How to choose a breast pump that fits into your life

Worried that expressing breast milk will mean hours spent at home attached to a pump?

Thankfully, that’s not the case. Breast pump technology has come a long way, and now there are many lightweight and portable options that very much fit in with your lifestyle. 

Before buying anything, it’s recommended that you work out how much you think you will use your breast pump. Sometimes it’s impossible to know, but it’s worth keeping in mind that breast pumps are designed for specific usage levels and lifestyles, so choosing a breast pump that matches your needs and circumstances will make all the difference.

Here’s a guide to Medela’s new Flex™ technology breast pump range, explaining which pump will suit you best.

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Mixed feeding

Hoping to express some milk so your partner can take over a couple of the night feeds? The Medela Swing Flex™ could be the pump for you. 

The Swing Flex is an excellent choice for daily or occasional use, whether that’s to share feeding, duck out for an appointment or because you want a break. Mums can express quickly and efficiently whenever they need.

Featuring Medela’s PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields – which can be easily adapted to your shape while encouraging milk flow – the Swing Flex also has 2-Phase Expression® technology that mimics babies’ sucking, while overflow protection prevents breast milk from entering the device.

Read Medela Swing Flex reviews from other mums.

Exclusively expressing

If expressing milk regularly is your goal, Medela’s Swing Maxi Flex™ double electric breast pump is a great choice.  

Whether you’re trying to maintain your supply or coping with issues affecting your breastfeeding, whatever the reason, Medela’s Swing Maxi Flex double electric breast pump can help you express more milk in half the time. 

The Swing Maxi Flex breast pump comes with all the same great features as the Swing Flex – including the PersonalFit Flex breast shields, 2-Phase Expression® technology and overflow protection with the bonus of double pumping to save you time and provide more milk with a higher energy content.

Read Medela’s Swing Maxi Flex reviews from parents who have tried this product. 

Going back to work 

If you’re heading back to work soon, you might be thinking about stockpiling some breast milk – and also about purchasing a portable pump. 

The Medela Freestyle Flex™ is a light, compact double breast pump that is easy to carry with you wherever you go.  

As well as improved PersonalFit Flex breast shields, 2-Phase Expression® technology and overflow protection, the Freestyle Flex also features a USB-chargeable battery, so it can be charged wherever you charge your phone. This pump gives mums the flexibility to express wherever and whenever they like without compromising on performance. 

Read Medela Freestyle Flex breast pump reviews. 

Straight after birth

If your baby is less than five days old, a hospital-grade breast pump is recommended. The Medela Symphony breast pump has a unique INITIATE program specific for the first days after birth when you are initiating your milk supply. For more information, ask at your hospital, or look into renting one. 

Read Medela Symphony breast pump reviews. 

Breastfeeding support tools at your fingertips

Mums can track their breast pumping sessions by connecting to the MyMedela app, or can subscribe to the ‘The Mums Room’ where they can access information and support. It’s like having a breastfeeding expert on call 24 hours a day!

If you still aren’t sure which breast pump is right for you, check out Medela’s handy breast pump selection tool. Alternatively, you can read Medela reviews from our community of parents.