Thursday, June 25, 2009

Breast Pump

Medela Swing Breast Pump
Product Description
The only single electric personal use pump with breakthrough 2-Phase Expression® technology for maximum milk flow. First researched and developed for hospital breastpumps, 2-Phase Expression is an advanced pumping pattern that mimics a babys natural nursing rhythm by pumping in two distinct modes.Stimulation mode: To simulate your babys initial rapid sucking to start your milk flowingExpression mode: To simulate your babys slower deeper sucks to express your milk gently and efficiently.

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
Designed for busy moms, the Swing breast pump from Medela is a portable, user-friendly and exceptionally efficient pump that can help make your life easier. Originally researched and developed for hospital use, the Swing is the only single electronic personal use pump featuring breakthrough two-phase expression technology for maximum milk flow, proven to reduce pumping time.

Two-Phase Expression Technology
The Swing features two-phase expression technology, an advanced pumping pattern that mimics a baby's natural nursing rhythm. This system works in two modes: the simulation mode and the expression mode. The simulation mode simulates your baby's initial rapid sucking to start your milk flowing, while the expression mode simulates your baby's slower, deeper suckling to express your milk gently yet efficiently. These modes work together to make pumping a quick and painless process.

Comfortable and Convenient
Compact enough to easily fit in your purse, this pump is both safe and comfortable to use, whether you're home, at work, or traveling. The Swing includes many features that help make pumping a positive experience. First, the one touch let down button lets you start pumping immediately, and results in faster milk flow. The included massaging SoftFit breast shield provide exceptional comfort, and the convenient, compact size of the pump lets you place it on a table top, or attach it to the belt clip or included shoulder/neck strap.

You can even store it in your purse, briefcase or the included carrying bag for pumping on the go. Additionally, the adjustable vacuum and speed allows for customized pumping. When it comes to safety, the 100 percent Bisphenol-A (BPA) free Swing ensures a hygienic pumping experience and fresh, chemical-free milk for your baby. It also comes with two durable plastic storage containers and lids for sanitary storage of breast milk.

About Medela
Founded in 1961 in Zug, Switzerland by Olle Larsson, Medela is committed to supporting the WHO Code's depiction of breastfeeding and breast milk as the optimal nutrition for the growth, development and health of babies. The company believes it is their obligation to offer a complete solution, "from breast to belly," of high quality products that enable mothers to provide the optimum nutrition of breast milk to their babies. Today, Medela's primary focus remains to help moms successfully breast feed their babies as long as they wish. This goal lies at the heart of every product the company develops.

What's in the Box
Two each of collection containers and lids, one container stand, one valve, three membranes, one SoftFit breast shield, a carrying bag, Breastfeeding Information Guide, tubing, AC adapter, battery power option, neck/shoulder strap and Instruction Manual.

Customer Reviews
I've tried a bunch... this one is GREAT
OK... so I've been told the Symphony is the Cadillac of breast pumps... but with a price tag of $[...] who can afford that?? Renting it cost $[...] a month if you can find a place to rent it.. I did and used it for a month.. I honestly was not totally impressed for the price. Then I read up on the swing this pump ALSO (like the symphony) includes the Medela 2-Phase Expression Technology - the new standard for unsurpassed naturalness, comfort and efficiency. AND after buying it.. I liked it BETTER then the symphony. Infact I think it works just about the exact same, which is crazy of Medela when the price is SO different. I have tried the Medela Pump in style as well as the Avant Isis and this one is the best.

I would highly reccommend this pump.
POSITIVES:
This pump is portable. Comes with a travel bag, runs on batteries OR you can plug it in. The pump itself is about the size of a Hardees Hamburger. The breast shield is soft and very effective, you can control the speed and it has the letdown mode as well that automatically turns on after a few minutes. The breast shield is soft and comfortable, the suction and speed is the same as the symphony, the pump is SIMPLE to use, FOUR buttons-you can't NOT figure it out easily! It is FAST and emptys your breast totally.

NEGATIVES: (I have to stretch on this one cause I love the pump) It's not quiet, I don't know why the other review says it is.. It's actually louder then I thought it should be.. but not louder then the Medela Pump in style or symphony. But just not "quiet" I don't want you thinking you are going to get something you can pump with at the front of a mini van and noone in the back is going to hear..
It's a Single Pump... I know.. DUH.. but it is a negative, if only they made a double with this size base, I'm almost tempted to buy another.

I highly reccommend this pump, as a mom of three, I've tried a lot of pumps.. I think Medela is selling this pump short saying it is like the pump in style, I think it is comparable to the symphony!

Quiet and easy to use
I was looking for a pump because I'm planning a long car trip which I don't want to make even longer by stopping every 2 hours to feed. Other than that I only plan to use it occasionally -- enough to keep my child taking a bottle. I have the Medela Manual Electric which the hospital gave to me. I used once it once and hated it. It was slow and actually hurt because the required pump action pushes against the breast. This experience made me leary to get the manual Medela Harmony (or similar). I also thought I'd feel weird using a manual pump while fairly visible in a car.

I'm trilled with the Swing.
  • It's cute and the parts are small enough to carry large handbag. The pump itself is about the size of a jumbo bagel. The breastsheild and tubing don't take up much more room. If you choose to plug it in then the cord with its wall wort are almost a large as the pump itself.
  • It's extremely easy to use as the use of the 4 buttons is intuitive.
  • It's quiet. My baby is a noisy eater and she's louder than the pump.
  • I guess the drawback is only one breast can be pumped at a time. I found I can get 70ml in about 15 minutes, ie about the same speed as my child. However, it only takes one hand to hold the bottle/breastshield so I can use the computer at the same time. (If I pumped at a table of the right height I might be able to prop up the bottle/breastshield and have 2 hands free.)
This pump is awesome for an occasional user. I'll speculate that it would be good for someone who doesn't drive a car to work and doesn't want to lug a Pump In Style, and yet has the flexibility to allow pumping to take a little longer.

I know you are not supposed to love your pump...but I do!
My baby was small (4 pounds 14 ounces) when born and was not able to nurse well. I established my supply on a rental Symphony from the hospital. When it came time to return the Symphony I debated whether to continue renting it or to purchase my own pump. The purchase price of pumps really scared me off, but I considered the Swing because it is intended for daily use, which is what I needed, but was not as pricey as the Pump In Style. I LOVE THE SWING. THe Swing is as efficient, if not more, as the SYmphony. THe fact that it is a single pump does not bother me at all because it is so efficient I am done pumping in 20 minutes - both sides. It is so lightweight and portable that you can go anywhere. After a month of being tied to the huge Symphony every three hours, it was a wonderful and welcome change to be able to go places with the pump. I am a full time working mom and currently use the Swing every day. I fully recommend this!