Introduction
The Medela PersonalFit Flex Breast Shields are designed to enhance your pumping experience by providing superior comfort and efficiency. These breast shields incorporate Medela Flex Technology and a unique, flexible oval shape that can be rotated 360 degrees to adapt to your individual breast shape, ensuring the most comfortable and effective pumping position.
With a 105-degree angle opening and a soft, smooth rim, these shields are engineered to reduce pressure on the breast, promoting a more natural feel and optimizing milk flow. Studies show that PersonalFit Flex breast shields remove 11.8% more milk per minute compared to traditional breast shields, making your pumping sessions more productive.
All Medela breast shields and components that come into contact with breast milk are made without BPA, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
Product Features
- Innovative Medela Flex Technology: Adapts to your body for comfortable pumping in various positions. The 105-degree opening angle helps reduce pressure.
- Increased Milk Removal: Proven to remove 11.8% more milk per minute than traditional breast shields, optimizing pumping efficiency and milk output.
- Convenient Size Options: Available in 4 different sizes (including 21mm, 24mm, 27mm, 30mm) to ensure a comfortable and effective fit for individual needs. Compatible with all Medela breast pumps.
- BPA-Free Material: Manufactured from food-grade plastic, free from BPA, ensuring safety for you and your baby.
- Soft, Smooth Rim: Designed for comfortable positioning and a more natural feeling during pumping.
Image: Front view of the Medela PersonalFit Flex Breast Shield, highlighting its clear design and soft rim.
Setup and Assembly
- Initial Cleaning: Before first use, and after each subsequent use, wash the breast shields thoroughly. Sanitize them once daily. Refer to the "Maintenance" section for detailed cleaning instructions.
- Check Components: Ensure you have all necessary parts, including the breast shields and compatible Medela pump connectors (sold separately).
- Attach to Connector: Securely attach the PersonalFit Flex Breast Shield to your Medela pump connector. Ensure a snug fit to prevent air leaks and maintain suction.
- Determine Correct Size: Proper breast shield sizing is crucial for comfort and milk expression efficiency.
Image: Visual guide illustrating correct, too small, and too large breast shield fits, showing nipple and areola positioning.
Sizing Guide:
- - Start with the breast shield that came with your pump, or the size determined by measuring.
- - Centre the nipple and gently hold the breast shield against your breast.
- - Adjust for Maximum Comfort Vacuum to achieve optimum suction level.
- - Refer to the image above for visual guidance on correct fit: the nipple is centred and moves freely within the tunnel.
Image: A Medela PersonalFit Flex Breast Shield properly attached to a Medela breast pump, ready for use.
Operating Instructions
Once the breast shields are correctly sized and assembled with your Medela breast pump, you are ready to begin pumping. The flexible oval shape allows for 360-degree rotation, enabling you to find the most comfortable and efficient position for milk expression.
- Positioning: Place the breast shield over your breast, ensuring your nipple is centered in the tunnel. The soft rim should sit comfortably against your skin. Rotate the shield as needed to align with your breast shape.
- Initiate Pumping: Turn on your Medela breast pump and begin with the stimulation phase, followed by the expression phase.
- Adjust Suction: Gradually increase the vacuum level until you reach your Maximum Comfort Vacuum (MCV). This is the highest vacuum level you can tolerate comfortably, as it optimizes milk flow.
- Monitor Fit: Throughout your pumping session, observe your nipple and areola. Ensure the nipple moves freely within the tunnel and that no part of the areola is being pulled excessively or rubbing against the sides.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper cleaning and sanitization of your PersonalFit Flex Breast Shields are essential for hygiene and product longevity. Always wash and sanitize prior to first use.
- After Each Use:
- Disassemble all parts that came into contact with breast milk.
- Rinse parts with cold water to remove milk residue.
- Wash parts in warm, soapy water using a mild dish soap. Use a clean brush dedicated for breast pump parts.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Air dry on a clean paper towel or drying rack. Avoid using cloth towels as they may leave lint.
- Once Daily Sanitization:
- Boiling: Place disassembled, cleaned parts in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Dishwasher: Place parts on the top rack of a dishwasher. Ensure they are secure and won't fall to the bottom. Use a hot water wash cycle and a heated drying cycle (or air dry).
- Steam Sterilizer: Use a microwave steam sterilizer bag or an electric steam sterilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Store clean and dry parts in a clean, dry place when not in use.
Image: A person washing breast pump components, including breast shields, under running water in a kitchen sink.
Image: Clean Medela breast pump parts, including breast shields, laid out on a grey drying mat on a countertop.
Troubleshooting
If you experience discomfort or reduced milk output, check the following:
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Nipple rubbing sides of tunnel or pain during pumping. | Breast shield is too small. | Try a larger size breast shield. |
| Excessive areola pulled into tunnel, or nipple/areola turning white. | Breast shield is too large. | Try a smaller size breast shield. |
| Reduced milk output or discomfort. | Incorrect vacuum level. | Adjust to your Maximum Comfort Vacuum (MCV). |
| Milk not flowing well. | Pressing breast shield too hard against breast. | Ensure gentle but firm seal. Avoid excessive pressure which can block milk ducts. |
| General discomfort or poor fit. | Incorrect positioning or sizing. | Ensure nipple is centered. Rotate the oval shield for optimal fit. Re-evaluate sizing. |
If you are still unsure about the correct size or continue to experience issues, consult a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist for personalized advice.
Specifications
- Model Number: 101036653
- Material: Polypropylene, Thermoplastic elastomers
- Included Components: 2 Breastshields (per pack)
- Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 3.54 x 5.5 inches; 2.12 ounces
- Compatibility: Compatible with all Medela breast pumps.
- BPA Status: Made without BPA.
Warranty and Support
Medela products are designed for quality and performance. For specific warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your Medela breast pump or visit the official Medela website.
It is important to purchase authentic Medela products. Inauthentic or counterfeit parts may vary significantly in design, workmanship, and materials, potentially affecting the performance of your pump and your pumping experience.
For further assistance, product inquiries, or to ensure you are purchasing authentic Medela products, please visit the Medela Store on Amazon or contact Medela customer support directly.
