Common Ameda & Medela Questions

Here are the answers to some of the common questions we get asked:

Can Medela Bottles be used with Ameda breast pumps & vice-versa?
Yes, Medela Bottles will fit Ameda pumps and vice-versa. They have the same size neck opening & screw-in mechanism.

Do Ameda make teats? If not, what teats can I use with Ameda bottles?
No, Ameda do not manufacture teats although their bottle lids have a removable teat insert disc. The best teats to use with Ameda bottles are the Medela Teats as they fit snugly.

Can the Medela Bottle Cap be used to cover teats with Ameda bottles?
The Medela Bottle Cap (the big yellow cap that covers teats) will only fit Medela bottles. Although Ameda and Medela bottles are the same size, they have slightly different outer lid designs which is why the Bottle Cap doesn't fit Ameda bottles. The best option for Ameda users is to purchase a few Medela bottles and bottle caps to use with teats.

Can I use Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags to sterilise my Ameda pump parts?
No, Ameda products should not be microwave cleaned. The Medela Quick Clean Bags are designed for Medela products only (except the Soft Fit Breastshield, see below).

Why does my Soft Fit Breastshield keep warping and discolouring?
The Medela Soft Fit Breastshield (which comes with all Medela electric pumps except the Mini Electric) is very delicate and should be hand washed only. Boiling, microwaving, using soakers or plug in sterilisers can result in yellowing and damage. Please handwash in hot soapy water only, and rinse thoroughly. It's often worthwhile to purchase a spare Soft Fit when buying your pump, in case of accidential damage.

Can the Ameda Flexishield be used with Medela pumps?
The Ameda Flexishield Aerola Stimulator is a soft silicone breastshield insert designed to be used with Ameda pumps. It is ideal for maximum comfort and to stimulate let-down, and can also be used for smaller nipples sizes when the standard breastshield is ineffective. Although designed specifically for Ameda breast pumps, it is possible to use the Flexishield with the hard plastic Medela breastshields (such as the standard Mini Electric breastshield or Personal Fit Breastshield Kit). Please click on the Flexishield link above to see how it can be adapted for use.

Can Medela Pump & Save Breastmilk Bags be used with Ameda pumps?
Yes, Medela Pump & Save Breastmilk Bags can be used with most pump brands including Ameda.

Can Ameda Mothers Milk Freezer Bags be used with Medela pumps?
Yes, Ameda Mothers Milk Freezer Bags can be used with most pump brands including Medela.

Every once in a while, my Medela Swing stops and starts while I'm pumping.
The most common reasons for sporadic motor problems are a blockage in the tubing (caused by breastmilk residue) or breastmilk/moisture getting into the pump motor (more common than you'd think!) The Swing instruction manual has a troubleshooting guide for both these problems. If this doesn't work, try using your pump with battery power only. If it now works fine, the problem may be with the power adaptor only which is covered by warranty.

My pump has now started to lose suction, even when turned up to the highest level.
Poor suction usually means air is somehow getting into the pump. Check that all parts are correctly assembled with an air tight seal and that each part is undamaged. Pay particular attention to the Medela Membrane (small white disc) or Ameda Valve (white triangular piece) as even a small split can affect suction. Spare parts can be purchased here.

I have used my Medela Mini Electric several times a day for six months. It worked fine until recently.
Different pumps are designed for different usage levels. The Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump is designed for occasional use only. The motor is not designed to withstand regular long-term use. It is important to choose the right type of pump for your needs.

I purchased a Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump to build up my milk supply but I'm finding it's not helping that much.
Again, it is very important to choose the correct type of pump for your specific needs. Please see your healthcare professional or lactation consultant for advice when experiencing milk supply issues. Manual pumps are not the best option in this situation.

I bought a pump online from the US and I need a power adaptor to use it in Australia.
Electrical adaptors are not available for overseas pumps: do not try using an Australian power adaptor with an overseas pump as this can be very dangerous. Some mums have tried using a travel power adaptor converter although this has been known to cause problems with motor performance. It is highly recommended for both warranty purposes and peace of mind that you purchase your pump in Australia.

I have borrowed my friend's breast pump. What parts do I need to buy so it is safe & hygienic to use?
For the health and safety of your baby, we do not recommend using a second hand pump. All pumps - aside from hospital grade pumps such as the Medela Symphony, Medela Lactina and Ameda Elite - are designed for single mum use only. Please read our lactation consultant's Breastfeeding Q&A page about the risks associated with using a second hand breast pump.

Which Ameda/Medela electric breast pump do you think is the best?
Ah, a trick question! The best pumps are the high performance ones by Ameda & Medela - the Purely Yours (with/without Carry All), Swing & Freestyle.

- All these pumps have similar levels of power and function. They all offer excellent control over suction strength and speed so you can easily adjust to suit your particular requirements.

- Both brands offer the highest quality retail pumps available on the market & come with a one year warranty for electrical components.

- One brand is not better than the other. Although Medela is more well known and established in Australia, Ameda is used extensively in the US, UK & Europe, and is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. Both brands have been around for many years and are the preferred choice of hospitals worldwide. They are recognised as leaders in breast pump research & technology.

- The Ameda Purely Yours has a patented milk collection system which prevents breastmilk coming into contact with contaminants. This ensures you provide the purest breastmilk possible for your baby.

- The Medela Swing & Freestyle have a unique 2 phase expression system designed to simulate baby's suckling. The pumping rhythm starts off quickly to simulate baby's suckling for letdown, then automatically changes to simulate the post-letdown suckling.

- Aside from the Swing, all the above pumps can be used for both double or single pumping (the Swing is single pumping only).

- In terms of weight and portability, the Freestyle is the winner. The pump motor is tiny and can fit into the palm of your hand. The Swing & Purely Yours are also lightweight and small.

- The Swing & Purely Yours come with the pump and basic parts only. The Purely Yours with Carry All & Freestyle come with all the bells and whistles, such as carry bag, insulated cooler bag, freezer elements & additional bottles. The Freestyle also come with extra breastshields and a hands free pumping kit.

UPDATE: The Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump has now been discontinued in Australia.