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The Medela Symphony Breast Pump is perfect for moms who pump frequently or have low milk supply.

SAFETY + HYGIENE | Safe for Multiple Users

When it comes to electric breast pumps, they really don’t get any better than the Medela Symphony Breast Pump. This double electric, hospital grade pump is the top dog on the market and is developed specifically to support moms throughout their entire breastfeeding journey: to initiate, build and maintain an adequate milk supply. Because it’s a hospital grade and has a closed system (with unique overflow protection), the Symphony is considered safe to be used by multiple users, as there is no risk of cross contamination. The pump’s kit is separate from the pumping mechanism and protected from overflow by a specially designed membrane.

This double electric, hospital grade pump is the top dog on the market and is developed specifically to support moms throughout their entire breastfeeding journey…

All parts that come into contact with breast milk aren’t made with BPA or phthalates, and all materials are lead-free. There’s also the option of using standard mouth glass bottles for greater safety. The pump’s kit is separate from the pumping mechanism and protected from overflow by a specially designed membrane.

Medela Symphony Breast Pump Review

COMFORT | Smooth and Efficient Suction

There a few great features that make the Medela Symphony Breast Pump one of the most comfortable pumps on the market. Due to the larger motor, this helps create a very smooth and efficient suction that provides optimal breast tissue comfort. For moms who are breastfeeding and pumping, this is a blessing for sore or cracked nipples. In addition, because the Symphony is extremely efficient at emptying breast tissue, it’s very good at alleviating symptoms of engorgement and mastitis.

Due to the larger motor, this helps create a very smooth and efficient suction that provides optimal breast tissue comfort.

It’s always important to note that optimal comfort starts with the proper breast shield size. Having the proper size ensures that the breast tissue is being emptied efficiently as well as providing optimal nipple comfort. Incorrect sizes can lead to sore nipples, mastitis, and engorgement problems. And don’t forget to lubricate the breast shields with any kind of oil (like olive or coconut oil) before pumping. This prevents excessive rubbing and will greatly improve your pumping sessions.

Medela Symphony Breast Pump correct breast shield sizing

The larger motor also provides for a whisper quiet operation. Some users said it was so quiet that their husbands questioned whether it was on! This is perfect for night pumping, allowing your loved ones to get much-needed sleep.

Another big comfort point to mention is the option to use this pump with a hands-free pumping bra (like the Medela Hands-Free Pumping Bra). This is an invaluable tool to have in your pumping arsenal. Otherwise, you’ll be left constantly holding pumping parts to your chest which can get frustrating very quickly. Another great option that many moms have done is to make your own pumping bra at home by cutting holes in an old sports bra. Either way, a hands-free bra is a must for your milk’s safety and your comfort!

Medela Symphony Breast Pump hands free bra

Hands-free pumping bra

EASE OF USE | Used by Hospitals Everywhere

Size

Due to the larger (and more efficient) motor, the Medela Symphony Breast Pump is a on the bigger side. With dimensions of 8 inches x 10 inches x 13 inches (LxWxH) and weighing in at 5 pounds by itself, it’s a whopper of a pump. There are no bags or totes included which can make it difficult to transport out of the home. Even though it is on the larger size, it’s still small enough to carry around the house and to sit comfortably on a bedside table.

 

Performance

Many moms use the Medela Symphony Breast Pump when their babies are placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and they are unable to directly breastfeed their babies, forcing them to pump breastmilk. It’s at this time that these moms fall in love with the comfort and efficiency of the Symphony. Many moms end up renting this pump when they get home, and many end up purchasing it as well. One mother mentioned that she switched to another pump and her milk supply dropped significantly. Moms who have trouble with maintaining or building milk supply swear by this pump. The high efficiency and comfort of this motor make it one of the best pumps on the market for supply issues.

Moms who have trouble with maintaining or building milk supply swear by this pump.

In addition, the Medela Symphony Breast Pump is the original pump that has Medela’s popular 2-Phase Expression® Technology. This feature is made to mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm by starting out with a faster suction for one minute to stimulate the let-down reflex, followed by a deeper and slower suction that mimics a baby’s slower and deep suction during nursing. This technology is proven to get 18% more milk when double pumping. It’s also proven to achieve faster milk ejection and faster milk flow when pumping at your maximum comfort vacuum level (which is adjustable with the Symphony).

Medela Symphony Breast Pump 2-Phase Expression Technology

As well as having the best expression technology, adjustable vacuum, a let-down button, and one of the most efficient motors on the market, the Medela Symphony Breast Pump is easy to clean, and features standard Medela pumping parts. The only downside to this package is that it doesn’t include the pumping parts (like the breast shields, connectors, and valves). This is because it was designed to be a multi-use pump, creating the need for a pump parts kit to come separately for each individual user. No worries, the Medela Symphony Double Pumping System (kit) is easy to find and purchase. A great thing about Medela parts is that they’re extremely easy to find, and are useable with other Medela Electric Breast Pumps.

Medela Symphony Breast Pump Double Pumping Kit

Sold separately – Medela Symphony Double Pumping Kit

PRICE + DURABILITY | High-End Pump, High-End Durability

Durability

Hospital grade breast pumps are made for heavy use and multiple users. This makes the Medela Symphony Breast Pump rank high for durability, as it was made to stand up to repeated and daily use. This pump is perfect for moms who are exclusively pumping and need a pump that will last through endless days and nights of pumping. The Symphony is made for the long haul, and it isn’t a pump that will peter out after a few uses.

Price

The Medela Symphony Breast Pump has a high price tag but has the features to go with it. This pump is made to establish and maintain milk supply and is perfect for those who suffer from low milk supply. The efficiency of the motor makes it one of the best pumps on the market, and it won’t disappoint. One mom made the comparison between the Symphony price to buying expensive formula for one year (how long babies are recommended to have milk as their primary nutrition source), and the Symphony almost paid for itself. A 3-year limited warranty is included which gives buyers peace of mind in case anything went wrong.

The Medela Symphony Breast Pump is easy to resell once you are done using it, allowing you to get the majority of your money back in the end.

One huge plus with this pump is that it has a closed system. This makes it safe to be used by multiple people as there is absolutely no risk for cross-contamination. Because of this fact, the Medela Symphony Breast Pump is easy to resell once you are done using it, allowing you to get the majority of your money back in the end.

Unlike the Medela Pump In Style Advanced, which comes with everything you need to get started pumping, the Medela Symphony Breast Pump comes with the basics. Included are the Symphony breast pump, Symphony 2.0 Program Card, container stand, quick start card, protector for card/cord, and instructions. The only thing you need in addition to the Symphony pump is the Medela Symphony Double Pumping System, which each user buys separately when buying the Medela Symphony Breast Pumps. So that is one added expense to keep in mind with this purchase.

Medela Symphony Breast Pump is a little bulky

PROS

  • High-end hospital grade pump
  • Perfect for moms with low milk supply
  • High-efficiency motor makes for high comfort and quiet operation
  • 2-Phase Expression Technology for a more productive pump
  • Adjustable vacuum and suction levels

CONS

  • High Price Tag
  • Not very portable due to larger size

THE BOTTOM LINE | Best Pump for a Big Price

This pump is used by hospitals everywhere, and Medela utilizes great programs to promote the use of breastmilk in NICU’s and hospitals across the U.S. This means it’s very likely that you’ll find a Medela Symphony Breast Pump if you end up using a pump while in the hospital. Many moms who’ve been in that situation are hooked once they use this pump, and end up buying or renting once they get home.

The Symphony is also a great pump for establishing and maintaining milk supply, especially if you have a low supply. It’s one of the best pumps out there for pumping moms, and the expression technology is proven to achieve faster milk ejection and faster milk flow. In addition, this pump is extremely easy to use with an easy interface and has simple parts that are easy to clean and purchase. Even though you have to buy a separate pump parts kit, the closed system with this pump means you can resell once you are done using it, allowing you to get the majority of your money back.

In the end, the Medela Symphony Breast Pump is one of the best pumps you can find, and will not disappoint. It’s easy use, durability, and high efficiency mean you will get the most breastmilk out of each pumping session, allowing you to nourish and feed your growing baby to the best of your ability.