Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump

The Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump is a single, hand-operated breast pump made for mums who express occasionally and want something light and compact to keep close by. With no batteries, cords or charging to think about, it's ready whenever you are — small enough to slip into a handbag and quiet enough to use discreetly, whether you're at home, travelling or out for the day.

A manual pump like this suits a busy schedule, works well as a backup to an electric pump, and is handy for occasional expressing when you normally breastfeed. It weighs around 0.5 kg and measures roughly 17 x 8 x 20 cm, so it takes up very little room and gives you a load-shedding-proof way to express when there's no plug point in reach.

2-Phase Expression handle

The Harmony uses Medela's 2-Phase Expression technology built into its handle, which is designed to work in two stages that echo the way a baby feeds. You start on the short side of the handle at a faster pace to encourage your milk to start flowing, then switch to the long side once you see milk coming, to express more steadily. It's a simple, one-handed action that's intuitive to get the hang of.

PersonalFit Flex breast shield

The pump comes with a PersonalFit Flex breast shield in size M. It has a 105-degree opening angle, a soft rim and an oval shape, which is designed to sit more comfortably against the breast and put less pressure on your milk ducts than a traditional shield — with the aim of making each session more comfortable and effective. Fit matters with any pump, so it's worth checking the shield suits you and reaching for a different size if it doesn't feel right.

How it Works

• Two-stage handle: The short side is used at a fast pace to stimulate let-down, and the long side to express milk once it's flowing.
• Manual vacuum: Suction is generated entirely by hand, so there's no motor, battery or tubing to manage.
• Closed system: The design helps prevent breast milk from spilling during expressing.

How to Use

1. Assemble the pump and position the PersonalFit Flex shield comfortably on your breast.
2. Squeeze the short side of the handle at a fast pace to stimulate your milk flow.
3. Once you see milk flowing, switch to the long side of the handle to express your milk.

Best For

The Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump is a great option for parents who:

• Express occasionally and normally breastfeed
• Want a lightweight, battery-free pump for travel and on-the-go use
• Need a quiet, discreet backup to an electric pump

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Pump frequently or exclusively express, where a double electric pump such as the Medela Swing Maxi Flex or Freestyle Flex may suit your routine better

It comes ready to use with a PersonalFit Flex breast shield, a bottle with stand and a spare membrane, so you have what you need to get started without hunting for extra parts.