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Having a premature baby, the demands of work and the need to store breast milk for future use instead of disposal are some of the main reasons why breast pumps are needed. They help to pump and store breast milk from the mother’s nipple for later use.
There are many breast pumps from different brands, but the Medela breast pumps are arguably the best on the market. Doctors, as well as moms, highly recommend them. The Medela brand is known for its high-quality mother and baby products. Their breast pumps are popular thanks to their ease of use and comfort. Medela has different types of breast pumps, all having specialized features.
However, the Medela breast pump, like most breast pumps, consists of different parts such as pump shields, valves, membranes, connectors, etc. that are coupled to perform the action of pumping and storing. These parts are prone to get worn out over time, therefore they will need replacement. Having extra parts also make it easy to pump breast milk in public places or at work. These are some of the reasons why having spare parts of breast pumps is important.
The Seven Best Medela Breast Pump Parts Are Reviewed Below
Being a popular brand the makes breast milk pumps, Medela understands the importance of having spare parts. You can get the parts as a whole kit, while some parts are sold separately. Also, other brands make breast pump parts that are compatible with the Medela breast pump. Here are some of the best Medela breast pump parts available on the market.
1
Medela Breast Pump Accessory Set
From pumping, storage to feeding, this set has all the accessories you will need, and they are all made by Medela. You don’t have to worry about buying the parts you need singly as this offers you everything in a pack.
There are two 24 mm one-piece breast shields in the set, and they are compatible with most Medela breast pumps except the Medela Harmony, Swing, and freestyle breast pumps. The set has two valves and membranes that are compatible with all Medela breast pumps except the Freestyle breast pump. There are two Medela quick clean micro-steam bags, and four 5 oz breastmilk bottles that are compatible with all Medela breast pumps that also come in this set. You don’t have to worry much about the safety of the materials because they are all BPA-free.
Most of the accessories in this set are easy to clean and are dishwasher and microwave-safe.
Key Features:
- Pump accessories
- Two 24 mm breast shields
- Two valves, and membranes
- Two Quick Clean Micro-Steam bags
- Four 5 0z breastmilk bottles
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Breast Pump Accessory Set
- Parts: Breast shields, valves and membrane, breastmilk bottles, cleaning bags
Pros
- It contains different breast pump parts
- They are compatible with most Medela breast pumps
- Contains the quick clean micro-steam bags for better cleaning
Cons
- Quality may vary with the parts that originally came with the breast pump.
2
Medela PersonalFit Flex Breast Shields
The importance of breast shields in breast pumps cannot be overemphasized. They dictate the efficiency as well as the comfort of pumping breastmilk. The Medela personalFit Flex breast shields are a bit different and more advanced than the conventional breast shields. Its flex technology enables mothers to pump from different positions without stress.
These breast shields are not only comfortable; they also help you pump faster and efficiently. The personalfit flex breast shields have four different size options, including size 21 mm, and they are compatible with all Medela breast pumps.
The breast shields are made from food-grade plastic, and they are BPA-free. You will not be having many issues cleaning or sterilizing these breast shields as they are dishwasher and microwave-safe.
Key Features:
- Flex technology
- 21 mm
- Optimizes breastmilk pumping
- Comfortable
- Adapts with different positions
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Medela PersonalFit Flex Breast Shields
- Parts: Breast shields
Pros
- They are easy to use
- Available in different sizes
- Pumps breast milk faster
- They are comfortable
Cons
- The tunnel can be too short for some nipples.
3
Medela Spare Membranes
Medela breast pump membranes are one of the breast pumps parts that are always in high demand. The reason for this is the roles they play in terms of suction. The membranes, as well as the valves, have to be in good shape for you to get the best suction from your breast pump. Compared to other parts, breast pump membranes tend to get worn out faster.
The Medela spare membranes are needed in every breast pump accessory. These membranes are made from high-quality food-grade material, and it is latex, phthalate, lead, and BPA-free. These spare membranes are compatible with most Medela breast pumps except the Sonata and Freestyle breast pumps. Each pack contains six membranes that should serve you for a long time.
Key Features:
- Six spare membranes
- Compatible with most Medela breast pumps
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Spare Membranes
- Parts: Membranes
Pros
- The membranes are made from high-quality materials
- Allow adequate suction
- latex, phthalate, lead, and BPA-free
Cons
- They generally have a short lifespan.
4
Medela Spare or Replacement PersonalFit Connectors
Medela Spare or Replacement PersonalFit Connectors is arguably the best Medela spare connectors that are compatible with most Medela breast pumps apart from the freestyle, harmony, and sonata breast pumps.
The connectors are designed to connect easily with personalfit breast shields as well as the personalfit flex breast shields irrespective of the size of the shield. These connectors work hand in hand with other parts to give mothers the optimum pumping experience. They are made with BPA-free material, which makes them safe for the mother and child. Medela spare personalfit connectors are relatively easy to clean.
Key Features:
- Connectors
- BPA-free material
- Compatible with most Medela breast pumps
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Spare or Replacement PersonalFit Connectors
- Parts: Connectors
Pros
- They are compatible with most Medela breast pumps
- Connect easily with Medela Personalfit flex breast shields
- They are BPA-free
Cons
- Does not work well with manual pumps
5
Medela Freestyle Tubing Replacement
The Medela Freestyle tubing replacement is designed specifically for the Medela freestyle breast pumps. This tubing, like other parts of the breast pump, is needed as a spare in the case where you don’t have time to clean one or the one you have is already faulty.
The freestyle tubing replacement is designed in line with the quality offered by Medela when it comes to pumping parts. Their tubes are made from BPA-free high-quality plastic. There are two tubes in each set. Meaning you can easily replace a worn-out or used tubing.
Key Features:
- Two breast pump tubes
- Compatible with Medela freestyle breast pump
- BPA-free
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Medela Freestyle Tubing Replacement
- Parts: Tubing
Pros
- They are easy to use
- Can serve as an extra
- BPA-free
- Made from high-quality material
Cons
- They are not compatible with other Medela breast pumps apart from the freestyle breast pumps
- It is a bit pricey
6
Medela Spare Valves and Membranes
The Medela Spare Valves and Membranes go hand in hand. That is why they are usually sold together. These breast pump parts are compatible with most Medela breast pumps except the freestyle breast pumps.
There are two valves and two membranes in each set. These extra parts can serve you at different locations. They can serve as perfect replacement parts. Also, you don’t have to go back to the market in search of breast shields as these parts are compatible with all Medela PersonalFit breast shields.
They are made from BPA-free materials and are relatively easy to clean.
Key Features:
- Two membranes
- Two valves
- Compatible with most Medela breast pumps
- Compatible with all Medela PersonalFit breast shields
- BPA-free materials
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Spare Valves and Membranes
- Parts: Valves, and Membranes
Pros
- They are easy to use and allow for proper suction
- They are compatible with most Medela breast pumps
- Compatible with all Medela PersonalFit breast shields
- Made with BPA-free materials
Cons
- They wear out faster compared to other parts.
7
Medela Breast Milk Collection and Storage Bottles
Medela Breast milk collection and storage bottles are essential components of the breast pump. They are designed to collect and store the milk that is being pumped from the breast. They can also serve as feeding bottles. The bottles are compatible with all Medela breast pumps and Calma.
The bottles are 5 oz containers with easy to read volume marks. They are made from food-grade plastic and are BPA-free. The bottles can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for use at a later date.
You don’t have to worry about spilling as the bottles have screw-on lids, which prevents leaking. Cleaning is relatively easy with these bottles. They are dishwasher and microwave-safe. They come in a pack of six bottles and lids, and a quick clean micro-steam bag.
Key Features:
- Compatible with all Medela breast pumps
- Six 5 oz bottles and lids
- One Quick Clean Micro-steam bag
- Can be stored in the refrigerator and freezer
Specification:
- Brand: Medela
- Product: Breast Milk Collection and Storage Bottles
- Parts: Bottles
Pros
- They are compatible with all Medela breast pumps
- BPA-free
- The volume marks are easy to read and monitor the amount of breast milk pumped
- Designed to prevent spillage
- Dishwasher and microwave-safe
Cons
- Quality may vary
Buying Guide Questions
You need to know what to look for when your breast pump gets faulty. Also, there are some essential things parents have to note when and after getting a breast pump. Some of these things are not listed on the market. So, below are the answers to questions some parents are asking and those you should be asking.
Are Medela breast pump parts interchangeable?
Yes, some Medela breast pump parts are interchangeable. Some breast pump parts are not made by Medela but can be used interchangeably with Medela breast pumps. However, you have to ensure that it is compatible with the type of Medela breast pump you own. The same applies to Medela breast pump parts. Some parts can be used with most breast pumps, while others can only be used for specific breast pumps.
When should I replace Medela pump parts?
It depends on the part of the Medela pump. Breast pump valves and membranes start wearing out after two weeks of use. So, it is ideal that you change them within two to eight weeks, while breast shields, connectors, and bottles tend to last longer. Therefore, they can be replaced after six months of use or if they suffer any damage.
What parts do you need for a Medela breast pump?
The parts that you need for a Medela breast pump are breast shields, connectors, valves, membranes, a set of tubing, and bottles. All these parts are essential in breast pumps.
Why is my Medela pump losing suction?
The part of the Medela pump responsible for providing adequate suction is the valves and membranes. If your Medela pump is losing suction, then you should inspect this part of your pump. Look out for any sign of damage or wear. If you spot any damage or wear as a result of continuous usage, you should consider replacing them at at minimum, cleaning them intensely using a professional sterilizer.
Can I boil Medela tubing?
It is not ideal that you boil your Medela tubing. The tubing can melt at high temperatures. Instead, you can clean them in warm soapy water.
Can you put Medela pump parts in a sterilizer?
You can put Medela pump parts in a sterilizer. However, it depends on which part and what means you are using to sterilize the parts. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instruction when doing this.
Do I have to wash pump parts after every use?
Every part of the pump that comes in contact with breast milk should be washed immediately after use.
Conclusion
Pumping breast milk can be comfortable if you are doing it right and using the right tools. Medela offers mothers some of the best available. The different breast pumps designed are to cater to the mom’s pumping needs. However, you should note that parts of these pumps are won’t last forever. That is why it is essential to have spares, so you won’t be stranded when you need replacements.
Insider Tip: some of the best pumps for twins include Medela breast pumps, strongly recommended