Medela Swing Breast Pump Makes Travel Easy For Moms

With the right tools, being a 'traveling mom' does not have to be an oxymoron.   When I first became a mother, the simplest trip felt like packing for a remote adventure.  But with practice it's easier.  For me the key to freedom is the right equipment; and that starts with a good breast pump. 

Before considering pump options, let's pause for a moment to consider why breastfeed in the first place?  All health research aside, quite simply, it's the easiest food for travel.  There are no breakable jars, no sterile containers nor clean water needed.  Breast milk is always available and it's free.   Nevertheless, there will invariably be times when breastfeeding isn't convenient.  Whether because of a business meeting or a night out on the town without baby, you'll need to pump.  And take it from me, not all pumps are created equal. 

Among the mommy-set, Medela is the brand of choice.  Most working Moms I know use a Medela Pump In Style advanced version with backpack.  The good thing about the Pump In Style model is that it can pump two breasts at one time... at least theoretically.  I could not pump two breasts simultaneously (perhaps user error or product flaw, but most of the moms I know have the same experience).  Plus the backpack-sized unit with motor is heavy!   When you want to travel light and only have carry-on luggage, size and weight matter.  

This brings me to the Medela Swing.   I love it!  It weighs a mere 2.5 pounds and comes in a handy little sack which holds all the necessary equipment (power cord, motor, breast shield, two bottles, a nipple top, and the small but necessary pump shields). 

I can pump the same amount of milk with the Swing as I can with the Pump In Style.  The Swing has the same functionality as the newest Pump In Style, with a two-phase setting which automatically switches from let-down to expression.   Yet the Swing is a small round disk the size of a jelly donut, and I found myself wondering why I would ever go back to the larger model.   Plus, the Swing ($149.99 at amazon.com) is not only less cumbersome; it's nearly half the price of the Pump In Style ($279.99 at amazon.com).  While it doesn't have a vehicle power adaptor or a removable cooler - it can run on batteries also and I can live without the cooler.  

My one criticism would be that the bag holding the Swing isn't durable.  I could easily burn out the batteries if the on switch was pressed inadvertently during travel so I would recommend upgrading the bag on your own and taking the batteries out after each use.

In sum, the Medela Swing is affordable and very portable and will give you the freedom to travel once more.