Medela breast pump: how to choose and use?

Today the market for children's products is replete with a variety of necessary and improved devices. Every mother wants to choose the best not only for her child, but also for herself. After all, her state of health directly affects the health of the baby. When choosing breast pumps, women encounter manual and electric types. At first glance, it seems that all electrical is always better. Do not hurry. Really high-quality can be both inexpensive hand-held devices, and expensive electric.

Each woman, going to the hospital, wonders if she will need a device such as a breast pump. And not in vain, because this problem is relevant, important and very controversial. A competent approach to the selection of such necessary equipment will significantly affect the nature of breastfeeding, which also determines the health, development and mood of the baby. Until now, even physicians could not give answers to this often discussed topic, which is why women themselves took up the case, figuring out whether a breast pump is needed or not.

This invention is very useful for a young mom, because he is able to help out in a situation where, for example, there is no opportunity to feed the baby with the breast. If you ask the older generation for advice, you will be surprised and misunderstanding in response, because, as you know, before the milk was decanted manually. And yes, everything went well and safely. But now there are other times. And self-pumping does not work for everyone.

And those who experience difficulties with this may face a problem in the process when it is impossible to get even a drop of milk by hand. It is the breast pump that will save in a similar situation. From this we can conclude that such a device can still become a friend and helper.

The famous company Medela from Switzerland is the largest manufacturer of medical devices. Their work is carried out in three areas: breast pumps and items for breastfeeding, medical aspirators and vacuum systems, phototherapy kits for infants. There are several types of devices from Medela:

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

We will tell about each of them in more detail so that it would be easier for you to decide on a female assistant.

Single electronic model with 2-Phase Expression technology. It is almost weightless and tiny in size. It can be worn over the shoulder or just hang around the neck, and also fasten on the table.

Features:

• powerful small motor and practical funnel for pumping;
• compactness that allows you to carry it in your purse;
• the ability to work on batteries;
• equipped with the latest technology apparatus, imitating breast sucking babe.

The equipment has enough power to empty the breast as much as possible during each pumping out.With the convenient Personal Fit funnel, you can perform a decanting procedure without harming your nipples. Medela Swing is characterized by ease and compactness, due to which it fits in a bag, is easily adjustable, can be used both at home and in any other.

An advanced, double-decanted Swing model.

Distinctive features:

• greater volume of expressed fluid;
• simple button controls;
• the double pumping method provided by 2-Phase Expression technology increases by 18%;
• saving time.

The Swing Maxi - the combination of quality Medela Swing and an improved motor is the basis for a two-phase pumping method. If we compare it with the previous model, the new one significantly saves time and effort, thereby increasing the percentage of milk produced with even higher energy value.

The breast pump is easy to use. If necessary, disassembly and assembly are very easy, parts are sterilized in a microwave. The 2-Phase Expression technology is capable of imitating the natural feeding process. Getting started is accompanied by a fast rhythm, then goes on short pulsations - waiting for the first drops, and fixed at a slow speed until complete completion. The vacuum level is controlled by the available buttons.

Compact electric breast pump for rare use. Features:

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

If you rarely turn to the breast pump, and it’s difficult to use the manual type, then the Mini Electric is the perfect device for you. It is the smallest, portable and simple electric look from Medela. The motor is located above the decanter funnel, which makes it easy to operate, even with one hand. On the side there is a special wheel that regulates the speed of action. It is very easy to disassemble, assemble and process, because it is assembled from 5 parts. The most convenient it makes the complete absence of tubes.

Single model for manual control. It was developed specifically for breastfeeding mothers, and also as an alternative to electrical equipment.

Benefits:

• used in conjunction with the electronic;
• easy to assemble / disassemble;
• the presence of a comfortable turning handle;
• availability of 2-Phase Expression technology.

The manual type of equipment does not need electricity and batteries, which makes it a savior in any situation. Silent operation is always worth. The handle is adjustable, you can rotate it as it will be more convenient for you to avoid the tension of your hand.

The disadvantage of these devices is that they can often break.

During its creation, a real scientific study was carried out in order to determine with accuracy which type of device women will need during the lactation period. The main parameters were: the creation, promotion and the required amount of milk capture. For the Symphony model, frequent pumping and long running hours are not terrible. This clinical type is usually used in the puerperal ward in order to help the expectant mother with the purchase. You can rent a Medela Symphony from the maternity hospital and use the individual kits to collect milk at home.

Benefits:

• optimal milk production takes place according to the Maintian software installation;
• Initiate stimulates lactation;
• gently affects hypersensitive areas of the breast;
• relieves of frequent problems - swollen mammary glands and mastitis;
• able to pull flat / retracted nipples;
• possesses the silent mode.

The disadvantage is inflated prices for products.

The newest invention that can fit in your hand. Medela Freestyle - this is the name of the double type electronic breast pump.

Features:

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

The digital screen displays the best mode of operation for you from 9 available, and the timer notifies you about the completion of the process. At night, while the baby is sleeping, the display backlighting will provide convenience. The operation of the vacuum, which is responsible for the flow of milk, is also configured with the up / down keys. The peculiarity of the mechanical Freestyle is the presence of a memory function. Choose a convenient mode, install it, and it will start automatically with the instrument turned on. The kit includes a universal cooler bag where you can put bottles of milk.

Buying a breast pump spores. Some argue that you need to buy it in advance and have to go to the hospital with him, others did not even resort to using it, although there is such a device in the arsenal. First you need to decide on the frequency of use. Electric types are perfect for regular pumping - they are more convenient and quick to achieve results. One-time appeals to the device imply a cheaper purchase of a manual piston breast pump.

According to experts, the use of pump types is not recommended. In addition to the species, pay attention to the material from which the nozzle is made. It is better to choose silicone models - they are much stronger and more pleasant than plastic ones. In the operation of an electrical device involved batteries or power supply. On the market you can find universal models with manual and automatic operation. To save money, you can buy a used breast pump. The main thing - do not forget about its sterilization.

A set of standard equipment includes:

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

The instructions for use with graphic sequential actions are always put in the package with the device, therefore it is not so difficult to assemble a hand-held device. It is impossible to confuse with the algorithm of actions, since each picture is numbered.

How to use a breast pump correctly:

• wash your chest and hands thoroughly;
• take a comfortable position, putting, for example, a pillow under your back, next to put a glass of water;
• 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 like sucking (no discomfort means proper use of the equipment);
• press again to get milk;
• choose a comfortable pumping mode, you can alternate hands to avoid fatigue;
• do not press on the chest, the breast pump will cope;
• to receive 100 ml of milk, wait about ten minutes (but the dates are individual for each mother);
• when finished, unplug the device from the chest, unscrew the bottle, carefully clean the parts.

To begin processing the device, disassemble it and wash each part in hot water. Applying a mild detergent is proper, followed by rinsing under running water. Allowed to clean with a dishwasher.The jar and bottle included in the kit must be processed in the same way. Next you need to sterilize the breast pump itself. To do this, you can resort to a special sterilizer designed for baby bottles or self-boiling in water.

In the work of the squeezing device, sometimes difficulties arise, below will be given examples and ways to solve them. If an irreparable breakdown occurred and the device completely refuses to work, it is better to contact the service centers for the repair of such devices.

Consider the main complaints about the work of breast pumps.

• Painful sensations in the process. If this is repeated, stop using the device and be sure to consult a specialist.
• Does not come off the chest. You need to insert your finger between the chest and the funnel.
• Not felt suction. This means that you have incorrectly assembled the device, which is why there is no tightness. It is necessary to check the valve, the state of the membrane, which could wear out.
• Yellowness has appeared. It is necessary to place the parts in water, add citric acid and boil for 10 minutes.
• Constant flow of milk into the tube. Poor quality apparatus, the only option is to constantly flush or buy a new one.

As for the reviews, they are very different. Mostly moms leave good feedback, mentioning the rapid suction of milk, ease in the care of the device, simple assembly.

Among the negative aspects are frequent breakdowns, faults in the device, as well as fairly high rates for similar devices.

In the next video, Dr. Komarovsky and a product specialist will tell you how to choose a breast pump and discuss their range.