Category — Breast Pump and Breastfeeding Accessories and Parts
Medela Tubing Is New And Improved
Whether you’ve lost or damaged Medela tubing, or if it’s just worn out over time, you can order replacement medela tubing here online. Of course, all the tubing is BPA-free. The medela pump in style and the medela pump in style advanced tubing is made of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), a FDA food quality and/or food grade component. Because the tubing doesn’t come into long-term contact with the baby or the breast milk, there is no health risk. And the material that’s used in PVC tubing is also DHEP-free for even more safety. The new tubing material is not completely clear; it has a slight yellow/orange tinge due to the switch to non-DHEP PVC material. When ordering tubing, it’s helpful to have the part number of the tubing you need, but sometimes just knowing what kind of medela breast pump you have will be enough information to order the correct replacement. Listed below are the tubing that have been discontinued, their new replacement part numbers, as well as answers and information regarding common tubing questions.
If you have the classic lactina breast pump or the medela symphony breast pump, the new tubing replacement is part #8007213. This 42” PVC medela tubing set has one two-tone yellow adapter and one adapter that’s pale yellow. This part number replaces both #8007179 and #8007194.
Maybe you own the classic lactina breast pump, the medela symphony breast pump, or any medela pump in style advanced purchased prior to August 2006 (with the old faceplate, Item #57060 and #57026). If so, your tubing replacement is part #87214. This 42” silicone tubing set has one two-tone yellow adapter and one adapter that’s pale yellow. This part number replaces both #8007180 and #8007214.
Or, if you have any medela pump in style original breast pump (including the Traveler Item #57024), or the medela pump in style advanced (Item #57027, #57026, #57036, #57030, #57062, or #57060), including all limited edition and metro styles) purchased after July 2006 with the new faceplate , part #87212 is the tubing replacement you’ll need. This 42” PVC tubing set has one two-tone yellow adapter and one adapter that’s pale yellow. This part number replaces both #8007156 and #8007212.
If you own the #67274 DoubleSelect medela breast pump, then you’ll need part #8087018, 24” silicone tubing. This tubing has one soft end and one white adapter.
If you have the #67050 Swing medela electric breast pump, you’ll want to order part #8007215. Its 30” of PVC tubing has two yellow adapters.
Is your tubing no longer clear and turning white? That’s because a property of the plastic tubing turns cloudy during boiling and will not substantially clear up. Also, minerals in the water may affect the tubing’s appearance. In either event, the product will function properly even if it is cloudy. The tubing doesn’t require sterilization, because only air flows through the tubes, not breast milk. However, if breast milk does back up into the tubing, you can boil them for ten minutes or use the Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags.
Are there drops of water in your tubing? That’s because condensation forms in the tubing when cold air in the tubing meets the warm air rising off your breast milk. Because water should be removed from the tubing between uses, keep the tubing attached to the pump just for a few minutes to force the water to one end. Then either shake the tubing or hang it over a rod to remove any remaining water.
Does your tubing appear to have mold it in? Then it should be replaced. While you await its arrival, either boil the tubing or use the Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags and switch to the new tubing as soon as it arrives.
With answers to these common tubing questions, along with the knowledge of how safe the new medela tubing is, you can rest assured that you’ve got the best tubing available for you and baby.
September 29, 2009 No Comments
The Hazel Baker Finger Feeder Is A Great Feeding Solution
There may be times when you can’t breast feed due to a low breast milk supply, and/or you can’t use a bottle and you either don’t want to or don’t have access to a breast pump. Some lactation experts recommend finger feeding for babies who have problems with sucking. In order to ensure that baby gets all the nutrition possible without the use of breast or bottle, you can use the hazel baker finger feeder, a special feeding device. A parent or caregiver can feed baby with supplemental milk, using the feeder that attaches to the finger. This solution offers baby the physical and psychological benefits of sucking, while you avoid having to give baby an artificial nipple. And baby feeling the contact of human skin while feeding is very comforting.
It’s important for baby to learn the skills needed for breast feeding. Using the finger feeder will allow baby to suck in a way that’s like breast feeding – keeping baby’s mouth wide, tongue down and forward over the lower gum with lower jaw forward. Some lactation experts recommend a man’s thumb or finger be used when feeding; any finger similar in size to the nipple or a mouthful of breast.
How do you finger feed? After you decide which finger to be used, trim the nail as closely as possible and wash your hands thoroughly. Read the instructions to determine if washing the hazel baker finger feeder is required. Assemble the finger feeder. Decide whether you want to attach it to the finger, or whether you want to hold it in place with your other fingers. Attach it towards the end of the finger, but don’t let it extend beyond the tip of your finger. The tube can be hung around your neck or clipped to your clothing. Now pick up baby and sit where it’s comfortable for both of you. Although there are two good positions, and any position that feels right to you and works is fine. One position is to hold baby in your lap in a half seated position that’s facing you. Support baby’s head, neck and upper back with the hand you aren’t feeding with. The feeder filled with supplement should be held or suspended equal to baby’s head or just above – some moms tuck it under their armpit. The other position is to situate baby so that the head is in the crook of your arm, using your other hand to give the finger feeder. While baby faces you, use the pad side of your finger to point to you and up, stroking downward across baby’s lips, which will encourage a wide open mouth, which is what’s needed for a good latch on the breast. When baby opens widely, keep your finger straight so baby sucks and draws it deeper into the mouth. Don’t let the weight of your hand rest on baby’s lower jaw. If baby starts to suck in either lip, gently pull them out or let baby relatch properly. If baby persists, gently pressing downward on the chin may teach baby to rely on the tongue to get milk than on suction. If this process seems to take too long or if baby seems to be working too hard, raise the finger feeder to improve the flow of milk, but not so high that baby might gag or choke. Or tape two tubes together for double the milk flow.
The hazel baker finger feeder has an ergonomic design and flow rate system that helps baby pace the feeding. The contents include the bulb/tubing assembly, disc, membrane, tubing clamp, tape and instructions – everything you need to successfully feed baby – everything you need for peace of mind.
August 26, 2009 No Comments
Medela Tubing
Medela tubing is used on all Medela breast pumps, but what is it used for, where can you find it, and which kind of tubing do you need? All good questions, and hopefull I can answer them here for you. Thankfully, they don’t have many different kinds of tubing, although depending on which medela breast pump you have, the tubing adapter/connector end will be different.
Essentially, Medela tubing is color coded, depending on which breast pump you’re using it with. The two colors are a cream color and a yellow color that matches the color of their pump in style and symphony breast pumps. The tubing with the yellow colored adapters on the end is typically suitable for all the electric breast pumps that Medela offers, with the exception of the lactina which is a hospital grade pump and comes with it’s own kit to interface with the main pump. The cream colored tubing adapters typically go with the double electric standard pump and the manual pumps.
In case you’re wondering, the whole reason to get backup Medela tubing for your breastpump is that sometimes no matter how you clean and/or sterilize your breastpump and the parts that go along with it, breastmilk residue can collect and be impossible to get out, especially in the tubing which has a narrow diameter is can only be cleaned by running water through it. If you’re not careful and you let the tubing sit without cleaning it for a day or two, breastmilk can easily harden inside the tubes, making it impossible to remove.
Thankfully, the Medela tubing is cheap and easy to find, so you won’t have to run out and buy a new breast pump in case you can’t get all the parts as clean as you’d like. Since the entire line of Medela pumps is easily disassembled and the pump parts are modular in in easy supply, you can buy what you need, when you need it, without too much expense and hassle.
June 30, 2009 2 Comments
Breastfeeding Accessories
Without breastfeeding accessories many women would find breastfeeding a hard and painful experience. That is where accessories can play a major part in making the process easier and more comfortable. Many women find out about these products from friends and relatives and baby showers and then go on the web to buy these accessories online. How wonderful that you can search for everything you need without even leaving your home. Another great thing is that it will all be delivered and you will not have to drag it home from the store.
There are many breastfeeding accessories on the market. You can get comfort gel pads that can soothe and cool nipple pain, and they provide a moist healing environment. They can be used under a nursing bra and used up to six days. Then there is the Lansinoh Lanolin cream, which is great for soothing and helping cracked nipples. It is safe and non-toxic for mother and baby. For milk leakage you can get nursing pads that are re-useable and 100 percent cotton. They will actually draw moisture away from your skin, so you don’t have to worry because these are disposable.
In the realm of breast feeding accessories you can also get freezer bags. They are multi-ply and sterile and resist splitting or cracking during freezing. They will keep out odors and help to maximize freezer space. If you need help with your baby latching on to your breast you can get some nipple shields, as they are ultra thin and flexible silicone. They are designed to encourage babies to latch on to the breast. It may even help bottle fed babies return to breastfeeding. If you are having sore nipples you can get some breast shells. They will protect your nipples and prevent soreness and irritation.
These breast shields allow air circulation and prevent milk from dripping. You can carry your breastmilk in a storage tote that has cooling elements and bottles for ease of travel. Then of course every baby needs their own cup. They are made to protect milk and have airtight covers. They are ideal for newborns and preemies. These are just a few of the accessories you can get for your baby and yourself. It is up to you to choose which products you want to add to your breastfeeding list. One thing is certain these products will make your life easier and make your baby happier and maybe even more content which is great for every mother!
June 25, 2009 No Comments
Breast Feeding Supplies
There is more to breast feeding then just having a breast pump, however, finding the right breastfeeding accessories is not easy. You have to account for your baby’s unique needs as well as yours, and read all the information you can.
A good start would be to look into other breastfeeding supplies like pillows and milk warmers. A pillow can be a comfortable addition for any nursing mom and ensures that the baby is in a good position for feeding sessions. If you’re having back pain or feel like your baby needs additional support while they’re suckling, then a pillow like a boppy or maybe a nursing nest is for you. Milk warmers are helpful in that they can warm milk from the fridge before feeding it to your baby. This is important, because it will reduce the likelihood that your baby will cry from stomach pains or get colic. These kinds of supplies can make a mother’s life easier and your baby a lot happier, so check them out.
If you are unsure about the breast feeding supplies you need then make a list by browsing what’s out there before you start your shopping. If you don’t feel like fighting crowds you can shop easily online, and compare choices and prices.
There are different supplies you should be looking for as well as the ones mentioned earlier. Lecithin Supplements, for instance, can help to clear and prevent your milk ducts from becoming plugged, which can lead to painful mastitis You should also drink lots of water (no, water isn’t an accessory, just a good suggestion to keep you healthy). And remember, not just pregnant women should be taking prenatal vitamins – it’s actually recommended that you continue taking them all throughout the time you breastfeed, for the nutrients in the vitamins will be passed to your baby through breastmilk.
You should have a breast pump and breastmilk pump supplies on hand in case you become engorged. If you have cracked and sore nipples get some Lansinoh Cream that can soothe and treat the nipple area. The internet can be a valuable tool and resource for breastfeeding moms. You can find tips, websites and help when you need it. You could even join forums and sites and message boards with other nursing mothers and get much needed advice and help with all your questions and concerns. You can even watch videos that can help you with visuals.
Nursing bras are a must when you are breast feeding. This way you won’t be stretching out your regular bras. You only need a couple but wait until your milk comes in and you know your correct size. They come in small, medium and large and can even be used to sleep in if preferred. Breastfeeding can be positive and bonding for you and your infant as long as you have the right supplies. That way you can be worry free and have an even more wonderful time with your baby.
June 15, 2009 No Comments
Philips Avent Pumps
If you want a company you can trust when it comes to breastfeeding products then you should definitely go with the Phillips Avent pumps. The company has been around since the early 1980’s. Their Avent line of products began back in 2006. The company even wants to start a program that will talk to midwives, pediatricians, gynecologists, doctors and parents about new innovations that they will be releasing. You can take comfort in the fact that these pumps are actually the most trusted among mothers worldwide. In fact, Philips does business in more than 60 countries. The company focuses on innovation and does regular clinical tests which have garnered them a few awards including The Queens Award, Practical Parenting, Prima Baby, and Tommy’s.
In talking about Philips Avent line of products, let’s start with the manual Philips Avent pump, which has no batteries or plugs. That means that you don’t have to stress yourself running around looking for outlets. All you need is a strong hand and some pumping – in fact, the pump is as good as hospital pumps and in some cases better. The company has perfected the “Let-down Massage Cushion.” This cushion works on the breast and nipple and stimulates natural breastfeeding for easier milk production. This pump is travel friendly and weighs nothing.
Of course if you prefer you can get an electric Phillips Avent pump. This is also a comfortable choice and it has a memory button. The memory feature actually learns and continues to use your personal pumping rhythm in future pumping sessions, and how neat is that? There is also the Avent Duo, which also has the electronic memory. It is ultra quiet with a powerful motor. It has one button so it is so easy to use. It works gently and naturally and can actually help you to expel more milk as long as you relax and don’t get worked up. It also protects the milk from contamination and germs.
Instead of using silicone somewhere else you can have it in the diaphragm so it is easy and draws milk consistently. You can even switch from electric to manual. If you pump once or twice a day to relieve engorgement then the manual pump is fine and cost effective. As a mother you need to relieve that pain. I remember when I had breast engorgement and didn’t pump. I had to bind my breasts to expel my milk and they were very painful and uncomfortable. If only I had of known then what I know now about expressing milk!
June 4, 2009 No Comments
What Are the Best Breast Pumps?
How in the world, as a new mother, can you decipher what are the best breast pumps? While breast milk is the healthiest for your baby, breast pumps definitely have their place if you are thinking about going back to work, or just need a rest. Hospital grade pumps are considered to be the most powerful breast pumps. Many women also prefer the electric pump because they are lightweight and portable which is important for new mothers or career moms.
Pumps that can be put into the category for what are the best breast pumps are the Medela Breast Pumps or Avent Breast Pumps lines. As a mother it is imperative that we take some time for ourselves, whether it is going out to dinner or taking in a movie with friends. The Medela Breast Pumps line are good for the mother who wants to leave their child with a babysitter or when they may be substituting for formula. These are convenient for any new mother because they come with backpacks that look like fashionable bags that carry the pump and all accessories.
In thinking about what are the best breast pumps, it’s also true that some mothers would prefer something that is more natural, smaller, and easier to use. In this case, many mothers would probably tell you the one handed pump by Medela or Avent would be the best. The fact that these pumps’ smart electronics actually mimics the babies’ suction through a sophisticated algorithm that does this is comforting to many mothers. Of course there are other pumps that you can find that are considered to be the best. Many mothers seem to like the Ameda Purely Yours. The price is low and it has some great features. As mothers we all want to find that good deal and still get a good product! This particular pump, as are all the main styles, is also FDA approved which is good to know.
Another popular model that many women seem to like is the Medela Pump in Style. In fact, these pumps have a great reputation! They have been in business for many years and the Medela motor is very reliable! All you need is for the motor on your breast pump to die and your pump to be rendered useless. If you want to check into Medela they actually have several different models like the symphony, lactina, pump in style, and others. There is even one model that you can put under your shirt and bra so no one would even know it was there! So you can look great and still feel good about nourishing your baby.
June 1, 2009 No Comments
Breast Pump Rentals – Is It Safe
Until I found out about renting a breast pump, I wouldn’t have believed it was possible. Breast pumps are highly personal devices, and I wouldn’t normally think that anyone would consider using one that had been used by other women. Well, I didn’t realize that when you compare breast pump rentals with rentals of any other item, maybe the idea isn’t so crazy or icky to think about.
In researching about whether it’s safe to use a breast milk pump that others have used before, I found out about the sterilization techniques that businesses use to ensure that the devices are free of bacteria, viruses, dirt, and any other contaminants that could harm another mother, her breast milk, or her baby’s health. Because the use of a rented breast pump means that bodily fluids have the potential to come into contact with someone else, the sterilization methods used are similar to the way hospitals sterilize their medical supplies.
Breast feeding pumps are also typically rented for a period of one to six months, depending on your needs. Research from several different companies tells me that the average cost of renting a hospital grade breast pump (which are the kinds typically used for a breast pump rental because they’re the most robust) is anywhere from $35 to $70 a month, with price breaks for multi-month rentals.
So if you’re not squeamish about a used breast pump or you need to save money, perhaps a breast feeding pump rental is the way to go. If you compare the price of buying new Medela pumps or Ameda pumps, you may save some money, depending on how long you breast feed. Another benefit of breast pump rentals is the fact that you’ll be using a hospital grade breast pump, so if you don’t mind being hooked up to an industrial-strength pumping monster that will suck you dry in 5 minutes (just kidding) this may work best for you.
May 24, 2009 No Comments
Breast Pump backpacks
A breast pump backpack is relatively a newer advancement in the breast feeding segment. Most of them are electronic breastpump backpacks. They were developed after a lot of research and are hospital proven. They utilize the latest technology to produce more breast milk in less time.
They typically make use of a 2-phase expression and follows an advanced pumping system. The working pattern of these backpacks can be compared to the nursing patterns of a baby because they work in two phases. You have the Stimulation phase and Expression phase, respectively. In the former phase, there is fast and light sucking that enables the milk to flow. In the latter phase, slower sucking takes place under vacuum to enable the milk to flow efficiently and gently.
The earliest versions of a breast pump backpack were mainly used in hospitals. However these days they are widely used for personal use as well. The features and benefits of these backpacks are unique to them. In using them you feel like you are handling a baby rather than a pump.
They are incorporated with “let-down” button which operates in one touch. They are designed to enable faster milk flow. The bag is stylishly developed to include all the things you need while pumping. With this setup at your disposal you can customize your pumping. You are free to control vacuum and adjust the speed as per your needs. Using a battery pack will enable you to pump anywhere and at anytime you want. However, these backpacks have to be strictly used by a single person.
The breastpump backpack is very useful for both single and double pumping. Also, all the parts that come with the breast milk are BPA/DEHP free. A number of additional features are generally included in a breastpump backpack. Few of those features include a stylish backpack design, cooler carrier, 2 valves, collection of lids and containers, 4 membranes, breast feeding guide, 2-24 mm breast shields, cooling element and so on. The weight of a backpack can vary between 7 to 10 Lbs. They are available in different colors. The power associated with this setup is usually 60 HZ. The vacuum can vary between 50 to 250 MMHG. While the motor comes with a warranty of 1 year, warranty for other parts is usually limited to 90 days.
A whole lot of accessories can be used in association with these backpacks. PNSA 8 count battery pack, 9V vehicle lighter adapter, extra membranes, disposable bra pads, valves and membranes, freezing and storage bulk packs and so on are few such accessories.
Different types of spare parts that are used with breastpump backpacks include a cooling element, breast shield, connectors, valves and membranes, 9volt transformer and so on. However before using them, make sure that all connections are secure. If you are using a single pumping style of backpack, make sure that the port plug is inserted into a single pumping port. Also ensure that the tube endings are fit securely and into the ports of breast shields or into a port of a diaphragm.
The breast pump backpack is perfect for the working mom. The backpack looks like another bag or purse making it discrete so everyone at work doesn’t know you’re pumping during your breaks. It’s also very convenient when you go on vacations or travel with your kids. It’s lightweight and can be carried with additional bags without weighing you down. Browse through the various models and styles to choose the one that best suites you and your lifestyle. For a mom on the go, a breastpump backpack is the way to go.
May 17, 2009 No Comments
Breastpump Accessories
All breastpumps come with breast pump accessories like medela tubing for a medela breast pump. While few of the traditional models come with a bottle and a cap, the modern day pumps come with other sets of accessories. Most of these breastpump accessories can easily be procured from a nearby store or from online shops these days.
There are plenty of choices you can look up to in these segments. All you have to do is choose the right one which will go well with your requirements. Buying a breastpump from a reputed brand will ensure you will be comfortable and have a good pumping experience.
Good breastpump accessories like medela tubing for a medela breastpump are those that cater to all your needs. These accessories can be of different types. For instance, milk storage containers are used to store milk, steam sterilizers are used to sterilize the pump parts, nursing pads are used to provide comfort levels to the breasts while pumping and so on.
Milk storage containers can be of different types themselves. They can be of bottle types or bag types. Glass bottles are the commonly used storage containers worldwide. They are easy to clean and leave no odor after cleaning. There are also no bacteria build up in these glass bottles and hence are safe to use in most conditions. Modern day glass bottles are provided with air vents that aids in the elimination of middle ear infection, colic symptoms like spit up, gas, and so on. These glass bottles are accompanied with nipples which do not collapse when the baby suckles. The bag containers on the other hand are easy to store and adds freshness to the breast milk. They are so designed that they will not crack when frozen.
Steam sterilizers are used to ensure that all the pump parts are clean and germ free. These sterilizers come in different forms and have varied capacities. They can be either Electronic or microwave type. The latter works with the power of a microwave and can easily kill germs. They are safe, fast and easy to maintain. Their design is compact and has a large capacity. In addition to these sterilizers there are other accessories that are widely used to clean the pump parts.
These cleaning accessories are easy to use on baby products. They are also safe as they are alcohol and bleach free. There are also steam bags that are widely used to sterilize and clean the different parts of a breastpump. Sterilization is one of the most important aspects of hygiene when you choose to pump. Bacteria and other harmful organisms can grow and cause sickness and even death in newborns. Always sterilize properly before reusing your pump, bottles or breastpump accessories.
Comfort levels matter while using any breastpump. It is for this reason nursing pads are commonly used. Like all other accessories they too come in different sizes and dimensions. Always choose the one that suits you fine. The nursing pads can easily be cooled in a freezer or warmed in a microwave. These pads provide enough coverage and cater to different sizes of breasts. They are pretty useful to women who breastfeed regularly or who have had a surgery done recently. The nursing pads offer instant relief to swollen or sore breasts. These pads are made of cotton and can help you recover post operation.
Like any investment you make in life, take the time to properly research and educate yourself on what you’re buying. Many women assume that a breastpump will come with everything she needs to use it, but some do not leaving more of a burden on her. Review the breastpump you’re interested in before making the purchase.
May 14, 2009 2 Comments

