Molly Ayala
Medela offers a wide range of breast pumps, from manual to electric and single to double, to meet the diverse needs of breastfeeding mothers. The brand is a top choice among moms and lactation consultants due to its dependability, two-phase expression technology, and ease of use. This article will provide an introduction to assembling the Medela Symphony Breast Pump, a popular choice known for its efficiency and performance, as well as highlight key tips for effective breast pumping using Medela pumps. Whether you're a new mom or an experienced one, understanding the proper assembly and usage of Medela breast pumps can enhance your breastfeeding journey and make it a more comfortable and efficient experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Medela |
| Model | Symphony, Pump in Style MaxFlow, Pump in Style Advanced (PISA), Harmony |
| Type | Manual, Electric, Hands-free |
| Parts | Breast shields, connectors, valves, valve membranes, tubing, bottles, power adapter, battery pack |
| Additional Features | 2-Phase Expression technology, in-bra collection cups, rechargeable battery, Pumping Bra and Bustier, Quick Clean™ Spray, Microwave Bags, Wipes |
| Usage Tips | Wash and sterilize parts before use, snap membranes onto valves, attach breast shields to connectors, push assembled valves onto connectors, screw bottles onto connectors, insert tubing into connectors, plug in power adapter, double pumping |
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What You'll Learn
Wash and sterilise parts
Before you use your Medela electric breast pump, it's important to wash and sterilise the parts that will come into contact with breast milk. This includes the bottles, breast shields (also called flanges), connectors, valves, valve membranes, and tubing. Here's a step-by-step guide to washing and sterilising your Medela electric breast pump parts:
- Collect all the parts that need to be washed and sterilised: bottles, breast shields, connectors, valves, valve membranes, and tubing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure that you're not transferring any germs to the pump parts.
- Clean the parts with warm, soapy water. You can use a mild detergent or washing-up liquid. Ensure that you disassemble all the parts and rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Sterilise the parts using one of Medela's recommended methods: Quick Clean™ Spray, Microwave Bags, or Wipes. You can also boil the parts in water for 10 minutes to ensure sterilisation.
- Dry the parts with a clean cloth or paper towel. Ensure that all components are thoroughly dried before assembling the pump.
- Repeat this process after each use to maintain good hygiene and prevent the growth of bacteria or mould.
It is important to note that you should always refer to the official Medela instructions and guidelines for detailed information on how to properly wash and sterilise your specific Medela electric breast pump model.
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Assemble valves and membranes
To assemble the valves and membranes of your Medela electric breast pump, follow these steps:
First, collect all the parts of the breast pump, including the valves and valve membranes. It is important to wash and sterilize the valves and membranes before assembly to ensure hygiene and safety. After cleaning the parts, snap the membranes onto the valves. Ensure that the membranes are securely attached to the valves and lie completely flat. This step is crucial to ensure a proper seal and effective pumping.
Once the membranes and valves are assembled, you can attach them to the breast shield connectors. Push the assembled valves with membranes onto the bottom of the breast shield connectors. This step will create a secure connection between the valves and the breast shields. Make sure that the valves and membranes are properly aligned and attached firmly to prevent leaks and ensure pumping efficiency.
By following these steps, you can properly assemble the valves and membranes of your Medela electric breast pump. Remember to refer to the product's instruction manual or seek further guidance if you encounter any difficulties during the assembly process.
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Connect breast shields
The Medela breast pump comes with PersonalFit FlexTM breast shields, which have a 105-degree opening angle, a soft rim, and an oval shape for a better fit. This design puts less pressure on your milk ducts than traditional breast shields, resulting in a more comfortable and effective pumping session.
To connect the breast shields, first, wash and sterilize the breast shields, connectors, valves, and membranes. Then, snap the membranes onto the valves until they lie completely flat. Next, securely attach the breast shields to the breast shield connectors. Push the assembled valves with membranes onto the bottom of the breast shield connectors.
You can adjust the suction for maximum comfort and efficiency. Faster and stronger suction does not always lead to better results. Once you are finished pumping, remove the tubing from the breast shields, put the caps on the bottles, and store the milk.
It is important to clean the pump parts with warm, soapy water after each use.
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Attach bottles
To attach the bottles to your Medela electric breast pump, follow these steps:
First, collect all the parts of your breast pump, including the bottles, breast shields (also called flanges), connectors, valves, valve membranes, tubing, and the pump itself (motor). Make sure that you have washed and sterilized the bottles, breast shields, connectors, valves, and membranes before assembly.
Next, snap the membranes onto the valves until they lie completely flat. Then, securely attach the breast shields to the breast shield connectors. Push the assembled valves with membranes onto the bottom of the breast shield connectors.
Now, you can screw the bottles onto the breast shield connectors. Ensure that they are tightly screwed on to avoid any leaks.
After pumping, remove the tubing from the breast shields, put the caps on the bottles, and store the milk. It is recommended to let the pump run for a few extra minutes to remove any condensation in the tubing.
Remember to clean the pump parts, especially those that come into contact with breast milk, using warm, soapy water after each use.
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Insert tubing
To insert tubing into the Medela electric breast pump, follow these steps:
First, collect all the parts of the breast pump, including the tubing. Wash and sterilize the parts that will come into contact with breast milk, such as the connectors, valves, and membranes. It is important to ensure proper hygiene when assembling the pump.
Next, snap the membranes onto the valves until they are completely flat and secure. This step ensures an airtight connection between the two parts. Once the valves and membranes are assembled, it's time to attach the tubing.
Insert one end of the tubing into the hole on the back of the breast shield connector. Make sure it is securely connected. The tubing will carry the suction power from the pump to the breast shield, so it needs to be attached firmly.
If you are double pumping, insert the free ends of the tubing onto both ports on the front of the breast pump. This step is for those who are pumping on both sides simultaneously. The tubing connects the breast shields to the pump, allowing for simultaneous expression from both breasts.
Finally, plug in the power adapter or battery pack cord into the power jack on the front of the pump. This will provide the power necessary to operate the pump and create the suction needed for milk expression.
By following these steps, you can properly insert the tubing into the Medela electric breast pump, ensuring a secure and functional connection for your pumping needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash your hands and collect all the parts of your breast pump: breast shields, connectors, valves, valve membranes, tubing, bottles, and the pump itself. Wash and sterilize the bottles, breast shields, connectors, valves, and membranes. Snap the membranes onto the valves until they lie completely flat, then attach the breast shields to the breast shield connectors. Push the assembled valves with membranes onto the bottom of the breast shield connectors, then screw the bottles onto the breast shield connectors. Insert the tubing into the hole on the back of the breast shield connectors, then plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet.
Once you notice milk spurting, start the expression phase with Medela's easy one-touch let-down button. This will pump at a slower, more moderate pace. If you don't touch the let-down button, the pump will switch to the expression phase after one minute of pumping. Use the Increase and Decrease vacuum buttons to adjust the suction. When you're finished pumping, remove the tubing from the breast shields, put the caps on the bottles, and store the milk.
How long you should pump varies depending on your and your baby's needs, how much milk you are producing, the pump you are using, and whether you are exclusively pumping or pumping and breastfeeding. If you are exclusively pumping, pump along the same schedule as a nursing baby—for a newborn, this will be about 8 times in 24 hours or every 2-3 hours. Most experts recommend pumping for at least 15 minutes, but not much longer than 20 minutes.
If you are trying to increase your supply, you will need a double electric pump. Try doing short, fast pumps to trigger a letdown and then use slow, steady pumps until the spraying stops. Then go back to short and fast pumps to see if you get another letdown.
