Which Medela pump would you recommend?

[emmarose1991]

Hi,
I'm unsure of which medela pump is best from the free style, swing or the pump in style? (I think I've got that right)

I quite like the idea of hands free and it needs to be a double.

I've been pumping for nearly three weeks, baby is on more forumla then breast milk but I still manage around 300mls a day. I would like him on just breast milk so a pump that helps with increase is best.

Thanks for your advice. On my 3rd pump now and really don't want to be wasting another few hundred!

Honestly, the best Medela pump I used was the Symphony which I hired from the NCT for £40 a month.

I switched to a Medela Freestyle after I returned it. It wasn't as good but better than the Medela Swing which I used in the very beginning. I prefer double pumping as it is quicker.

Ideally I'd rent the symphony but I've sort so much money on renting and buying pumps that I'm at the point were I don't want to rent anymore and just pay more for a good one.

I wish id known all this three weeks ago and save myself a small fortune!

I managed to sell my Swing. I got £30 for it.

I rented the medela symphony and it is amazing but like you I wanted a longer term solution. I bought the swing and it works fine. I got a second hand single pump for £40 as I had reduced the amount I was expressing and this seemed like a good option.

Its very easy to use, the first phase does work at getting a let down - I noticed that it took almsot the full 2 mins though so I just zone out and let it switch automatically to the second phase. Even though you can turn up the power I found that at a certain point this just created discomfort rather than better suction compared to the symphony which created a stronger suction rather than just a harder pulling feeling.

The swing is really compact which is a definite advantage over the symphony , I could easily chuck it in a big handbag or into DS change bag and be able to use it discreetly if staying away or at work.

Hope you find one that suits you and do come back and let us know how you get on!

Thankyou very much for your advice there. I will definitely update about what one I get! Current routine of pumping every 2-3 hours is making me miserable with my current pump. Just as you've finished pumping, washed it and sterilised it before you know it's time to start pumping again. Hard work!

You don't need to wash and sterilise each time you pump. Just pop the bits into a clean Tupperware and store in the fridge. Sterilising once a day is enough.

I pumped 12 times a day when I was relactating. I put out 12 sweets at 8am and I got to eat one each time I pumped - a wee reward! I found looking at photo of DD helped as well as smelling an item of her clothes.