Having my third baby, I jumped at the chance to try the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump. With my 2 older boys, I used an electric pump which was great, but the setup up, pumping and clean-up took too long. Now having 3 little boys who all need my undivided attention usually all at once, using a manual pump when occasionally required is really helpful, to say the least. For use on the go with or without bub, or to pump a few bottles a day for my husband to give to our newborn son.
First Impressions
I always thought manual pumps were slow and not as effective as an electric pump. Boy was I wrong. I loved using the Medela Harmony Manual Pump!
It’s simple to set up, quick and straightforward to use, expresses milk easily as well very as easy to take apart to clean and store. The Medela Harmony Breast Pump is a stylish breast pump with a great ergonomic design. This made it easy for me to use one-handed while I was breastfeeding my bub from the breast or using 2 hands.
I love how compact the pump is! I found it easy to set up, pull apart to wash after use. It easily fit into my baby bag and even my handbag! I felt comfortable taking it out for a lunch with friends (in case I needed to pump).
Effectiveness
I found the Medela Harmony Breast Pump to be an effective breast pump. I liked how you use the small arm when you start the pumping initially to stimulate the milk flow. Once my milk was flowing, I flipped the arm around to use the long arm to express the milk.
I found it expresses the milk easily mimicking a baby’s sucking rhythm, which resulted in a quick pumping session for me per breast. It easily helped me make up a couple of bottles for my newborn while breastfeeding on the other side or pumping with 2 hands, all while easily being able to attend to my 2 older children when required, with no cords in the way.
Outcomes/benefits
I’m able to pump 60ml in a quick 5 -10 mins pumping session off my other breast while feeding my newborn son. It’s great at catching the let down from my other breast, that my breast pad would normally absorb. I also was able to quickly and easily express milk within 5 minutes with the ergonomic design when you have 2 hands-frees, to make a bottle up quickly for bub’s for my husband to give to him. What a win for a busy mum of 3!
Recommendation
I would recommend this manual breast pump to other mums.
I give the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump a 5 out of 5. It’s easy to use, clean and being so compact is ideal for mums on the go. I’ve been using it a few times a week, if not daily.
By Brittany Dela Cruz 
