Medela SpringExpress
It is said that, after expending all energies in creating this world for six continuous days, even God took a rest. The same proclivity towards resting after intense, creative effort is not, fortunately for us, shared by ambitious companies competing with each other to bring out the best in healthcare.Medela seems to fit into this league of topnotch performers quite well, with its plethora of products, all meant for mother-and-baby care.
The Medela SpringExpress is a manually operated breastpump with a difference. The difference lies in a patented spring mechanism that goes into the pump assembly. This spring mechanism makes it easy for the mother to pull out of the piston, easier than it would be with other manual pumps. Due to the natural repulsive action of the spring, vacuum is created quite efficiently, especially in the early stages of pumping, when letting down is not yet begun, and the breast tissues are still being stimulated. The mother can increase the frequency of the suction by pumping more rapidly. When the milk begins to flow, she can reduce the vacuum level, again manually, and milk is drawn in a fashion that exactly imitates the suckling action of the nursing child.
The SpringExpress is especially useful for mothers who are separated from their infant for very
short period of time. Working mothers, who are away from the child the whole day, might have
to go for a hospital-grade, or electric/battery-operated version to ensure speed of operation. The
same is the case with mothers who have to express milk through a breastpump very frequently,
perhaps upto three to four times in a day.
But, if the mother intends to use a breastpump only occasionally - perhaps she is going out in the evening and might not be back before hunger pangs hit the child - then SpringExpress is the perfect solution. It is also an ideal equipment for mothers with sore nipples, which especially first-time mothers have to face. The child's suckling at the nipples is unbearable to the mother; yet, the child "must" be fed breast milk "only", and not any other variety. SpringExpress comes to the rescue of this mother. Then, there are problems of engorgement or mastitis, when the flow of milk is obstructed either because the tissues are too full, or the duct is clogged. SpringExpress gently massages the breast tissues near the nipple and areola, such that declogging and disengorgement take place, and normal nursing can be resumed.
Prior to each use, the different parts of the equipment, such as the breastshield, the valve, membrane and the container should be disassembled and washed in soapy water and rinsed well. Subsequently, they should be dried in the air. Medela also offers "Micro-Steam" bags for daily kit disinfection. Special, anti-bacterial Wipes are also available for cleaning the parts. All this exercise ensures that the milk that goes into the child's tummy is of top quality, without contamination.
The Piston/Cylinder assembly should be looked after well. After every few pumpings, the cylinder, the rubber seal and the vacuum regulator must be cleaned with lukewarm soapy water. This enables these parts to continue working efficiently. A solution of vinegar and water is also suggested in place of soapy water. The rubber seal should be perfectly dry before being installed back in place.
The milk thus collected after a session with SpringExpress may be stored in a refrigerator, where it can hold good for about a week's time.
The suction in the pump is very vital. In case any problem with the suction is detected, the customer care center of the company may be contacted for a quick resolution of the problem.