Learn How to Assemble and Use Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump

Learn the Names of the Breast Pump Parts

1. Membrane – The membrane is a small white rubbery flap that attaches to the valves.  The purpose of this piece is to create suction to pull milk from the breast.  As the milk flows, the flap will move back and forth.  If this piece is torn or damaged, it will cause the breast pump to lose its suction.  Always keep extra membranes handy.

2. Valves – The valve is a small round piece that is flat with holes on one side.  This piece attaches to the breast shield and the membrane attaches to the side with the holes.  The valves are somewhat delicate and can be broken.  The bottom of the valve may crack or break, if it does, you will need to replace this immediately.  A cracked valve will decrease the suction.  Always keep an extra set handy.

3.  Breast Shield – Medela has recently switched to a breast shield that is all one piece.  They designed the breast shield to prevent breast milk from backing up into the tubing.  If you have the older breast shield, you will have two pieces a connector and the funnel piece.  The funnel slides into the connector.  The valve attaches to the bottom of the connector or bottom of the one piece breast shield.

4. Tubing – The tubing attaches to the breast shields and to the face plate on the breast pump.

5. Bottle – The bottles screw onto the bottle of the breast shield.  They can also be used to store breast milk in until you are ready to use it or you can transfer the milk into storage bags.

How to Use the Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump

A breast pump is designed to help make expressing breast milk quick and easy.  The Medela Pump in Style breast pump, is very easy to use and doesn’t take long to assemble.  Once you have the breast pump accessories assembled, then connect the tubing to the face plate.  The end of the tubing should easily slide onto the face plate connectors.  Don’t force them.

Next connect the AC adapter, battery pack, or car adapter into the AC connection on the bottom right hand side of the face plate.

Turn on the breast pump using the dial located on the top right hand side of the face plate.  Select the level of suction by adjusting the knob, turn it until it no longer feels comfortable.  Then turn it down one notch.

The Medela Pump in Style features the two-phase technology, which helps simulate your baby’s natural sucking motions.  Once your breast pump is turned on, you will notice it will pump fast during the first two minutes.  This is phase one.  After two minutes, the pump will slow down to mimic a baby’s slower sucking motion. This is phase two.  If you would like to return to phase one, Medela has a one touch let down button located on the right hand side of the face plate just above the AC adapter.  This will return the breast pump to the faster pumping.

Video Demonstration of Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump Assembly