The birth and upbringing of a baby is a very complex and time-consuming process. How much strength and emotion is required for mothers in order for a child to grow up healthy and strong! When choosing breastfeeding, a woman often encounters a number of difficulties: the inability to leave the house for a long time and leave the baby with flat or inverted nipples, and manual pumping of milk is a laborious and lengthy process. All these problems are solved quite simply - by purchasing a breast pump. But which device to choose?
Medela Company
Medela is a long and well-established manufacturer. It has been presenting its products on the international market for decades. Most products are manufactured in factories in Switzerland and the United States. However, the company has branches in Europe, Asia and North America.
A feature of the company is the use of innovative technologies. The quality of the products presented and the variety of models of breast pumps leave no one indifferent.
Medela manual milk pump
One of the company's most popular products is the Medela Harmony manual breast pump . High customer demand is due to the presence of two-phase pumping technology. No other competing firm's breast pump has such a unique feature.
What is biphasic pumping?
The process of expressing breast milk with the help of this breast pump includes:
- Sucking phase.
- Stimulation phase.
Scientists have found that during feeding, the baby sucks breast milk in different ways. The first minutes he makes short sucking movements, thereby stimulating the production of milk. Only after the nutrient fluid begins to flow in a free flow does the baby begin to suckle, making deep and rare movements.
Given all the features of natural feeding, scientists were able to develop a two-phase pumping system. It formed the basis for the creation of a one-of-a-kind breast pump with a similar function.
Pros of two-phase decantation
We can distinguish such advantages that the latest system provides:
- The process of expressing is a natural and softer way. The female breast is first prepared, after which the process of active pumping begins.
- The expression of breast milk occurs in a shorter time than when using a manual single-phase breast pump.
- Using such a system helps maintain a sufficient level of lactation in the nursing mother, because the breast pump repeats the same technique of movements as the baby.
The principle of operation of the Medela breast pump is the different use of the handle. In order to unfasten the breast, the woman presses on the elongated side of the handle, after which she begins to use its back side for the purpose of faster and more comfortable expressing.
Product bundle
The peculiarity of the product is that it is sold without a special Medela nipple. A Harmony manual breast pump without a nipple takes up less space. Its cost is lower in comparison with some similar models.
The kit includes:
- Medela Harmony breast pump two-phase. Thanks to innovative technology allows you to make the process of expressing comfortable and quick. The device can be used with other bottles that have the same neck diameter.
- Two types of funnel. The first is designed to stimulate the breast and facilitate the production of milk. It is made of soft silicone. The second funnel is made of plastic and allows you to express milk quickly and comfortably.
- Lever. It has a convenient structure - it is mounted on hinges. This allows the woman to choose a comfortable position, and pressing does not require much effort.
- The container for expressing milk. The bottle is made of medical polypropylene. He does not react with breast milk, which allows him not to lose his beneficial properties and stay fresh for a long time.
- Stand for container.
The benefits of a breast pump
The Medela Harmony breast pump has a lot of advantages, among which are:
- Using the latest development of scientists and creating a one-of-a-kind breast pump with a two-phase pumping system.
- Rapidity. Using the device allows you to spend much less time and effort on decantation, which means that mom will have time for other things.
- Additional functions. An additional nozzle is included in the package of the breast pump, which is perfect for rare expressions.
- Convenience and comfort in using the device. The handle of the breast pump is conveniently adjustable, and thanks to the system of manual pumping, a woman can control the speed of the process herself.
- Simplicity of operation. The Medela Harmony breast pump is easy to use, all of its parts are easy to complete and clean.
- Small size. The device is small in size and does not take up much space in any bag, and the ease of use allows the Medela Harmony breast pump to be used almost anywhere.
- Noiselessness. The device can be used even in the same room with a sleeping baby.
How to use Medela Harmony breast pump
In order for the pumping process to proceed quickly, comfortably and efficiently, it is worth following some recommendations and tips:
- Relax, have a light breast massage or take a warm shower. The process should not take more than 5 minutes. Massage movements are clockwise and from the periphery to the center of the chest.
- Rub the surface with your hands. Place one palm over the chest, and the second under it. Make smooth movements in different directions.
- Slowly stroke your chest clockwise. This contributes to a better outflow of milk.
- Use spiral movements, starting from above and slowly moving to the nipple. Massage will help make the pumping process faster and more enjoyable.
- After completing the massage, you can proceed to decantation. Attach a funnel to your chest, gently holding it. Always start the process with the preparation phase. At this point, the brain receives a signal that the baby needs milk, and the breast is better prepared for the procedure. Only after the liquid begins to stand out in trickles, can we proceed to the main stage.
- If at some point you notice that milk begins to stand out worse or stops flowing completely, and the breast is still full, then do not be alarmed. Pause the pumping process and massage again.
How long does pumping take
The process of decantation may take a different amount of time in different women. It all depends on the structure and characteristics of the chest. The thoracic ducts can be narrow and winding, which complicates the process of pumping. If the ducts are wide and straight, then the procedure does not take much time. Milk quickly moves out of the opened breast.
Completion of the procedure
After completely empty the breast, be sure to disassemble the breast pump and wash all its parts in soapy water. Dry the appliance well, after which it is recommended to wipe all the accessories in addition with a damp cloth to remove residual fat.
Medela Harmony manual breast pump: reviews
The breast pump receives mostly positive customer reviews. Women are satisfied with the new product - a two-phase pumping system (Medela Harmony Basic breast pump). Reviews are also found about the convenience of a hinged handle, which contributes to a comfortable and quick decantation. The bottle that comes with it is great for feeding your baby. If necessary, move the feeding, you can put it in the refrigerator.
The Medela Harmony breast pump receives not only positive reviews. Some mothers note the inconvenience of additionally purchasing nipples for feeding, as well as the small size of the bottle (if there is a large amount of milk). Many women note the high price of the goods.
Breastfeeding is the moment of unity of the baby and mother, so it should bring joy to both. Medela was able to help mothers and facilitate the process of feeding and pumping milk by creating a universal breast pump.