Review: Medela Swing Electric Breast Pump

Before Casisus was born I'd already made my mind up that I wanted to breastfeed and luckily I was able to, with no real issues. A few weeks in and I knew I would need a breast pump, if I were to keep my sanity. A combination of feeling absolutely exhausted through lack of sleep and Cass' cluster feeding phase, meant that I barely had two minutes to myself, all I seemed to be doing was feeding him non-stop - this is no by means an exaggeration either!

The Medela Swing Breast Pump is a device I had heard of numerous times during my pregnancy. It was recommended time and time again on the pregnancy forums I frequented and was always mentioned in the 'new baby must buys' lists, both online and in magazines.

I was immediately attracted to its compact size and exterior design. It looks nice and modern, and is an attractive looking piece of equipment. It's also light, not bulky and like some of the older breast pump models on the market

I wanted a pump which mimicked breastfeeding as closely as possible, therefore making my expressing experience a smooth transition. Medela have developed a two-phase expression technology which mimics the way babies breastfeed. The first, a stimulation phase, copies the way a baby suckles in order to stimulate a let down, and the second is an expression phase, where the pump begins to express once the milk begins to flow.

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It's simple to use, only having four buttons to control usage - the power button, two buttons to increase/decrease suction and one to start the expression stage. It's easy to put together, clean and sterilise. 10/10 for ease of use.

I was also really impressed with how quickly it allowed me to express my milk, Within 10 mins I can easily pump 150ml when I'm 'full'. When my supply is lower, it can take a little longer but I'm in no doubt that the Medela Swing extracts all the milk that I have at any given time. The speed at which it allows me to pump is ideal for last min trips out when I don't want to give Cass formula as an alternative. I find the whole routine of pumping with the Medela Swing stress free and importantly very comfortable. I was prepared for the breast shield to feel painful after a while but it doesn't and fits comfortably. If needed, you can purchase alternative sizes though to suit you perfectly,

Now I've read numerous reviews and recommendations citing that the Medela Swing makes no noise when in operation and I can categorically state that this is untrue. When turned on the highest suction level, it's on par with a small tractor! I can get past the noise, but someone else may find it highly annoying - it's down to the individual.I'm not saying it will break they sound barrier record but it's by no means silent and I'm a tad confused why so many people state that it is.

Finally, the Medela Swing comes with a unique feeding system called Calma. The special teat which comes with the included Medela bottle lets baby to create a vacuum, which allows them to suck, swallow and breathe, the same way they learn on the breast. Whether you breastfeed or use Calma, as soon as the baby pauses, the milk flow is stopped, this is also the way with breastfeeding. Now luckily I experienced no problems with Cass switching from breast to bottle and back again and I have not exclusively used the Medela bottle when feeding him expressed milk. This however, is reassuring for Mums who worry their baby may reject the breast after being given expressed milk in a bottle.
The Medela Swing Electric Breast Pump has made life that little bit easier, giving me precious time to myself when needed and importantly allowing my partner to bond with Cass during feeds. Knowing that I can easily express in advance if we have a day (or evening) out planned, has also relieved me of the panic I felt in the first few weeks whenever we were asked out as I frantically tried to figure out feeding plans. I would thoroughly recommend this if you plan on breastfeeding. It's not cheap by any means, but worth every penny in my humble opinion as cost per usage measn it quickly pays for itself.

How much is it? £134.99
Where can I buy it from? Amazon, John Lewis, Selfridges, Boots and Mothercare





*PR sample