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 standard size neck opening & screw-in mechanism.
Do Ameda make teats? If not, what teats can I use with Ameda bottles?
No, Ameda do not make teats although most of their bottle lids do 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 do not recommend microwaving their products. The Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags are designed for Medela products only (except the Soft Fit Breastshield and Tubing, see below).
Why does my Soft Fit Breastshield keep warping and discolouring?
The Medela Soft Fit Breastshield is very delicate and should be hand washed only. Boiling, microwaving, using soakers or plug in sterilisers can result in yellowing and damage. Hand wash in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Can Medela Pump & Save Breastmilk Bags be used with Ameda pumps?
Medela Pump & Save Breastmilk Bags can be used with most standard neck pump brands including Ameda.
Can Ameda breastmilk storage bags be used with Medela pumps?The Ameda Store N Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags have a nifty flange adapter that screws onto the pump and the milk bag is hooked on for easy collection when pumping. Although some customers successfully use this flange with their Medela breast pumps, Ameda only recommend using with their pumps.
Every once in a while, my Medela Swing stops and starts while I'm pumping.
A common reason for sporadic motor problems are due to a blockage in the tubing or pump motor unit caused by breastmilk, water, other liquids and condensation. Some reasons this can happen are due to a milk overflow, sitting the motor on a wet bench or washing/sterilising the tubing (tubing should only be wiped down after use; no other cleaning is required under normal use circumstances). The Swing instruction manual has a troubleshooting guide for overflow cleaning and dealing with tubing moisture build up. If you have accidently washed the tubing, we generally recommend buying replacement tubing as it can take ages for washed tubing to dry out properly.
If your tubing is moisture free and overflow cleaning hasn't resolved the issue, a handy tip is to test using your pump with battery power only. If it works fine with batteries but not with the mains power adapter, this generally means there is a problem with the power adapter only and not the motor (phew!) Your pump warranty covers the power adapter so please contact the place of purchase to make a claim. If your pump is no under warranty you can purchase a replacement Medela Swing AC Power Adapter.
Note: Remember it is normal for the Swing to automatically switch off after about 20 minutes. This auto-shut off feature means that if the pump is accidently turned on when transporting it with batteries, it will turn off to preserve the battery power. If you are pumping on one side for more than 20 minutes, you may wish to see your healthcare professional or lactation consultant for advice as pumping should not take this long on each side.
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. This can be caused by a number of things including incorrect assembly, a damaged part or because the breastshield is not forming an air tight seal. Refer to your pump instruction manual and check that the pump is assembled correctly and all parts are undamaged. Make sure parts are completely dry before assembling the pump otherwise moisture can get into the tubing and even the motor. When inspecting parts, pay particular attention to the Medela Membrane (small white disc) and Ameda Valve (white triangular piece) to ensure they are not damaged as even a small tear can drastically affect suction. If you are using the Medela Freestyle, make sure the Connector Assembled is correctly put together and 'snapped' in. If any parts are damaged, please replace if you have spares available or purchase the spare parts required. Another reason that air can get into the pump is if the breastshield is too large and a proper seal can't be formed around the breast. Please see our guide to Choosing the Correct Breastshield Size which includes smaller sized breastshield options available to resolve this issue.
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 and requirements. The Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump is not designed for long term regular use. It is important to choose the right type of pump, not only for performance but to meet your usage needs and requirements. For more information, please see our Guide to Choosing a Breast Pump.
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 such as the Medela Harmony are best suited for occasional use only and are not recommended for increasing milk supply. For more information, please see our Guide to Choosing a Breast Pump.
I bought a pump online from the US and I need a power adaptor to use it in Australia.
Electrical power adaptors are not available for overseas pumps. Not only is your breast pump warranty void when non-approved parts such as travel power converters are used, there are electrical risks and performance issues associated with this. It is highly recommended for both warranty purposes and safety that you purchase your pump in the country where you live. When travelling overseas, only use your pump with battery power.
I have borrowed my friend's breast pump. What parts do I need to buy so it is safe & hygienic to use?All breast pumps - aside from hospital grade hire models such as the Medela Symphony, Medela Lactina and Ameda Elite - are designed for single mum use only. Use by more than one person can pose serious health risks to you and your baby, even if all parts that come into breastmilk are thoroughly sterilised or replaced. Please see our lactation consultant's Breastfeeding Q&A section for more information 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 type of breast pump is the one that is best suited to your individual needs. Visit your healthcare professional or lactation consultant before purchasing a breast pump: after all, there is no point in getting the most expensive pump if you only need to pump occasionally for a night out!
The best Medela and Ameda pumps are the hospital grade hire models such as the Medela Symphony and Ameda Elite. They are considered the most powerful top-of-the-line breast pumps available on the market and are ideal for long term regular use for all situations.
The next step down from hospital grade hire models are the high performance pump models including the Medela Freestyle, Medela Swing, Ameda Purely Yours and Ameda Purely Yours Ultra. These are also suitable for long term regular use for most situations. All other Medela & Ameda pump models are not considered high performance and are designed for lessor usage requirements and a smaller range of situations. Other brands are also generally not considered high performance.
It is hard to say whether Medela or Ameda is the better brand as their high performance pump models are all very powerful and efficient, with different features that are very appealing to pumping mothers. Here is a quick guide for you:
- Medela electric pumps (Swing, Freestyle & hospital grade hire models) use 2 Phase Expression, a unique pumping rhythm designed to simulate baby's natural suckling pattern.
- Ameda electric pumps (Purely Yours, Purely Yours Ultra & hospital grade hire models) have a patented milk collection system which prevents breastmilk coming into contact with contaminants, ensuring you provide the purest milk possible for your baby.
- Aside from Swing, all of the above high performance pumps can be used for double pumping with the option of single pumping. The Swing is single pumping only. Hospital grade models can be used with a single or double pump kit.
- Hospital grade hire models are larger and heavier so are best suited for home use. The other pumps above are lightweight and easy to transport.
- The Freestyle & Purely Yours Ultra come with useful accessories for mothers who are working or pumping out and about. Some of the extras include carry bag specifically designed to hold the pump and accessories, together with insulated cooler bag for safe transport.
- 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 world leaders in breast pump research & technology.
