Medela Electric Breastpumps
Medela has an awesome range of breastpumps that a quality-conscious breastfeeding mother can choose from, depending on the situation she is in. For mothers who would like to go in for electric or battery-operated pumps, the company has four major models to offer - the DoubleEase, the SingleDeluxe, the DoubleDeluxe and the MiniElectric. Each model has its own characteristic features, and the mother can select the one that suits her best.
The company recommends the use of the above models for short-term absences from the baby, when maintaining milk supply is temporarily interrupted. Use of these small pumps is also recommended in cases of engorgement and sore nipples.
The DoubleEase breastpump, as the name suggests, has two breast shields that are connected each to one breast, and expression from both the breasts is simultaneously carried out; though whether to perform the expression on both the breasts simultaneously, or one at a time, is the upto the mother to decide. The pump is powered by two C.I. 5V alkaline batteries. While operating on batteries, as against a regular power supply, the mother should remain alert towards any slowing down of the pumping cycle due to wearing down of the batteries. This slowing down may cause some discomfort, because the vacuum will be held longer on the breast.
The breast shield comes along with a selection of inserts for nipples that are small to medium in size. Moms may experiment pumping with and without inserts, to determine which option is more comfortable.
There are six adjustable vacuum levels on the DoubleEase breastpump. It is advisable to begin pumping from the minimum vacuum level (position 1 on the lever), and increasing the vacuum gradually such that comfort is not compromised, and at the same time, the flow of milk is speeded up. With some practice, the correct vacuum level becomes known, and the lever can be locked permanently in that position.
The DoubleEase breastpump has a warranty of three months against any defects for all its parts, and six months on the pump. In case of any replacement due to wear and tear, parts are available from a ninety cent membrane to around USD one hundred fifty for the motor unit.
The SingleDeluxe breastpump operates on two fresh AA 1.5V batteries; and the company prefers alkaline types to be deployed. Sterilized CSF Bags are used to collect, store and freeze breastmilk. The expressed milk can be pumped directly into these bags, to assure maximum hygiene for the baby.
The DoubleDeluxe pump has two pumps, allowing the mother to pump both the breasts simultaneously. It is just a duplicate avatar of the SingleDeluxe breastpump.
The MiniElectric pump has a design similar to the SingleDeluxe breastpump. It, too, functions with the same set of batteries; only, the design and handling is slightly different.
For all the small electric / battery operated breastpumps, except the motor unit, all the parts that come in contact with the breast or the milk should be disassembled, washed and rinsed. Microwave sterilization is not recommended, as that may damage some components.
Breastmilk thus collected may be stored in a refrigerator for up to five to seven days. For longer duration storage of about three to six months, milk may be kept in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Frozen breastmilk may be thawed by holding the container under warm water. In case any fat shows up separately in the milk, the same may be blended with the rest of the milk by gently shaking the container. Frozen breastmilk should also never be thawed in a microwave.
These pumps are quite handy to use; and their portability is what makes them attractive to be carried around. A must for the breastfeeding mother on the move.