Pumping with Symphony at home

1. Always use the correct breast shield size for successful and comfortable pumping!

2. Always double pump (both breasts at the same time). Double pumping 8 times in 24 hours ensures you a better milk supply now and in the long run.

3. Always check you are pumping in the correct pumping program. Symphony offers two research-based programs, INITIATE and MAINTAIN.

4. Make sure you pump at your Maximum Comfort Vacuum.

5. Pumping should never hurt! If you experience any pain while pumping, please contact the healthcare professional near you.

• A badly fitting breast shield can reduce the amount of milk you express and cause pain during pumping.
• A big breast does no equal a big shield size: The size of your nipple is the deciding factor!
• The breast shield tunnel should surround your nipple closely, but leave enough space for the nipple to move back and forth freely without rubbing on the sides of the tunnel.
• It shouldn’t pull too much of your areola into the tunnel while pumping

See downloads for full instructions on how to find the right breast shield size for you.

Watch our video how to assemble your set 

 Or follow our QuickCard on how to assemble your set >

To support you best, Symphony offers two research-based programs, INITIATE and MAINTAIN. It is crucial you always use the correct program!

• INITIATE is meant to support you directly after giving birth. It mimics the sucking and pausing rhythm of a newborn during the first days of lactation. 
• Use MAINTAIN after your milk has “come in” or at the latest on day 6. This program then imitates the sucking rhythm of a healthy baby during established lactation.

* Medela has recently updated the protocol for when to switch from the INITIATE to the MAINTAIN program for Symphony. This change is implemented gradually, so you may encounter different instructions during this transition period (1x20mL or 3x20mL). We assure you that both versions are safe. We recommend the new instruction of switching after pumping 20 mL in one session, as it simplifies the process and is easier for you to follow.

How to pump in INITIATE

How to pump in INITIATE

(Find the full QuickCard on how to pump in INITIATE or MAINTAIN in the download section below)

Good to know:

• The INITIATE program will run for 15 minutes including pauses, then stop automatically.
• The MAINTAIN program will run in two phases: The stimulation phase will run for about 2 minutes, then switch automatically to the expression phase. You may also change to expression phase manually, if your milk starts flowing earlier.
  NOTE: The MAINTAIN program does not stop automatically, but has to be switched off manually after you are finished. Generally we recommend double pumping for approximately 15 minutes per session.

Whether pumping in INITIATE or MAINTAIN, make sure you always pump at your Maximum Comfort Vacuum level to achieve the best results. Set the comfort vacuum by rotating the vacuum adjustment knob as follows:

• First rotate the knob gradually to the right to increase the vacuum slowly to the point where you feel a slight discomfort.
• Then rotate left again to reduce the vacuum by one bar – so really just a notch! – and reach your Maximuum Comfort Vacuum setting.

How to clean your personal Symphony pump-set with PersonalFit Plus breast shield

There is no universal answer to this as each breastfeeding journey is different and a very individual experience. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any doubts or need advice.

What is important to know, is that Symphony can accompany you throughout your whole breastfeeding journey should you and your baby need it.

Click here for everything you need to know about Symphony rentals and extending your lease.

Your breasts have prepared for breastfeeding during your pregnancy, but they need your baby´s suckling as a stimulation to start producing milk and then build and maintain that milk supply for your whole breastfeeding journey. It is crucial that your breasts receive this stimulation and get drained regularly.

So if your baby cannot breastfeed effectively (yet), your Symphony breast pump will take over by mimicking your baby´s natural sucking rhythm with two research-based programs – while at the same time making sure that you baby does not miss out on any of your precious drops.

Find your breast shield size here

Symphony® PLUS quick guide

QuickCard in multi languages

Instructions of use for Symphony at home