Looking to find out more about the best breast pumps on the market? The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump features Flex breast shields, to provide more comfort and help express more milk.
This portable, single manual hand breast pump with 2-Phase Expression technology works whether you’re aiming to maintain your supply, need help coping with issues affecting your breastfeeding, or simply want more time with your baby and less time pumping.
Manual breast pumps like the Harmony are perfect for busy schedules, as a backup to your electric pump, or for occasional use if you normally breastfeed your baby. It's small enough to fit into your handbag and with no need for batteries or wires.
The oval breast cups with soft, flexible rims at a 105° angle reduce pressure on the breast and thus support the milk flow. To enable pumping in the most comfortable position, the breast shields can be rotated 360°. The pumping rhythm gently imitates the baby's natural sucking behaviour, whereby the pumping strength can be individually adjusted via buttons. Thanks to its compact, lightweight format and quiet use, the Harmony pump is ideal when on the move.
www.very.co.uk
Pros
- Highly efficient and affordable
- One of the most compact breast pumps
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Small and easy to take out
- Two pumping patterns
Cons
- Bottle teat sold separately
- The shield could be softer
- Not ideal to pump both boobs simultaneously
| Dimensions: | 8 x 24.5 x 13.5 cm |
| Type: | Manual |
| Weight: | 220g |
| Milk Capacity: | 150ml |
- Light and discreet: Can easily fit into your handbag so you can take it almost anywhere and pump.
- Flex Technology: Flex breast shields mould perfectly to your shape for optimum comfort whilst pumping and gives you more milk per session.
- 2 phase expression: Simulate natural baby sucking behaviour at the mother’s breast one of the only manual breast pumps to offer this.
Testing the Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump
I’m a first-time mum of one, I’m now eight months into my breastfeeding journey and honestly, I’ve tried more pumps than I can count! I have used electric breast pumps and they certainly have their place, but a manual pump should not be forgotten.
I’ve tested the Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump, which for a manual breast pump, is at a mid price range; and especially for its price, I would recommend it again and again – especially for mums in the early stages of breastfeeding.
Building the pump was so straightforward; others I’ve used so far have taken a little longer to put together, but this was built in under two minutes. The instructions were straightforward and easy to understand.
The Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump was perfect for me to take on holiday this month, it’s light, easy and I can stash it in a changing bag so I can access it when and wherever I need to. When I gave it a whirl during my week away, I was so impressed for a number of reasons.
Firstly, I didn’t need to get a separate breast pump bra, so I could literally just pull down my nursing bra, the same way I would if my little boy was on the boob, and just place the pump there and away we went. There wasn’t too much pressure, it moved with such ease that I had to check multiple times it was actually pumping – and it was.
Secondly, it’s so small and compact that I can place it anywhere securely, while coming with two items to help it stand up stably and a lid to make sure the milk doesn’t spill at all. It was so easy to pack and bring along without having to bring out too much extra – it’s hard enough packing for a holiday with your baby without worrying about all the extra bits too!
I think where this pump is used the best is if you’re on the go, or even as a single pump in the morning. If you’re in a situation where the boobs are feeling a little painful, it can really help with the release. I was in a restaurant once and had to go and hand express into a bathroom sink. This would have been the perfect time to have this manual pump in my bag.
The pump doesn't have too many parts to it, so it’s quite straightforward to clean with no unexpected pieces.
It’s honestly such a great product for me as a breastfeeding mum, especially now that it’s getting hotter, it’s the easiest thing to be able to do a quick pump to make some milk ice lollies for my little boy, which he loves.
The uses of the Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump are clear – if you need a quick express, it’s perfect. If you’re out and about and need to deflate the boobs a tad, it’s perfect. If you’re full on both boobs and your baby is on one and the other is in pain, you guessed it, it’s perfect!
Final verdict
Personally, I’ll be using my electric breast pump if I’m moving around the house and pumping on the go, but in the mornings when I’m in bed, or even if I’m feeding my little boy and want to express from the other, I’ll be making sure my manual breast pump is on hand.
If you’re in the early stages of breastfeeding, I would say this is a life-saving item, that pain when you have boobs that are too full is unforgettable, and this would give such an easy release in literally any scenario. It’s also so helpful to any pumping mum who just wants a quick and easy pump. At £27, it’s a bargain and I really wish I’d picked it up sooner because it would’ve been such a help at the start of my breastfeeding journey.
About the author
Stephanie Spencer is the Hub Editor at Mother&Baby and mum to a little boy. She has a particular interest in health and loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.