Assembling the Medela Pump In Style
Preparing your Medela Pump In Style for use is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure proper assembly:
Components and Setup
Gather the following components:
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Breast Shield | 2 |
| Flanges | 2 |
| Pumping Membranes | 2 |
| Tubes | 2 |
| Connectors | 2 |
| Pump | 1 |
| Power Source | 1 |
Make sure your hands and all components are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before starting the assembly process.
Flange Attachment
Align the flanges with the openings on the breast shields. Ensure the flanges are firmly attached to the breast shields by twisting them clockwise until they secure in place.
Membrane Placement
Place the pumping membranes over the flanges. The membranes must be placed correctly to create suction; ensure the side with the raised edge faces upward.
Tube Connection
Connect the tubes to the connectors on the pumping membranes. Then, attach the other end of each tube to the appropriate port on the pump.
Pump Assembly
Connect the power source to the pump. Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure. You are now ready to operate your Medela Pump In Style.
Choosing the Right Breast Shield
Choosing the right breast shield is essential for comfortable and efficient pumping. Medela offers a range of breast shield sizes to accommodate different breast shapes and sizes. To determine the correct size, measure the diameter of your nipple and use the following chart as a guide:
| Nipple Diameter (mm) | Breast Shield Size |
|---|---|
| 20-24 | XS (21 mm) |
| 25-27 | S (24 mm) |
| 28-30 | M (27 mm) |
| 31-33 | L (30 mm) |
| 34-36 | XL (32 mm) |
If you are unsure about the correct size, or if you are experiencing any discomfort while pumping, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare professional. They can help you determine the appropriate breast shield size and provide guidance on proper pumping technique.
Once you have selected the correct breast shield size, ensure that it fits comfortably and creates a gentle seal around your nipple. If the breast shield is too small, it can rub against your nipple and cause discomfort or irritation. If it is too large, it may not create a proper seal and could result in reduced milk output.
Properly fitting breast shields are crucial for maximizing milk production and maintaining breast health. They should be changed every 3-6 months to ensure optimal performance and hygiene.
Adjusting the Suction Level
The Medela Pump In Style breast pump offers five vacuum levels, allowing you to customize your pumping experience for optimal comfort and milk flow. Experiment with different levels to find the one that works best for you.
To adjust the suction level:
- Locate the suction control dial on the pump.
- Turn the dial clockwise to increase the suction or counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Start with a low level (1 or 2) and gradually increase it until you find a level that is comfortable and yields a good milk flow.
- Remember, everyone is different, so be patient and experiment to find the suction level that is most suitable for your needs.
Here’s a table summarizing the suction levels:
| Suction Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Very gentle, suitable for sensitive breasts or early stages of lactation. |
| 2 | Low, comfortable for most users. |
| 3 | Medium, suitable for established milk production. |
| 4 | High, recommended for increasing milk flow or addressing engorgement. Use caution and avoid discomfort. |
| 5 | Maximum, only use if you’re very experienced and comfortable with high suction. |
Expressing Milk
The Medela Pump In Style is a double electric breast pump designed to provide efficient and comfortable milk expression. Here’s how to use it:
Assembling the Pump
Gather the pump parts and assemble them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure all parts are clean and disinfected before use.
Positioning the Flanges
Place the breast shield flange over your nipple, ensuring that it fits snugly but not too tightly. The nipple should be centered in the flange opening.
Adjusting the Suction
Start with a low suction setting and gradually increase until you feel a comfortable amount of stimulation. Expressing milk should not be painful.
Pumping
Press the “Start” button to begin pumping. Initially, the pump will cycle through brief suction and release phases to stimulate milk flow. Once milk starts flowing, the pump will switch to a slower, deeper suction rhythm designed to express milk efficiently.
Storing Milk
Once you have finished pumping, disconnect the breast shields from the pump and transfer the expressed milk into clean storage containers. Label the containers with the date and time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer according to the recommended guidelines for breast milk storage.
| Storage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (39°F or 4°C) | 5 days |
| Freezer (-4°F or -20°C) | Up to 12 months |
Cleaning and Sanitizing the Pump
1. Remove all pump parts that come into contact with breast milk
Disconnect the tubing, flanges, and collection bottles from the pump motor.
2. Rinse all parts with cold water
This will remove any milk residue.
3. Wash all parts in hot, soapy water
Use a mild dish soap and wash all parts thoroughly.
4. Rinse all parts with clean water
Make sure to remove all soap residue.
5. Sanitize all parts
There are two ways to sanitize pump parts:
- Boil in water: Place all pump parts in a large pot of boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes.
- Use a steam sterilizer: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your steam sterilizer.
6. Dry all parts completely
Air dry all parts on a clean towel or use a clean cloth to pat them dry.
| Cleaning and Sanitizing the Pump Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pump Part | How Often to Clean | How Often to Sanitize |
| Flanges | After each use | Once per day |
| Tubing | Once per day | Once per week |
| Collection bottles | After each use | Once per day |
| Pump motor | Wipe down with a damp cloth after each use | Do not sanitize |
Storing and Handling Expressed Milk
Cooling
- After pumping, immediately refrigerate expressed milk in a clean storage container.
- Refrigerated milk can be stored for up to 5 days at 32-39°F (0-4°C).
Freezing
- Freeze expressed milk in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Frozen milk can be stored for up to 12 months at -4°F (-20°C) or lower.
Thawing
- Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.
- Do not thaw milk in the microwave.
- Discard any leftover milk within 24 hours of thawing.
Additional Storage Tips
- Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage.
- Label containers with the date and time of pumping.
- Avoid shaking or stirring milk, as this can damage nutrients.
- Do not store milk in the door of the refrigerator, as it is more prone to temperature fluctuations.
- Discard any milk that has been left out at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 5 days | 32-39°F (0-4°C) |
| Frozen | 12 months | -4°F (-20°C) or lower |
| Suction Setting | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Low | 2 hours |
| Medium | 1 hour |
| High | 30 minutes |
How To Use Medela Pump In Style
The Medela Pump In Style is a popular breast pump that is known for its efficiency and comfort. Here are the steps on how to use it:
- Wash your hands and the pump parts.
- Assemble the pump. Connect the tubing to the pump motor and the breast shields to the tubing.
- Adjust the suction level. Start with the lowest suction setting and gradually increase it until you find a level that is comfortable and effective.
- Position the breast shields on your breasts. The breast shields should fit snugly against your breasts, but not so tightly that they cause discomfort.
- Start pumping. Press the start button on the pump motor and allow it to run for 10-15 minutes.
- Massage your breasts while pumping. This will help to increase milk flow.
- Store your milk. Once you have finished pumping, pour the milk into a clean storage container and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
People Also Ask About How To Use Medela Pump In Style
How often should I pump?
The frequency of pumping will vary depending on your individual needs and milk production. However, most experts recommend pumping 8-12 times per day, with each pumping session lasting for 10-15 minutes.
How long can I store my milk?
Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How do I clean my Medela pump?
The Medela pump should be cleaned after each use. To clean the pump, simply disassemble the parts and wash them in warm, soapy water. The pump motor can be wiped down with a clean cloth.
