With its ergonomic handle and 2-Phase Expression technology, the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is gentle and efficient. It can also be upgraded to an electric pump with a conversion kit.
Medela is a well-established company that’s committed to support breastfeeding. It does this by sponsoring lactation research worldwide and by adhering to the World Health Organisation’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes – that is, depicting breast milk as the optimal nutrition for babies.
When I used the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump, the pumping time went fast - I expressed more milk in a shorter time than I ever did with my old manual pump – and I’ve never felt so relaxed. According to the manufacturer, it’s all down to the 2-Phase Expression technology, which mimics babies’ nursing. Here’s the science bit: initially, babies suckle fast and light to start the milk flowing. Then, they switch to a slower and deeper suck to get as much milk as quickly as possible. It’s the combination of rapid stimulation and slower expression in the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump that makes pumping gentle, comfortable and efficient.
The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is also the Winner of the Best Manual Breast Pump Practical Parenting Award 2007/8.
What we love
The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is Bisphenol-A (BPA) free and comes with a choice of two breastshields: standard and SoftFit. As the name suggests, the SoftFit breastshield is soft, flexible and massages the breast while you pump. This is pretty useful when you just had your baby and you’re sore!
The kit also includes a bottle with teat, cap and travel/storage seal, spare valve membrane and a stand for the pump. Some mums say that it’s compatible with other brands of bottles, but the screw ring is on the small side.
I found the instructions comprehensive and very clear - even the teat had its own instruction leaflet. The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is easy to assemble and disassemble – and a doddle to clean. It’s lightweight, portable and stylish. And, to top it all, the performance was super fast for a manual pump – and quiet, no squeaking of any sort.
The ergonomically designed handle fitted easily in my hand and its swivel mechanism meant I could choose my optimal position and pump more comfortably on each breast – a bonus if Michela is feeding on the other breast.
For added convenience, this pump is upgradeable to electric pumping with the use of the Symphony or the Lactina conversion kits (not included).
What to watch out for
You need to take off the valve membrane after using the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump and wash it on its own. The membrane is tiny so it’s best to plug your sink in case you drop it while you’re cleaning it.
The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is not suitable for the microwave or the dishwasher as some mums found that parts got warped in the latter. A mum cautioned me not to let my toddler touch it as the pump is not that sturdy, especially the handle.
Overall, although it won’t win the race with an electric pump, Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is still a super-fast manual.
Who is the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump best for?
Busy mums who need a pump that is powerful yet quiet and gentle on the breast.
MadeForMums verdict
Cost effective, powerful, easy to use, quiet and comfortable, the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump this is indeed one of the best manual pumps on the market. It’s perfect for mums who feel nervous about expressing because it is gentle on the breast. The 2-Phase Expression technology that mimics the way a baby breastfed aids expression, too. Just don't put it in the microwave or dishwasher.
the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump!
