Using the Medela Symphony breast pump correctly is essential for maximizing milk output and ensuring a comfortable, efficient pumping experience. As a hospital-grade double breast pump, the Medela Symphony is highly regarded for its ability to initiate and maintain milk supply, especially for mothers who are exclusively pumping or supporting a premature infant. However, achieving optimal results depends on proper assembly, selecting the correct breast shield size, and understanding how to navigate the pump’s unique settings.
By mastering the setup, adjusting the suction to your personal comfort level, and practicing supportive pumping techniques, you can optimize your milk expression sessions. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough to help you use the Medela Symphony safely and effectively.
Preparing for Your Pumping Session
Before starting your pumping session, establishing a clean, organized, and relaxing environment is crucial. Proper preparation not only ensures hygiene but also supports the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the let-down reflex that allows milk to flow.
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Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Clean the surface where you will place your pump and accessories with a sanitizing wipe to prevent any contamination of the pump parts or collection bottles.
Gather all necessary supplies before sitting down to avoid interrupting your session. You will need the Medela Symphony pump unit, the double pumping kit (including breast shields, connectors, valves, membranes, and tubing), clean breast milk storage bottles with lids, and nursing pads. Having a glass of water, a snack, and your phone or a book nearby can help you remain seated comfortably.
Create a relaxing space with comfortable seating and minimal distractions. Stress, cold temperatures, and anxiety can inhibit milk flow, so consider dimming the lights, playing soft music, or using a warm blanket. If you are away from your baby, looking at a photo or video of them, or holding an item of their clothing, can naturally stimulate your let-down reflex.
Assembling the Medela Symphony Pump Kit
Correct assembly of the pump kit is vital for maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring the pump generates the necessary vacuum pressure. Even a minor assembly error can lead to air leaks, which significantly reduce suction efficiency and milk output.
Before assembling the parts, carefully inspect all silicone components, valves, and membranes for any signs of wear, tears, or warping. The small white membranes and yellow valves are particularly delicate; even a microscopic tear can cause a complete loss of suction. If you detect any damage, replace the affected part immediately with a fresh, manufacturer-approved spare.
To assemble the kit, insert the yellow valve into the breast shield connector, ensuring it is pushed in securely. Press the white membrane flat onto the valve until it seals completely. Screw the clean collection bottle onto the bottom of the connector, taking care not to cross-thread the plastic. Insert the breast shield into the front of the connector.
Finally, connect the tubing. Push one end of the tubing firmly onto the back of the breast shield connector. Open the protective cap on top of the Medela Symphony pump and press the membrane cap down firmly over the housing until it clicks into place. Attach the other end of the tubing to the adapter on the membrane cap. Ensure all connections are tight and secure to prevent any air from escaping during operation.
Finding the Right Flange Fit
The breast shield, or flange, is the portion of the pump kit that contacts your breast. Using the correct flange size is one of the most critical factors in ensuring comfortable pumping and maximizing your milk output.
An improperly fitting flange can compress milk ducts, restrict flow, and cause friction that leads to nipple soreness or tissue damage. During a pumping session, observe how your nipple moves within the tunnel of the breast shield. In a properly fitting flange, your nipple should move freely back and forth in the center of the tunnel without rubbing against the sides, and very little of the surrounding areola should be drawn into the tunnel.
If your nipple rubs against the sides of the tunnel, or if you experience pain and friction, the flange is likely too small. Conversely, if a significant portion of your areola is pulled into the tunnel, or if there is a large gap around your nipple, the flange is too large. Both scenarios can lead to inefficient milk expression and localized swelling.
To determine your correct size, measure the diameter of your nipple base (excluding the areola) using a ruler or the manufacturer’s official sizing guide. This measurement in millimeters will help you select the corresponding breast shield size. Because breast tissue changes throughout postpartum recovery, it is beneficial to re-evaluate your fit periodically or consult a certified lactation consultant for personalized guidance.
Setting Up and Adjusting Suction Levels
The Medela Symphony features 2-Phase Expression technology, which mimics a baby’s natural nursing rhythm. Understanding how to navigate these phases and adjust the suction levels is key to a successful pumping session.
When you turn on the pump, it automatically begins in the stimulation phase. This phase uses rapid, light suction cycles to stimulate the nerves in the breast and trigger the let-down reflex. Keep the pump in this phase for about two minutes, or until you see milk beginning to flow consistently into the collection bottles.
Once milk flow is established, press the let-down button (marked with a droplet symbol) to transition to the expression phase. This phase features slower, deeper suction cycles designed to draw milk out efficiently. Use the central control dial to adjust the vacuum level. Turn the dial clockwise to increase the suction gradually until you reach your maximum comfortable vacuum setting, then turn it down slightly to ensure complete comfort.
It is a common misconception that higher suction levels yield more milk. In reality, excessive suction causes pain, which triggers stress and inhibits the let-down reflex, ultimately reducing your milk output. If you feel any pinching, pulling, or discomfort, immediately lower the suction. Pumping should never be painful; a comfortable, relaxed setting is always the most effective for milk removal.
Pumping Techniques to Support Milk Flow
In addition to adjusting the pump settings, incorporating specific physical techniques during your session can help stimulate milk flow and ensure your breasts are thoroughly emptied.
Applying a warm compress or a warm, damp washcloth to your breasts for a few minutes before you begin pumping can help dilate the milk ducts and encourage a faster let-down. During the session, you can practice hands-on pumping by gently massaging your breasts from the chest wall toward the nipple. This gentle compression helps mobilize milk from the outer areas of the breast, increasing overall output and reducing the time needed to empty the breasts.
Ensure that the breast shields remain centered over your nipples throughout the entire session. If you are using a hands-free pumping bra, check that it holds the shields firmly against your breasts without compressing the tissue or pulling the tunnels out of alignment. Misalignment can cause uneven suction and incomplete emptying of specific breast quadrants.
A typical double pumping session often lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, though individual times vary. Rather than focusing strictly on the clock, monitor the flow of milk. You can conclude the session when the milk flow slows down to occasional drips and your breasts feel light, soft, and comfortably empty. Prolonged pumping after milk flow has stopped can cause unnecessary skin irritation.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Pump Parts
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your pump parts are essential to protect your baby from harmful bacteria and to ensure the longevity of your equipment.
Immediately after you finish pumping, turn off the Medela Symphony and disassemble all parts that came into contact with breast milk, including the breast shields, connectors, valves, membranes, and collection bottles. The tubing does not need to be washed unless milk or moisture has accidentally entered it. If the tubing contains condensation, run the pump for a few minutes with the tubing attached but without the collection kit to air-dry the inside.
Rinse the disassembled parts in cool water first to remove residual milk proteins, then wash them thoroughly in warm, soapy water using a dedicated basin and brush. Rinse the parts again with clean water. Sanitize the components once daily—or as recommended by your healthcare provider—using a steam sterilizer, boiling water, or microwave sanitizing bags, keeping in mind local water safety guidelines.
Place all washed and sanitized parts on a clean, dedicated drying rack or a fresh paper towel in an area free from dust. Allow them to air-dry completely before assembly or storage. Avoid using cloth towels to dry the parts, as they can transfer lint and bacteria. Once dry, store the components in a clean, sealed container or a dedicated zip-top bag until your next session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I pump with the Medela Symphony?
The frequency of your pumping sessions depends on your individual feeding goals, your baby’s age, and whether you are exclusively pumping or supplementing direct breastfeeding. For parents who are exclusively pumping for a newborn, establishing a robust milk supply typically requires pumping 8 to 12 times every 24 hours, including at least one session during the night when prolactin levels are naturally higher.
If you are pumping to build a backup supply or supplement direct nursing, you might only need to pump 1 to 3 times a day, ideally shortly after a morning feeding when milk volume is generally highest. Because every lactation journey is unique, it is highly recommended to consult a healthcare provider or a certified lactation consultant to design a personalized pumping schedule that supports your body’s needs.
What should I do if the suction feels too strong or painful?
If you experience pain or excessive suction, immediately turn the control dial counterclockwise to lower the vacuum level, or press the power button to pause the session. Check that your nipple is centered perfectly within the breast shield tunnel and that no surrounding skin or areola is being pinched. Using a small amount of food-safe pumping spray or coconut oil on the flange tunnel can also reduce friction.
Persistent pain is a clear signal that something requires adjustment. Re-evaluate your breast shield size, as a flange that is too small or too large can cause significant discomfort even at low suction settings. If adjusting the settings and verifying the fit does not resolve the pain, or if you notice any skin breakdown, bleeding, or bruising, stop using the pump and seek immediate guidance from a qualified lactation professional.
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