus is powerful enough to empty the chest to the greatest extent feasible at each accumulation. You will perform a non-nipple invasive expressing procedure with a handy Personal Fit funnel. The Medela Swing is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a bag, tune, and use at home or anywhere else.

Swing Maxi

Enhanced, designed for the Swing double combustion model.

Unique attributes:

• a larger volume of the coated fluid;
• simple buttons control;
• The double accumulation method, provided by 2-PHASE EXPRESSION technology, increases by 18%;
• time saving.

The foundation of a two-phase accumulation method is Swing Maxi, which combines the superiority of Medela Swing with an enhanced motor. The new model increases the percentage of milk obtained with even greater energy value by saving a significant amount of time and effort when compared to the previous one.

Using the breast pump is simple. The parts are microwave-sterilized, making disassembly and assembly incredibly simple if necessary. Natural feeding can be mimicked by 2-Phase Expression technology. The work begins with a fast rhythm, which changes to brief pulsations as it waits for the first drops and then continues at a slow pace until it is finished. The available buttons are used to adjust the vacuum level.

Mini Electric

For occasional use, a small, electric breast pump. Qualities:

• small motor unit (controlled with one hand);
• consists of 5 parts (easy to assemble or disassemble);
• no tubes.

The Mini Electric breast pump is the best option if you don’t use it often and find it hard to operate a manual one. It is the most compact, lightweight, and basic electric type available from Medela. Because the pumping funnel and motor are positioned above each other, it is simple to operate even with one hand. The action’s speed is adjusted by a unique wheel on the side. Because it is made up of only five parts, it is incredibly simple to disassemble, assemble, and process. Most conveniently, there are no tubes at all.

Harmony

For manual control, there is only one model. Specifically designed to be a substitute for an electric device and for nursing moms.

Benefits

• used in conjunction with an electronic one;
• easy to assemble/disassemble;
• the presence of a convenient rotating handle;
• the presence of 2-Phase Expression technology.

Do not rush to give up the manual mechanism if you plan to breastfeed your child for an extended period of time. It may come in handy at any point. Harmony will make it much easier to express milk when necessary—for instance, while traveling.

The manual kind of equipment is a lifesaver in any circumstance because it doesn’t require electricity or batteries. Operational mode: silent; always with dignity. You can turn the handle in any way that will make it more convenient for you to avoid straining your hands.

These gadgets have the drawback of frequently breaking.

Symphony

A true scientific study was carried out during its creation to precisely ascertain the kind of device that lactating women would require. The three primary steel parameters are creation, stimulation, and the necessary quantity of milk capture. Symphony operates in a long-term mode and is not afraid to express itself frequently. Typically, postpartum departments use this kind of clinical intervention to assist expectant mothers in making purchase decisions. To collect milk at home, you can use individual sets of Medela Symphony that you can rent from the hospital.

Benefits

• The optimal milk production occurs according to the Maintian software installation;
• The Initiate program stimulates the onset of lactation;
• gently affects hypersensitive areas of the breast;
• eliminates common problems – swollen mammary glands and mastitis;
• can stretch flat/inverted nipples;
• has a silent mode.

One drawback is that product prices are exorbitant.

Freestyle

The newest creation small enough to hold in your hand. The brand name for the double-type electronic breast pump is Medela Freestyle.

Qualities:

• small dimensions and a rechargeable battery make it mobile;
• the presence of a digital luminous screen, a timer function and built-in memory;
• obtaining the largest volume of breast milk thanks to 2-Phase Expression technology.

For the convenience of working women, the lightweight (370 g) double breast pump is fixed by the presence of a special mount. Easily fastened to a shirt or tucked into a pocket, this milk expression can be used anywhere. Mothers who must communicate too frequently require this role model.

Out of the nine operating modes, the digital screen shows you which one is best for you, and a timer lets you know when it’s done. The display backlight will be useful in the dark while the baby is sleeping. The up/down keys are also utilized to adjust the vacuum operation, which is accountable for the milk flow. The mechanical Freestyle is unique in that it has a memory function. When the device is turned on, it will begin automatically after you select and set a convenient mode. There is a universal cooler bag in the kit that you can use to store milk bottles.

Your unique needs, such as how frequently you want to pump and whether you’ll be using it at home or on the go, will determine which Medela breast pump is best for you. From manual to electric pumps, Medela provides a variety of choices that are all made to be comfortable and effective. It’s essential to know how to use your pump correctly if you want to maintain milk supply, ease breastfeeding, and ensure comfort. This guide will assist you in selecting the ideal model and offer helpful advice on how to use it efficiently.

How to choose?

Purchasing a breast pump sparks debate. While some contend that it must be purchased in advance and taken to the maternity hospital, others have not even used it despite owning such a device. You must first choose how frequently to use it. Electric types are ideal for regular expression because they produce results more quickly and conveniently. If the device is only used once, buying a manual piston breast pump would be more affordable.

Pump types are not advised to be used, say experts. Consider the nozzle’s construction material in addition to its types. Selecting silicone models is a better option because they are more comfortable and robust than plastic ones. An electrical network or batteries are needed for an electric device to function. There are universal models with manual and automatic operations available on the market. You can purchase a used breast pump to save money. The most important thing is to remember to sterilize it.

Operating instructions

Included in the standard kit are:

• handle;
• body base;
• silicone diaphragm;
• soft funnel;
• valve;
• bottle;
• cap;
• ring for fixation;
• nipple with a wide neck in the shape of a breast;
• sealing disc.

Assembling a manual device is not too difficult because the device’s package always includes instructions for use with graphic sequential actions. Because every picture has a number, it is impossible to misunderstand the sequence of events.

Make sure to sterilize the parts and wash your hands before beginning assembly. The gadget needs to be put together before its components dry.

How to correctly use a breast pump:

• thoroughly wash your breasts and hands;
• take a comfortable position, for example, placing a pillow under your back, put a glass of water next to you;
• attach the device to the chest so that the nipples are in the center of the funnel;
• press the handle gently and a couple of times, you should feel a semblance of suction (the absence of unpleasant sensations means correct use of the equipment);
• repeat pressing until milk appears;
• select a comfortable pumping mode, you can alternate hands to avoid fatigue;
• do not press on the breast, the breast pump will handle it itself;
• wait about ten minutes to get 100 ml of milk (but the time frame is individual for each mother);
• upon completion, detach the device from the breast, unscrew the bottle, thoroughly clean the parts.

Feature	Description
Manual or Electric	Choose between manual for occasional use or electric for more frequent pumping.
Comfort	Look for adjustable suction levels and soft breast shields for comfort.
Portability	If you need to pump on the go, a lightweight, portable model is ideal.
Ease of Cleaning	Pick a pump with fewer parts for quick and easy cleaning.
How to Use	Follow the manual for proper assembly and start at a low suction level, adjusting as needed for comfort.
Storage	Store milk in clean, BPA-free containers and label with date and time.
Maintenance	Regularly check and replace worn parts to maintain efficiency.

Understanding your unique needs and way of life is key to selecting the ideal Medela breast pump. The most crucial consideration is how comfortable and efficient the model feels for you, regardless of whether you choose an electric or manual version.

Following the recommended usage guidelines will guarantee that you get the best results after purchasing the appropriate pump. To prevent discomfort, keep the components clean, adjust the settings appropriately, and take breaks as needed.

You and your child can have a more enjoyable and stress-free feeding experience if you make an informed decision and use your breast pump correctly.

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