Why are Medela Breast Pumps so popular?
Medela Breast Pumps are by far, the most popular breast pumps on the market. They are the leading brand, the number 1 choice for Moms, Lactation Specialists, and Hospitals. So the question is, why? For starters, all of Medela Breast Pumps offer Medela’s original 2-Phase Expression Technology, designed to stimulate let down faster, and provide maximum milk expression. Through years of research, Medela discovered that two different phases take place while a baby breastfeeds. The first phase is called the stimulation phase. It is comprised of a short, fast sucking rhythm, designed to stimulate your breasts, and cause milk ejection, also known as let down. The second phase is called expression. Once let down has occurred, your baby will then suck slower, and deeper. This type of rhythm allows for maximum milk expression. With both of these phases combined, milk expression takes less time, and the volume is much higher.
Another reason why Medela Breast Pumps are so popular is because all of the electric breast pumps offer a one-touch let down button. This allows you to switch back and forth between phases freely, whenever you need to. Some women will have several let-downs in the course of one pumping session.
Medela Breast Pumps also offer different sizes of breast shields, which allows you to find a custom fit. Having a correctly fitted breast shield can have a huge impact on your breast pumping success. If a breast shield is too small it can cause damage to the nipple, and therefore cause a drop in your milk supply. Medela understands this, therefore they have provided 5 different sizes of PersonalFit Breast Shields. From a Small (21 mm) to an XX Large (36 mm). These breast shields are compatible with all of the Medela Breast Pumps.
Types of Medela Breast Pumps
Medela offers one manual breast pump, one single electric breast pump, two double electric breast pumps, and two hospital grade breast pumps.
Manual Breast Pump
Medela Harmony Breast Pump
The Medela Harmony is one of the most popular manual breast pumps on the market. Although it does not offer an electric motor, it still offers Medela’s 2-Phase Expression technology. If you take a close look at the picture, you will see two levers attached to the handle, one smaller lever on top, and the larger lever on bottom. The top lever allows you to manually replicate the stimulation phase, and the bottom lever allows you to manually replicate the expression phase. The handle itself is also contoured, and offers an ergonomic fit for comfort. This Medela Breast Pump may not come with a powerful motor, but it definitely gets the job done. For more information, check out the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump Review.
Single Electric Breast Pump
Medela Swing Breast Pump
The Medela Swing is the only single electric breast pump that Medela offers. It’s also one of the most popular single breast pumps on the market. It offers a small pump motor that is lightweight, and convenient to use on the go. It can be powered by an AC adapter, or 4 AA batteries. It comes with one milk collection unit which includes a 24 mm SoftFit Breast Shield. You do have the option of purchasing Medela’s PersonalFit Breast Shields if the 24 mm isn’t the right fit. This Medela Breast Pump also offers the 2-Phase Expression Technology, and one-touch let down. For more information, check out the Medela Swing Breast Pump Review.
Double Electric Breast Pumps
Medela Pump-In-Style Advanced Breast Pump
The Pump-In-Style Advanced is the most popular Medela Breast Pump on the market. It’s perfect for working mom’s, or mom’s that need to pump often and keep their milk supply in check. The Pump-In-Style offers a powerful motor that is designed for frequent use. It can be powered either by using an AC adapter, or 8 AA batteries. This Medela Breast Pump also offers Medela’s 2-Phase Expression Technology, as well as one-touch let down. You can control both the speed and vacuum strength with the turn of a knob. This Medela Breast Pump is also known for being portable and discreet. You have 4 different carrying bag options. The Backpack, Shoulder Bag, On-The-Go Tote, or the Metro Bag. The actual breast pump is the same in all 4 variations. You also get a removable cooler bag, contoured ice pack, and (4) 5 oz bottles with each Medela Breast Pump. For more information, check out the Medela Pump-In-Style Advanced Breast Pump Review.
Medela Freestyle Breast Pump
The Medela Freestyle is Medela’s hands-free double electric breast pump. The pump unit itself is tiny, and weighs less than a pound. It comes with a rechargeable battery that allows for 3 hours of pumping. It also comes with a hands-free kit that allows you to strap it on and pump free handed. This Medela Breast Pump also offers the original 2-Phase Expression Technology, as well as one-touch let down. It also offers a dual-adjust vacuum and speed for easy adjust ability. Plus, you get an LCD screen with a digital display that tells you exactly where you’re at in your pumping session. You can also save your pumping sessions using the memory button. So if you find that perfect rhythm, simply save it and use it again later. This Medela Breast Pump also comes with a black tote for carrying convenience, as well as an additional cooler bag and ice pack. For more information, check out the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump Review.
Hospital Grade Breast Pumps
Medela Symphony Breast Pump
The Medela Symphony is Medela’s most advanced hospital grade breast pump. Lactation specialists LOVE this breast pump. It offers an extremely powerful pump motor, designed for frequent, long-term pumping. This is the type of breast pump you use when your baby is unable to nurse for any reason, or when you’re trying to establish your milk supply. This Medela Breast Pump is multi-user friendly, therefore you will frequently find it available as a rental through most hospitals or medical supply stores. It also offers pre-programmed cards that allow you to save your personal pumping preferences for later use. For more information, check out the Medela Symphony Breast Pump Review.
Medela Lactina Select Breast Pump
The Medela Lactina Select has been around for a while. It’s the most widely used hospital breast pump on the market. It is perfect for long-term, frequent pumping. It’s also multi-user friendly. In other words, it works in conjunction with the Medela Lactina Double Breast Pumping Kit, sold separately. The pumping kit also converts easily into a manual breast pump for all your on-the-go traveling needs. This Medela Breast Pump can be used either as a double pump or a single pump. It offers variable speed and vacuum settings, and is designed to meet the most stringent demands when it comes to hygiene and mobility. All of the components that come into contact with your milk can easily be taken apart, cleaned, and sterilized. For more information, check out the Medela Lactina Select Breast Pump Review.