Medela has been designing products for breastfeeding mothers for more than 40 years. Lactation consultants, health visitors and midwives around the world recommend their quality products. Their years of experience in supporting breastfeeding mothers have led to the design a truly unique breast pump: the Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump.
The Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump is basically an electric breast pump the size of a manual one. It is the smallest electric breast pump available. At not even 10" (25cm) and weighing no more than 1.5lb (700g), it is extremely compact and fits easily in a handbag or a changing bag.
The Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump is designed for occasional or frequent use. It is ideal if you are planning to be away from your baby occasionally and for mums suffering from breastfeeding problems. The adjustable speed allows comfortable expressing. The slowest speed might be preferable for mums with sore nipples or using the Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump for the first time. Many mums find it more comfortable to use the slowest speed for a few minutes at the start. If you are unfamiliar with breastpumps, take the time to read the instruction manual carefully and choose a moment when you are relaxed. Expressing breast milk should not feel uncomfortable or painful.
The suction of the pump is more efficient and more regular than with a manual breastpump. It is comfortable even for mums who suffer from breastfeeding problems. Many mums have reported being able to express more breast milk in shorter amount of time than with other pumps.
The only drawback to small breast pumps is that the motor is fairly noisy. If this is an issue, the quieter Medela Swing may be preferable.
The Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump comes with a main adapter so that it can be used plugged or with 2 AA batteries. Using batteries allows mums to use their Medela Mini Electric anywhere. How long the batteries last depends on how much and how frequently the pump is used. There is no doubt that rechargeable batteries make the pump more economical.
The milk can either be collected in the breast milk storage bottle supplied or poured into breast milk storage bags which can then be stored in the freezer. Medela also sells larger breast milk bottles, a convenient choice for bigger babies.
The Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump is easy to disassemble, wash, sterilise and put together. As with other breastpumps, all the parts that come in contact with breast milk should be sterilised carefully. This can be done by submerging in boiling water for ten minutes, in the microwave, by cold method, in the top drawer of the dishwasher or in a steam steriliser. Of course, the part that contains the motor should never be allowed to come in contact with water. To clean your breast pump, the Medela quick wipes are convenient and easy to use. The small valve is tiny and easily lost. Replacement valves are easy to get hold of. Ordering an extra set along with the pump is a good idea.
The Medela Mini Electric is a well designed help for breastfeeding mothers. It is comfortable, convenient and compact. All in all an excellent purchase for a new mum.
