Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

by Medela

• SoftFit(TM) Breast shield massages while you pump
• Ergonomic swivel handle for maximum comfort and flexibility
• Easier assembly and cleaning - fewer parts than other manual pumps
• Compatible with most standard baby bottles
• No batteries required

Product Description

Amazon.com

The Harmony breast pump from Medela is a truly innovative manual pump featuring breakthrough two-phase expression pumping for convenience and efficiency. Safe for the collection, storage and feeding of breast milk, the Harmony blends quiet, effective pumping with ease, true comfort and optimum convenience.

The Medela Harmony Breast Pump offers: Fully manual operation so there is no worry about dead batteries. SoftFit breast shield massages for maximum comfort. All parts that come into contact with the milk are BPA/DEHP-free for purity.

The Swing's compact size makes it easy to pump wherever you are. View larger.

Gentle Comfort
Designed to provide gentle comfort, the Harmony includes several features to help make pumping a more enjoyable experience. First, the contoured, ergonomically designed handle fits easily in your hand. The handle also swivels, giving you the freedom to position your hand and then pump more comfortably on each breast.

Two-Phase Expression Technology
Designed to feel more like your baby than any other manual pump, the Harmony features two-phase expression technology, an advanced pumping pattern that mimics a baby's natural nursing rhythm.

This system works in two modes: the simulation mode and the expression mode. The simulation mode simulates your baby's initial rapid sucking to start your milk flowing, while the expression mode simulates your baby's slower, deeper suckling to express your milk gently yet efficiently. These modes work together to make pumping a quick and painless process.

Convenient, Safe and User-Friendly Design
Medela knows that busy moms don't have the time or patience to struggle with complicated parts or to wait for the pump to stimulate milk flow. That's why the Harmony is designed for faster let-down.

Additionally, this one-piece unit features fewer pieces to assemble and clean than traditional manual pumps, making it a snap to start pumping when and where you need to. Most importantly, the Harmony is a safe and sanitary way to provide your baby with healthy breast milk--all parts that come into contact with breast milk are 100-percent BPA/DEHP free. For added convenience, this pump is also upgradeable to electric pumping with the use of the Symphony or the Lactina conversion kits (not included), and it is backed with a 30-day limited warranty.

About Medela
Founded in 1961 in Zug, Switzerland by Olle Larsson, Medela is committed to supporting the WHO Code's depiction of breastfeeding and breast milk as the optimal nutrition for the growth, development and health of babies. The company believes it is their obligation to offer a complete solution, "from breast to belly," of high quality products that enable mothers to provide the optimum nutrition of breast milk to their babies. Today, Medela's primary focus remains to help moms successfully breast feed their babies as long as they wish. This goal lies at the heart of every product the company develops.

What's in the Box
One SoftFit breast shield, one container stand, two five-ounce containers, two lids, Breastfeeding Information Guide and Instruction Manual.

Product Description

This stylish microfiber shoulder bag comes with everything you need inside to pump while away from Baby. Great for active and working moms, the all-inclusive pumping kit features adjustable speed and vacuum settings to meet your own comfort level; removable cooler with ice packs for safe, easy transporting; 2 pumps for single or double pumping with a customized fit; bottles and lids; battery pack; AC adapter; hose and pump unit; bottle holder; and even a plastic-cover frame to insert a photo of Baby. Imported.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

762 of 770 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to use hand pump! April 14, 2005

By Lauren A. VINE™ VOICE

I am a first time mom and I exclusively breastfeed my 3 month old. I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced, which I love for work. However it isn't that convenient for at home use and travel. For one, the Pump in Style has a lot of parts and tubing that need to be connected. You need to plug it in - or use a TON of batteries. It is heavy and it is loud. I first noticed that I needed a manual pump when my husband and I made two plane trips with the baby. I didn't want to drag the pump along with all of the other baby equipment I needed so I left it home. I brought the bicycle pump style manual pump that Medela includes with the pump in style. I managed to get a full bottle fairly easily, but the pump really tired my arms out and it was loud. So I began shopping for an easy to use manual pump. I heard a lot about the Avent Isis, but not much about any other pump. While online, I came across this Medela Pump and decided to give it a try for a few reasons:

(1) The Isis has a lot of parts and reviewers say it is a pain to clean. The Harmony has fewer parts making it easier to clean.
(2) We don't use Avent bottles, we use Dr. Browns. The Dr. Brown's bottles we already have (narrow neck) fit right onto the Medela pumps.
(3) The Harmony takes the same parts as the Pump in Style so no need to worry about keeping two sets of replacement parts.

I have used the pump a few times so far and it has been great. I easily can fill one of the Medela bottles they include with the pump (they include 2) and it is so easy and quiet to use. I can use it anywhere. Since the handle swivels and you can pump one handed, it can also be used while you nurse your baby.... I haven't done that yet with this pump, but I tried it with the other manual I have and I can tell that it will be MUCH easier with the Harmony. Since there are so few parts to clean and I don't need to plug in and play with tubing, pumping at home is less of a hassle. Plus, you can easily throw this pump into a purse, along with a small cooler pack to take with you. No need to look for a place to set up a huge electric pump!

If you notice you don't get much suction or you have lost suction, be sure to take the pump apart and make sure everything is aligned properly. Make sure the membrane is firmly pressed into the valve. Also in the handle, there is a silicone insert with a yellow oval valve inside. Make sure that the yellow oval is properly aligned with the silicone insert.

In any case, I definitely recommend this pump for at home use and as a supplement to the Pump in Style. It is so easy to use, quiet, and compact for travel.

EDITED TO ADD: I just had a problem with my harmony - the tiny white rubber ring, necessary to create suction, broke off from the handle. I called customer service and they are sending me four replacement rings at no charge. Medela was very nice about it and easy to deal with.

ANOTHER UPDATE: I have now had my harmony for 4 months. At this point, I would lower my rating to 4 stars. It still is an effective pump, but I am not fully satisfied with the quality. Mid-use, the stem on the handle completely snapped off. However, Medela customer service was great - rather than simply replacing the faulty part, Medela sent me a brand new pump at no charge. They seem to have corrected some design flaws in the new pump - the stem on my new pump is now MUCH shorter, so I don't think the stem will snap off like it did on the original pump I bought. Only time will tell if the redesigned Medela Harmony is of better quality. Read more ›

141 of 143 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great manual pump May 24, 2005

By a mom

I got this pump for free at the hospital. I also have an electric one which I bought that is great, but this one stayed in the nursery and was great for relieving engorgement in the middle of the night, or when I need a little more out than the baby took. I could also use it while walking around the house which I couldnt do with my electric one. It was pretty powerful too - could get a whole feeding in a few minutes. It is also easy to clean.

100 of 111 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle and Effective June 2, 2005

By Holly G

Amazon Verified Purchase

I was looking for a manual pump so that I could pump maybe one or two bottles a day. After reading the reviews, I tried the Avent Isis. I had terrible luck with it. I could never get consistent suction, and when I did, it was uncomfortable. I used the Avent for a week, and never pumped more than an ounce and a half at a time.

So I tried the Medela Harmony, and I love it! The first time I used it, I pumped 2 ounces in a matter of minutes, and the suction is totally comfortable. Unlike the Avent, it's easy to use with one hand, so I can nurse my daughter on one side and pump the other side. And there are fewer parts than the Isis, so it's easy to clean. Another big plus: the Dr. Brown's bottles fit this pump, so I can pump directly into the bottle, instead of transferring from one container to another. After using the Harmony for just 4 days, I can easily pump a 4 ounce bottle in less than 10 minutes.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, ergonomic manual pump November 2, 2005

By K. E.

I love this hand pump and have no hesitation giving it 5 stars after one month of use. I have the Medela Advanced Pump in Style electric pump, which I've used for a couple of months, and got this Medela Harmony natural expression hand pump because, like a reviewer before me, the hand pump that comes with the Medela electric isn't very easy, practical to use. Here's what I like about the Harmony hand pump:

- The suction is excellent. I can pump about 5 ounces in 10-15 minutes. For me, it works as fast as the electric pump on one side (though at home, if I'm not in a rush, I'll use the electric because I don't have to think while pumping).

- Because it's so easy to use and clean, it's perfect to travel with. I can pump 6 times a day and it still holds up (but I've only been using it a month). How is it easy to use? You can use it with one hand, while reading a book, browsing through emails, or breastfeeding on the other side. Because cleanup is easier than the electric pump, I'm more likely to use it at night if I need to.

- I prefer taking this to work than the electric pump because it's quiet, simple to assemble and disassemble, and I can pump what I need in almost the same time as an electric. That said, it does make my wrist/hand sore after a while, but it's easy to switch hands. (Speaking of pumping at work, I like using the Lansinoh freezer bags - they're made of the kind of plastic that doesn't have bad chemicals (phylates) and have a double closure. That said, you can attach the medela freezer bags right to the pump - but they're just not as easy and you have to use twisties....)

- Also, when things are crazy in the house and I can't get away to use the electric pump, it's easier to whip out the Harmony and pump anywhere in the house without worrying about plugging it in. Okay, so the box says it's for "moderate" use. I've been putting it to the test and at times have used it 6 times in one day just because of the convenience and my busy day.

I prefer the breast shields from the electric pump, because while the breast shield with the Harmony is more advanced, it actually hurts my breasts after a while. But I imagine that some people might actually find Harmony the shield better.

I haven't had it long enough to experience parts failure, but it seems like Medela customer service is excellent from some of the other reviews, so I'm not too worried if something does go wrong. Read more ›

78 of 94 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Satisfied with this product August 29, 2005

By Mama Amani

Everyone's breastfeeding experience is unique, similarly every mother's pumping experience is different, I can only really speak for myself: This pump served its purpose for me. I am a stay at home mom and so I primarily nurse my infant but I know that just like any other mother I needed to express my milk daily in order to avoid/relieve engorgement and also to build up some milk storage for occasions of momentary seperation from my child. In the beginning I found the pump painful to use but it was only because I was suffering from sore nipples, but this discomfort gradually subsided the more I pumped. Also I was suprised at how slow it worked and how tired my hands got from pumping, but I stuck with it and became really good at using at it. Early on I could only pump 2 ounces in 10-15 minutes, but once my milk supply was established I was pumping 6 ounces in 20-30 minutes. I found it really convenient to use because like other mothers I like its compact, easy to clean and assemble nature. I received this pump free at the hospital but I would still highly recommend it other *stay at home* mothers to atleast try it out esp. since you are only investing $30-40 for this product (and in stark comparison to other pumps this is a small price to pay for the benefits you will receive from this product). If you are dissatisfied with it then hey you only blew a few bucks right? But anyways if you are patient and use it right I believe you won't be disappointed. However if you are working mother you may want to look into buying the more expensive "pump in style" medela but this might be useful as a portable supplement.