Comparison Medela Freestyle vs Medela Swing

The type of supply provided in the electric breast pump (see "View").

There are two main power options — from the mains (from the outlet) and from batteries; each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, when connected to a power outlet, the operating time is almost unlimited, but the electric wire limits mobility and can get confused, creating inconvenience. Batteries, in turn, allow you to work even in the complete absence of sockets and make it possible to easily transfer the device from place to place, but the operating time from such power is limited, dead batteries need to be changed or recharged.

Most modern breast pumps use both types of feed. This makes it possible to choose the most convenient option in a given situation: for example, at home you can easily connect the device to a power outlet, and when traveling, batteries can come in handy. However, there are also models powered only by mains or only by batteries. You should pay attention to such devices if the disadvantages of one or another option are not critical for you (for example, if you plan to use the breast pump only at home where there are sockets).

- Intensity adjustment. The ability to adjust the intensity of exposure provided by the breast pump; roughly speaking - to change the force with which the device acts on the nipple. Such an adjustment will allow you to adjust the mode of operation to your personal characteristics: for example, if the nipples are very sensitive, the intensity can be reduced for the first time until the breast gets used to the effect.

- Display. The presence of its own display in the design of the breast pump. Only electric models have this function (see "View"). The display provides additional convenience in use, various information can be displayed on it: the exposure intensity set, the elapsed time, the fullness of the jar, the battery charge level, etc. However, these features are important mainly for advanced models with an abundance of functions; therefore, the presence of a display, as a rule, indicates a high class of the device.

- On two breasts. A breast pump with two nozzles that allows you to express milk from both breasts at once. This allows you to noticeably speed up the process: in fact, such a device takes half the time than a similar device for one breast. However, keep in mind that the nozzles, most likely, will have to be pressed with both hands, while many models for one breast allow you to leave one hand free. Note that this feature is indicated only if both nozzles are initia...lly included in the delivery set. Models are available that allow use on both breasts, but are equipped with only one pad - they are not included in this category.

- Remote control. Remote control that allows you to control the breast pump from a distance. This function is found only in electric models (see "View"). Most often, such a "remote" is a separate unit, which contains both the control panel and the motor to create a vacuum; this block is connected by a hose to the working nozzle. Thanks to this design, when expressing milk, you do not have to hold the entire device in your hands, but only a working nozzle with a jar - this is much easier. Yes, and changing the settings on the external remote control is more convenient than on the working nozzle itself.

The number of levels of the rhythm of pumping milk from the breast with varying intensities. Fine-tuning pumping allows nursing mothers to choose the optimal breast pump settings according to their comfort and needs.

- Massage pad. Overlay of a special form, which provides an additional massage effect on the chest. This pad improves the overall efficiency of the device, stimulates milk flow more, and can reduce the discomfort of pumping. Note that the specific forms of massage nozzles may be different.

— Overlays of different sizes. The set includes several interchangeable pads with different sizes. This allows you to choose the size of the pad for the anatomical features of the chest. Such equipment is especially useful in cases where the mother’s breasts are noticeably different from the “average” ones - for example, if it is small, or vice versa, massive, with large nipples.

- Milk storage bag. The presence of a bag for milk in the delivery set of the device. Such a package can be hermetically fastened; it is useful primarily for storing breast milk in the refrigerator, including for freezing.

- Milk container. The presence of a container for milk in the delivery set of the device. In fact, in this case we are talking about a bottle (or several bottles) supplied in addition to the main container. This configuration is convenient in that the bottles can be alternated - for example, use one while the other dries after washing.

- Bottle adapter. The presence o...f an adapter for bottles in the delivery set of the device. Baby milk bottles are available in two versions - with a wide and narrow neck, and various accessories are made to fit these sizes, including breast pump nozzles. The specific type of adapter may vary: in some cases it is designed to use a “narrow” nozzle with a wide bottle, in others it is vice versa. However, in any case, we can say that with the presence of an adapter, the breast pump will be compatible with both types of bottles - both narrow and wide.

- pacifier. The presence of a pacifier in the delivery set of the device. Such a nipple is convenient in that it is ideal for the bottle supplied in the kit. Thus, having bought a breast pump with a nipple and a container, you have at your disposal everything you need to feed your baby with expressed milk.

- Bag / case. The presence of a bag or cover in the delivery set of the device. A bag is commonly referred to as a soft pack with a handle or strap for easy portability; the case is somewhat simpler, it does not have a handle and is designed to be carried in a travel bag, backpack, etc. However, both types of packaging can be very useful during storage and transportation: a bag / case closes the device from dust and other contaminants, ensuring hygiene, and also protects the contents to some extent from bumps and dirt. In addition, in a bag or case you can keep not only the breast pump itself, but also additional accessories for it.

- Bra pads. Presence of inserts for a bra in a delivery set of the device. Such an insert, in fact, is a sanitary napkin designed to dry the breast after feeding or pumping. Excess milk entering the bra causes discomfort and can even lead to the development of a breast infection; the liner effectively absorbs moisture and prevents unpleasant consequences. Complete wipes can be disposable or reusable, this point should be clarified before buying. We also note that the inserts are sold on their own, however, it is more convenient to buy them immediately, together with a breast pump, than separately.