How does the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump work?
The Swing Maxi™ Hands-free double electric pump provides you with an intuitive superior pumping experience. This compact yet powerful pump has 9 adjustable vacuum levels, keeping you pumping in comfort. With Medela’s trusted 2-Phase Expression™ technology it mimics babies' natural sucking rhythm - faster at first to stimulate milk flow, then slower to feed – for comfortable and efficient pumping.
Vacuum is applied to the breast by means of a tubing connection to the pump. The air flow between the pump and the hands-free cups generate a vacuum that is applied to the breasts for milk expression. The milk is then collected within the cups and once pumping is finished the expressed milk can be poured from the cups into a bottle or storage bag.
The Hands-free Collection Cups are not intended to be used for milk storage.
Do you have to be sitting or can you be more active?
The Swing Maxi™ Hands-free is great for relaxing back and taking a moment, and also for those times when you have to be on-the-go. Whether you choose to use your hands-free pump while sitting, walking around, or tending to your baby, Swing Maxi™ Hands-free allows you both options.
It is good to note as with all pumps, the milk collection cups are not designed to be used when leaning over completely or during exercise as there is an opening (pouring spout) at the top of the cups through which milk could spill out.
How can I connect the cups to the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump?
The Hands-free Collection Cups are connected to the Swing Maxi™ double electric breast pump by way of a tubing connection. Connect the long end of the tubing to the motor unit as far as it will go. Connect the short end of the tubing into the tubing connection port on the collection cups.
How much milk can the wearable collection cups hold?
The Hands-free Collection Cups can hold up to 5oz / 150ml of breast milk in each cup.
How do the wearable cups hold or keep the milk inside safely?
The Hands-free Collection Cups use an O-ring sealing solution between the breast shield and cup (shell) to prevent milk leakage while in use.
How do the wearable cups hold on to the breast?
The Hands-free Collection Cups are placed on the breast inside the nursing bra. The fit of the bra and vacuum generated from the pump creates a seal that allows the cups to stay in place while pumping and collecting milk.
Do I need a special bra to be able to use the hands-free collection cups?
A special bra is not required when using the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free. The wearable cups are designed to fit into most nursing bras.
For the ultimate hands-free experience, check out our Keep Cool Bra.
What is the weight of the pump?
The Swing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump weighs 11.5 oz/ 325g. The cups each weigh 2.7oz / 77g .
What are the weight of the Hands-free Collection Cups?
With each cup weighing only 2.7oz / 77g it is amongst the lightest available.
Can I use the Swing Maxi Hands-free™ double electric breast pump as a single?
Yes, the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free double electric breast pump can be used as a single pump. Simply assemble one collection cup ready for pumping and then insert the unused tubing end into the Y-shaped tubing holder. This shuts off the vacuum to one side of the pump and allows for easy single pumping.
Do you need WiFi to use theSwing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump?
No, you do not need WiFi to use the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free pump. The pump has the ability to connect to the Medela Family™ app via Bluetooth® connectivity.
The Medela Family™ app is your personal assistant that provides automatic real-time tracking, personalized, science-based content and pumping tips, a virtual milk inventory system, plenty of smart tools and interactive checklists.
How long does the battery last and does it need the original charger?
With the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free built-in USB chargeable battery, you can pump on a single battery charge for up to 1.5 hours, which is on average up to 6 double pumping sessions.
Only use the power adaptor and cable that comes with the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump to recharge the battery.
Does my Swing Maxi™ Hands-free pump also work with the classic bottle pumping set?
The Swing Maxi™ pump is also compatible with the Medela PersonalFit Flex™ set (with bottles). You can use the pump either with the wearable collection cups included in the configuration or with the classic PersonalFit Flex™ set that can be bought separately.
Is the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free easy to clean?
With only three parts to clean :
1. Cup
2. Membrane
3. Breast shield (no need to separate or remove the O-ring from the breast shield for washing or disinfecting)
The Swing Maxi™ Hands-free has been designed to make cleaning easy. The cups are dishwasher safe on the top rack only.
The pump unit and the exterior of tubing can be wiped down with a damp cloth if needed. The pump features a closed-system so milk cannot get into the tubing when used as instructed. Do not clean or rinse the inside of the tubing under any circumstances.
For additional cleaning guidelines see the Center for Disease Control.
How often do I need to clean the Hands-free Collection Cups?
The Hands-free Collection Cups should be boiled before first use, washed after every use (hand wash or dishwash), and disinfecting once per day (boil or microsteam). During regular washing and disinfecting, you do not need to remove the O-rings from the breast shield. Always allow all parts to completely dry on a clean towel.
How can I clean and dry the tubing?
The Medela personal use breast pump features a closed-system so milk cannot get into the tube when used as instructed. Do not clean or rinse the inside of the tubing under any circumstances. The exterior of the tubing can be wiped down with a damp cloth if dirty.
What is the O-ring and why do I need to know about it?
The O-ring is the silicone component assembled around the breast shield of the Hands-free Collection Cup.
The O-ring:
- provides a seal between the breast shield and shell / cup
- prevents milk leakage while in use
- support ease of milk transfer from cup to bottle or storage bag
- is removable to allow transfer between different breast shield sizes and as needed for cleaning
Do the O-rings fit to all breast shield sizes?
Yes. The O-ring fits all breast shield sizes. 21mm and 24mm size breast shields are included in the pack. 27mm size breast shield is available for purchase.
Is the O-ring applied to all breast shield sizes in the pack?
Yes. The O-ring is applied to all 21mm and 24mm breast shield sizes that are included in the pack.
How do I disassemble and reassemble the O-ring?
- To disassemble the O-ring: Start by pulling out the bottom tab (as shown in image below) from the breast shield.
- To reassemble the O-ring: Start from the top (as shown in image below) of the breast shield. Stretch it over the outer edge of the breast shield. Ensure it goes on with the ridges facing outwards.
Press along the groove, checking that it is securely in place all the way around
Do I have to take out the O-rings during washing or disinfecting?
During regular washing or disinfecting, you do not need to remove the O-ring from the breast shield.
How do I know how long should I express when using the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free with Hands-free Collection Cups? What can I do to help drain the breast effectively when pumping?
Many moms don’t sense their let down, so watch for this as you pump. When you start to see jets of breast milk squirting into the collection cup, you’ll know it’s happening.5
As you are using a breast pump with 2-Phase Expression™ technology, it will have a stimulation mode and an expression mode. The stimulation mode lasts one minute but once you see milk flowing as described, it’s important to switch to the expression phase. This is because that first let down typically provides around 36% of the milk volume, so you’ll be taking advantage of your flow to collect more milk.6
During the expression phase, pump at your Maximum Comfort Vacuum, which is the highest breast pump setting you can use while remaining comfortable. In research, this was found to remove a similar amount of milk as a baby does during breastfeeding.7, 8
To find the right level for you, increase the breast pump suction gradually until it becomes slightly uncomfortable, and then turn it down a notch. Pumping breast milk shouldn’t hurt.
Pumping should be continued until the breast feels well drained, soft all over and the milk stops flowing, rather than for a fixed duration. Once your supply is established (after about four weeks), you can start tailoring how many minutes you need to pump for, which can save you valuable time. It is advised to check if your milk has stopped flowing and how your breasts feel, to determine the end of your pumping session. Some moms need to pump longer than others due to their number of let downs, which determine how often and how long milk flows.6,9 What’s really amazing is that while every mom has a unique flow pattern, yours will be the same each time you pump as well as when you breastfeed.10
It is important to note that it could be potentially easier for a user to forget how long they have been using a hands-free pump when multi-tasking. It is advised to not overstimulate the breasts and prolong use of the breast pump collection cups unnecessarily.
Do you have control of suction in both the stimulation and expression modes?
With the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free 9 adjustable vacuum settings you have full control in both stimulation and expression mode to find your Maximum Comfort Vacuum.
Is double pumping more effective?
Double pumping both breasts together compared to single pumping (one breast at a time) has been shown to stimulate an additional milk ejection (milk let-down) which on average results in 18% more milk pumped over a 15 minute pumping duration.11 It also means that the milk has a higher fat and calorie content and there is better breast drainage.11
Are the wearable breast pump cups adaptable to different breast shapes?
The Hands-free Collection Cups are designed in an anatomical shape to comfortably fit most breasts.
Which sizes are the Hands-free Collection Cups available in?
The Hands-free Collection Cups come in three tunnel sizes: 21 mm, 24 mm and 27 mm to maximize comfort and effective milk drainage during pumping. To ensure proper fit with the wearable collection cups, check out our Medela Breast Shield sizing guide. The 24 mm and 21 mm breast shield sizes are part of the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free configuration. The 27 mm size is available for purchase separately.
How do I select the correct breast shield size?
Select the breast shield size by measuring the diameter of your nipple. It is best to select the breast shield size that is slightly larger than your nipple.
The 21 mm size is for smaller or up to 17 mm nipple diameter. The 24 mm size is for larger than 17 mm up to 20 mm nipple diameter.
The 27 mm size is for larger than 20 mm nipple diameter.
Here’s how to check:
- Using the 24 mm sized shields included with your pump (or the size chosen after measuring your nipples), center your nipple and gently hold the Hands-free collection cup against your breast. (Please note: pressing any pumping shields too hard against your breasts when pumping could restrict the flow of milk through the ducts).
- Adjust your breast pump’s vacuum for Maximum Comfort Vacuum to achieve optimum suction level, turning the vacuum up until slightly uncomfortable and then down one notch.
- When your breast shield fits correctly, your nipple will be centered in the breast shield tunnel and will move freely during pumping.
- Use our Breast Shield sizing guide, or if you are still unsure that you selected the correct size, see a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist.
Can I use the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump if I have inverted nipples?
Swing Maxi™ Hands-free has been anatomically designed to fit comfortably to most breast and nipple shapes.
The right size of breast shield (the funnel-shaped part that fits over your breast) is an essential part of optimal milk flow during pumping as well as to help obtain maximum comfort. To ensure a proper fit with the wearable collection cups, visit our Medela Breast Shield sizing guide.
The tunnel diameter on the Hands-free Collection Cup is sized the same as the Medela PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields from all the pumps in the range. Therefore, with correct sizing and use of the Hands-free Collection Cup it should support a comfortable pumping experience.
If you find it more difficult to size with an inverted nipple/s or are still unsure whether the size, you are using is right for you please consult a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist in addition to the sizing guide above.
Can I use the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump if I have small breast size?
Swing Maxi™ Hands-free has been anatomically designed to fit comfortably to most breast shapes.
Can I use the breast pump while breastfeeding my baby?
Yes, it is possible to use the Swing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump as a single pump whilst at the same time nursing your baby/child from the other side. As with many new skills, it may be a little difficult at first to do both at the same time. It can be helpful to discuss this with your breastfeeding specialist or breastfeeding support group to see how you can make this easier.
At times I produce a lot of milk, can I pause the pump to empty the full cup?
Yes. The Swing Maxi™ Hands-free pump does not shut off automatically when a milk collection cup is full. However, because of the Hands-free Collection Cups’ transparent design and side scale measurement indicator, it makes it easy to monitor how much has been collected and pause the pumping when the collection cup is full. Simply continue your pumping session once the collection cup is emptied.
To empty the cup:
1. Pause the pumping by pressing the On/Pause/Off button on your Swing Maxi™ Hands-free breast pump.
2. Pour the expressed milk into a breast milk-safe collection bottle or storage bag.
3. Place the Hands-free Collection Cups back in position and continue the pumping session.
Can I store milk in the Hands-free Collection Cups between pump sessions?
No. Do not store expressed breast milk within the pump cups. When a user has finished pumping, any breast milk expressed should be poured into a milk-safe storage container, stored in the refrigerator, freezer or used immediately.
For more information, read How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw Breast Milk.
Do wearable breast pump cups cause more soreness?
As with all breast shields, they come into contact with the breast and nipple area, therefore it is important to have the right fit to prevent any soreness. The right size of breast shield (the funnel-shaped part that fits over your breast) is an essential part of optimal milk flow during pumping as well as to help obtain maximum comfort.
The breast shield tunnel should surround your nipple closely but leave enough space for it to move back and forth freely without rubbing. It shouldn’t chafe or pull too much of your areola (the darker area around the nipple), or the breast skin around it, into the tunnel as you pump. A badly fitting breast shield can reduce the amount of milk you express, which is why Medela makes
