Medela Pump In Style Advanced: User Manual Guide
This comprehensive guide serves as your go-to resource for the Medela Pump In Style Advanced breast pump․ It provides detailed instructions on assembly, usage, cleaning, and maintenance․ Ensure optimal performance and safety by carefully following the guidelines outlined in this user manual․
The Medela Pump In Style Advanced is a double electric breast pump designed for efficient and comfortable milk expression․ This user manual provides comprehensive guidance on how to properly assemble, use, and maintain your pump․ Understanding the features and functions of your pump is crucial for a successful breastfeeding journey․
This breast pump is intended for lactating women who need to express and collect breast milk․ Its design incorporates hospital-grade technology into a portable, user-friendly device․ This allows mothers to pump efficiently and comfortably, whether at home, at work, or while traveling․
The Pump In Style Advanced features a stimulation phase that mimics a baby’s initial suckling to initiate milk flow, followed by an expression phase for efficient milk removal․ The pump also offers adjustable vacuum settings, allowing you to customize your pumping experience for maximum comfort․
Overview of Breast Pump Parts and Accessories
Familiarizing yourself with the components of the Medela Pump In Style Advanced is the first step to efficient and effective pumping․ The core components include: the pump motor unit, tubing, breast shields (available in various sizes like 24mm and 27mm), connectors, valves, and membranes․ Additional accessories might include milk collection bottles, lids, a cooler bag with a contoured ice pack, and a power adapter․
The breast shields come in different sizes to ensure a comfortable and proper fit, which is essential for optimal milk removal․ The connectors link the breast shields to the tubing, while the valves and membranes work together to create the suction necessary for expressing milk․ The tubing connects the pump motor to the breast shield assembly․
Understanding each part’s function will help you troubleshoot any issues and ensure proper assembly․ Remember to consult the parts list in this manual to identify each component accurately․
Assembly Instructions: Preparing for First Use
Before using your Medela Pump In Style Advanced for the first time, thorough preparation is crucial․ Begin by carefully unpacking all components and separating them․ Wash all parts that will come into contact with your breast or breast milk, including the breast shields, connectors, valves, membranes, and collection bottles, following the cleaning instructions outlined in the “Cleaning and Sanitizing” section․
Once the parts are thoroughly cleaned and dried, you can begin assembly․ Attach the yellow valves and white membranes to the underside of the breast shield connectors․ Then, screw the collection bottles onto the breast shield connectors․ Connect one end of the tubing to the breast shield connector and the other end to the pump motor unit․
If you are using the pump for single pumping, attach the port cap over the unused port․ Ensure all connections are secure to prevent air leaks, which can affect suction․
Cleaning and Sanitizing: Essential Hygiene Practices
Maintaining strict hygiene is paramount when using the Medela Pump In Style Advanced to protect both you and your baby․ Cleaning and sanitizing are two distinct processes, both essential for ensuring the safety and performance of your breast pump․
Cleaning: After each use, disassemble all parts that come into contact with breast milk, including breast shields, connectors, valves, membranes, and bottles․ Rinse these parts immediately with cool, clear water to remove any residual milk․ Then, wash them thoroughly with warm, soapy water․ Use a clean bottle brush to scrub all surfaces, paying close attention to small crevices․ Rinse again with clear water and allow the parts to air dry completely on a clean surface or in a dishwasher․
Sanitizing: Sanitize the pump parts at least once daily․ Options include boiling the parts for 5 minutes, using a microwave steam bag, or utilizing a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle․ Ensure all parts are fully submerged in boiling water and avoid overcrowding in the microwave bag or dishwasher․ Allow parts to air dry after sanitizing․
Step-by-Step Guide to Pumping
To begin pumping with the Medela Pump In Style Advanced, first ensure all parts are clean and properly assembled․ Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the pump or your breasts․ Find a comfortable and private location where you can relax․
Position the breast shields comfortably over your breasts, ensuring your nipples are centered․ The correct shield size is crucial for effective pumping and comfort․ Turn on the pump and begin with the stimulation phase, which mimics a baby’s initial nursing pattern to encourage let-down․ This phase typically lasts for about two minutes․
Once your milk begins to flow, switch to the expression phase․ Adjust the vacuum level to the highest comfortable setting․ Pumping sessions usually last for 15-20 minutes per breast, or until milk flow slows․ Gently massage your breasts during pumping to help maximize milk output․
After pumping, carefully remove the breast shields․ Transfer the expressed milk to storage bags or bottles, and label them with the date and time․ Disassemble the pump parts and clean them immediately according to the cleaning instructions․
PersonalFit Breast Shield Sizing and Selection
Selecting the correct breast shield size is essential for comfortable and efficient pumping with the Medela Pump In Style Advanced․ An improperly sized shield can lead to discomfort, reduced milk output, and even nipple damage․ Medela offers a range of PersonalFit breast shield sizes to accommodate different nipple sizes․
To determine your ideal size, observe your nipple’s movement within the shield during pumping․ The nipple should move freely without rubbing against the sides of the tunnel․ A good fit means only the nipple should be drawn into the tunnel, with minimal areola being pulled in․
If you experience discomfort, redness, or if too much areola is being drawn into the tunnel, you likely need a different size․ Start with the standard 24 mm shield included with the pump, and adjust as needed․ Medela provides various sizes, including 21 mm, 27 mm, and larger․
Consider consulting a lactation consultant for personalized fitting advice․ They can assess your nipple size and shape to recommend the most suitable PersonalFit breast shield for optimal pumping․
Powering the Pump: Options and Precautions
The Medela Pump In Style Advanced offers flexible powering options to suit your pumping needs․ It can be powered via a 9-volt AC adapter, a battery pack, or a portable vehicle adapter․
When using the AC adapter, ensure it is the one specifically designed for the Pump In Style Advanced․ Inspect the adapter and cord for any damage before each use․ Do not use if wires are frayed or exposed, and avoid wrapping the cord tightly around the adapter․
The battery pack provides portability, allowing you to pump on the go․ Use only the Medela-approved battery pack, and insert batteries correctly․ Each set of batteries provides approximately 2 hours of pumping time․ Remove batteries when not in use for extended periods to prevent corrosion․
The portable vehicle adapter offers another convenient option for pumping while traveling․ Verify compatibility with your vehicle’s power outlet before use․
Always exercise caution when using any power source․ Keep the pump and power components away from water and moisture․ Disconnect the pump from the power source before cleaning, and never leave the pump unattended while in use․
Troubleshooting Common Issues: Suction Problems and More
Experiencing issues with your Medela Pump In Style Advanced? Let’s troubleshoot some common problems․
Weak or No Suction: Begin by checking the connection of all parts, ensuring the breast shield, connector, valve, and membrane are securely attached․ Look for gaps between the breast shield and your skin; a proper seal is crucial․ The 24mm breast shield may be too big, consider 21mm for better fit․ Inspect the white membrane and yellow valve for damage or wear; replace if needed․ Ensure the tubing is securely connected to both the pump and the breast shield connector, and that it’s free from kinks or blockages․ The faceplate must be seated correctly and snapped together at all connection points․
Pump Not Starting: Verify the power source – AC adapter, battery pack, or vehicle adapter – is properly connected and functioning․ If using batteries, ensure they are fresh and correctly installed․
Other Issues: If you hear unusual noises, inspect the pump for any obstructions or damage․ If problems persist, contact Medela Customer Service for assistance․ Remember, proper maintenance and cleaning are essential for optimal performance․
Storing Breast Milk: Guidelines and Best Practices
Proper breast milk storage is crucial for preserving its nutritional value and ensuring your baby’s health․ Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling breast milk and use clean containers designed for breast milk storage, such as bottles or storage bags․ Label each container with the date and time of expression to track freshness․
Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours․ In the refrigerator (40°F or 4°C or colder), breast milk can be stored for up to 4 days․ For long-term storage, freeze breast milk in a deep freezer (0°F or -18°C or colder) for up to 6-12 months․
When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container as breast milk expands during freezing․ Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator overnight or by placing the container under lukewarm running water․ Never microwave breast milk, as this can destroy nutrients and create hot spots; Once thawed, use breast milk within 24 hours․
Maintenance and Care: Ensuring Longevity
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Medela Pump In Style Advanced breast pump, regular maintenance and care are essential․ After each use, thoroughly clean all pump parts that come into contact with breast milk, including the breast shields, connectors, valves, and membranes, following the cleaning instructions in this manual․
Periodically inspect the pump parts for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, tears, or discoloration․ Replace worn or damaged parts immediately to maintain proper suction and prevent contamination․ Pay close attention to the valves and membranes, as these small components are crucial for the pump’s functionality․
Clean the pump tubing regularly to prevent mold growth․ If you notice any moisture or condensation inside the tubing, disconnect it from the pump and allow it to air dry completely․ Avoid storing the pump in humid environments․ Wipe down the pump motor unit with a damp cloth as needed, and never immerse it in water or any other liquid․
Safety Information and Important Safeguards
Your safety and the well-being of your baby are paramount when using the Medela Pump In Style Advanced breast pump․ Always read and adhere to the following safety information and important safeguards to minimize the risk of injury or product malfunction․
Never use the breast pump while driving or operating machinery, and ensure it is placed on a stable surface during use to prevent accidental spills or damage․ Only use the power adapter provided by Medela, and avoid using extension cords or adapters not specifically recommended for this pump․ Inspect the power adapter and cords regularly for any signs of damage, and discontinue use if damage is detected․
Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the pump motor unit, as this could void the warranty and pose a safety hazard․ Keep the pump and its components out of reach of children and pets, and never leave a pumping mother unattended․ Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional․
