|
Medela Breast Pump Parts - Replacement Accessories
Every Medela breast pump comes
equipped with the necessary parts to suction the breasts and collect milk. These
parts include:
Tubing – The breast pump tubing connects the pump to the breast shields and is
responsible for creating suction. The tubing should stay free of kinks, tears,
leaks, and milk residue.
Breast shields – Breast shields attach to the nipples and suction the milk from
the breasts. They have a variety of components, including:
• Breast shield body
• Membrane
• Back cap
The Pump – This provides suction to extract the milk from the nipples. It
connects to the breast shields via the tubing.
Hands-Free Kit – This kit comes with all of the tools you need to operate your
breast pump hands free.
Replacement bra adapters – These adapters make hands-free work possible. They
work with most nursing bras.
Milk Containers – These 5-oz. containers collect the milk from the breast
shields. You can use them for storage or transfer the milk into bags.
Power Cords and/or Chargers – If you have an electric pump, then you’ll need
power cords and chargers to keep the electricity flowing and the pump running.
Cooling Elements – These elements keep milk cold while its being transferred or
stored.
Support Belt or Strap – Some breast pumps can hook onto your belt or strap over
your shoulder. They will come with accessories designed to do this during
pumping.
When you first get your breast pump, be sure to get out the instruction manual.
This will have a complete list of all the parts specific to your breast pump.
Inventory everything you have to be sure you received everything you need. Once
you have everything organized, you’ll want to follow the instructions for pump
assembly.
Assembly is usually very easy. You should sterilize all of the parts beforehand
by washing according to instructions. From there, you simply clip the parts
together. Then, your pump will be ready to work.
To use the pump, first attach the breast shields to your nipples. You’ll have to
push aside your bra so there is firm skin-to-shield contact. If you have an
electric pump, you simply hit the On button next. The pump will start working
and you have the opportunity to adjust the suction strength and speed (depending
on what model you have). The pump’s electronic screen will help you see the
timer, indicating how long you’ve been pumping, and your settings.
When you are finished pumping, turn the machine off and either use or store the
milk appropriately. You may want to then clean the parts of the pump that came
into contact with your skin and then milk.
Note: If you have the hands-free pumping accessories with your pump, these are
easy-to-use, too. Simply follow the instructions and attach the bra adapters and
straps to the pump. Your bra will then hold the breast shields in place while
the pump is working so you are free to do something else in the meantime.
|
