Description:

Symphony 2.0 is Medela’s flagship multi-user pump for NICUs and rental fleets. Its research-based INITIATE program (15 min) mimics a newborn’s rapid, irregular suckling at 120 cycles min⁻¹ to trigger the first let-down; mothers then switch to the MAINTAIN program, which uses Medela’s 2-Phase Expression™ pattern—about 60 cycles min⁻¹ with adjustable vacuum—to remove milk quickly and comfortably. The closed, overflow-protected membrane keeps milk out of tubing and the motor, meeting CDC infection-control guidance and permitting a relaxed, reclined posture. A front membrane keypad and monochrome LCD show vacuum level, program, elapsed time and battery charge. The whisper-quiet diaphragm pump generates adjustable vacuums from −50 to −250 mmHg, yet transmits <45 dBA at maximum suction. Symphony draws only 0.5 A from any 100–240 V outlet; an internal 12 V NiMH pack (optional) powers about an hour of cordless pumping during room-in. Tested life exceeds 2 500 h—double most consumer “hospital style” units—so one chassis often lasts through many rental cycles before overhaul.

Economic Advantage:

Because six mothers can share a single Symphony base with inexpensive personal kits, a maternity ward that would need twenty personal pumps buys only six Symphonys—cutting capital outlay by ≈70 %. Closed-system protection virtually eliminates motor contamination events, saving ≈$500 per disinfect cycle, and the reusable pump lasts >2 500 h, outliving consumer models by several lactations. The INITIATE/MAINTAIN workflow yields up to 50 % more milk in the vital first fortnight, reducing costly donor-milk purchases for NICUs.