Medela is a brand that has become synonymous with breastfeeding. Founded in the 1960s, this Swiss company started with a simple idea: to create products that would help mothers provide their babies with the best possible nutrition. Over the years, Medela has grown into a global brand and is now the leading manufacturer of breastfeeding products worldwide. Medela's innovative products have made it easier for mothers to breastfeed their babies, with everything from pumps to storage bags to nipple shields.


1. The first Medela breast pump and how it revolutionised breastfeeding

In the early 1980s, a Swiss engineer named Olle Larsson was inspired to create a new kind of breast pump after his wife struggled with breastfeeding their newborn son. The pump was so effective that Larsson's wife was able to breastfeed their son successfully, and he realized that there was a market for such a product. Traditional breast pumps at the time were clunky, noisy, and uncomfortable, making the experience of pumping milk a stressful and unpleasant one for many mothers. Larsson envisioned a pump that would be efficient, gentle, and portable, allowing mothers to easily express milk without discomfort or hassle. He began tinkering with designs and testing prototypes, eventually coming up with what would become the first Medela breast pump. The pump was a game-changer for breastfeeding mothers. It was lightweight and portable, featuring a suction mechanism that mimicked the natural rhythm of a baby's suckling. This made expressing milk faster, easier, and more comfortable than ever before. It also allowed mothers to express milk more efficiently, leading to increased milk production and better breastfeeding outcomes for both mother and baby. Word quickly spread about the Medela breast pump, and soon it was in high demand among mothers across Switzerland. The company continued to grow, eventually expanding into overseas markets and developing a range of other products for breastfeeding mothers with the company's dedication to quality and innovation soon leading to numerous patents and awards. Today, Medela is a global brand, with an established reputation for high-quality, innovative products that make breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable for mothers, and trusted by millions of breastfeeding mums worldwide. All of this started from the passion and dedication of one man, Olle Larsson, who saw a problem and worked tirelessly to find a solution.

2. The company's origins and growth into a global brand

The brand was founded in 1961 and started as a niche company creating vacuum technology for use in hospitals and medical settings. It was in the 1980s that Medela began to focus on breastfeeding products, which was a relatively unknown market at the time. Medela's first breast pump was launched in 1983, the Symphony, a hospital-grade breast pump, developed using evidence-based research and collaborating with healthcare professionals. This enabled Medela to establish a strong reputation as a trusted brand among new mothers, hospitals, and healthcare providers worldwide. Despite the early success, the company remained relatively small for many years, focusing primarily on the medical market. It wasn't until the early 1990s that Medela began to expand its focus to the consumer market, designing breast pumps that were easy to use and discreet for busy mothers. In 1991, Medela released the first ever breast pump designed for personal home use, which revolutionised the breastfeeding industry and put the company on the map as a global brand. The company's success in this area was largely due to its commitment to research and development. Medela invested heavily in researching the science behind breastfeeding and creating products that were both safe and effective. This dedication to innovation helped to distinguish the brand from its competitors and cement its position as a leader in the industry, and spurred on further expansion in their product line and focus on catering to the needs of breastfeeding mums. As a result, the company's reputation grew and it became known as a trusted brand among breastfeeding mums all over the world. They now have a presence in over 100 countries and are recognized as a leader in the breastfeeding industry. Their products are trusted by mums and healthcare professionals alike, and they continue to innovate and develop new products that make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for mums for as long as they choose to. They understand the challenges that mums face and are dedicated to providing products and support that make breastfeeding a positive and rewarding experience.

3. Medela's innovative products and investment in research and development

Medela has been able to rise from a niche company to a global leader due to its innovative product range backed by its investment and efforts in research and development. From the early days of the company, the founders recognised that there was a need for better and more efficient ways for mums to express and store breast milk. Through extensive research and working closely with healthcare professionals and lactation consultants, Medela has been able to develop a range of products that make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable for moms everywhere. One of the key innovations that Medela has introduced is the 2-Phase Expression technology. This technology mimics the natural sucking rhythm of a baby, which helps to stimulate milk production and ensure maximum milk flow; making it easier for mothers to express milk. This technology is incorporated into many of Medela's breast pumps, and used in hospitals around the world and a favourite among lactation consultants. The company also has a team of scientists and engineers who are dedicated to developing new products and improving existing ones. Medela's commitment to research has led to the creation of products such as the Calma feeding solution, which is designed to mimic the way a baby feeds at the breast. Medela also collaborates with leading universities and research institutions around the world to ensure that it stays at the forefront of innovation in the baby care sector. By investing in research and development, Medela has been able to create products that are both effective and safe for mothers and babies. This has helped the company to build a strong reputation for quality and innovation, which has contributed to its success and trust in its brand.

4. A look at Medela's extensive product line for breastfeeding moms

Medela has an extensive product line for breastfeeding moms that has helped establish it as a leading global brand in the industry. The company offers a range of products to help breastfeeding moms, from breast pumps to breast milk storage bags, nursing bras, and nipple care products. Medela's breast pumps are renowned for their quality, efficiency, and comfort. The range includes both single and double electric breast pumps that can help mums pump more milk in less time. The pumps come with a range of features to make pumping easier, including adjustable suction settings, different flange sizes, and portable options for moms who are on the go. In addition to pumps, Medela also offers a range of breast milk storage solutions, including bottles, bags, and containers. These products are designed to help moms store and transport their milk safely and conveniently. To support breastfeeding moms further, Medela also offers a range of nursing bras that are comfortable, supportive, and easy to use. These bras are designed to help moms breastfeed discreetly and comfortably, whether they are at home or out and about. Finally, Medela also offers a range of nipple care products to help mums who experience sore or cracked nipples during breastfeeding. These products include creams, ointments, and shells that can help soothe and protect the nipples, making breastfeeding more comfortable for moms. Overall, Medela's product line for breastfeeding mums is extensive, and the company continues to innovate and develop new products to help support moms on their breastfeeding journey. With a commitment to quality, efficiency and comfort, Medela has become a trusted brand for breastfeeding mums all over the world.

5. How Medela's products have helped countless mothers around the world

Medela's was one of the first companies to introduce electronic breast pumps and their technology has been a game changer for countless mothers around the world. The company's products have been designed to mimic the natural nursing rhythm of babies, thereby making breastfeeding a more natural and comfortable experience for mothers. Renowned for their reliability, efficiency, and comfort, the brand's breast pumps cater to the different needs of mothers, from single manual pumps to double electric pumps, to hospital-grade pumps. As per above, besides breast pumps, Medela offers a range of breastfeeding accessories such as nipple shields, breast milk storage bags, nursing pads, and nursing bras. These products are designed to make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient for mothers, especially when they are away from their babies. Medela's products have been highly recommended by healthcare professionals, and the brand has received numerous awards for its innovative products. With a global presence in over 100 countries, Medela has helped millions of mothers to provide the best nutrition for their babies. The brand's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has made it a household name among breastfeeding mothers around the world.

6. The company's partnerships and collaborations in the maternal health community

Medela has been a vocal advocate for breastfeeding and the benefits it provides to both mother and child. They have sponsored research studies and provided education to healthcare professionals to promote greater understanding and acceptance of breastfeeding. Medela has always been committed to improving maternal and infant health, and as part of this commitment, the company has formed numerous partnerships and collaborations with organizations in the maternal health community. By working together with these organisations, Medela has been able to develop innovative solutions to improve the lives of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. One such partnership is with the World Health Organization (WHO), which has recognised Medela as a leader in breastfeeding research and innovation. Medela has worked closely with the WHO to develop guidelines for breastfeeding and to promote the importance of breastfeeding for infant health. Medela has also collaborated with leading hospitals and healthcare providers around the world to improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers and infants. The company has developed specialised products and solutions for use in hospital settings, such as its Symphony breast pump, which is used in many hospitals to help initiate and maintain milk production in breastfeeding mothers. In addition, Medela has formed partnerships with academic institutions and researchers to further its understanding of breastfeeding and improve its products. For example, the company has collaborated with the University of Western Australia to research the benefits of hand expression of breast milk, which has led to the development of the Harmony manual breast pump. Through its partnerships and collaborations, Medela has been able to make significant contributions to the maternal health community and improve the lives of breastfeeding mothers and their babies around the world.

8. Medela's impact on the breastfeeding industry and beyond

Medela has had a significant impact on the breastfeeding industry and beyond. Their innovations and dedication to helping moms breastfeed have changed the game for breastfeeding mothers all over the world. One of their most notable contributions to the industry is their development of the first breast pump for personal use that mimics a baby's natural nursing pattern. This allowed women to pump milk more efficiently and effectively, making it easier for them to continue breastfeeding while being able to take care of other responsibilities. Medela has also been a pioneer in providing resources and support for breastfeeding mothers. They offer a variety of educational materials, from online resources to in-person classes, to help mothers with breastfeeding and pumping, to help ensure they feel confident and empowered in their breastfeeding journey. Their website is full of resources, including articles and videos on breastfeeding, pumping, and caring for thier baby. They also have a team of lactation consultants available to answer any questions mums may have and provide support and guidance. Their commitment to breastfeeding doesn't stop with their products and resources. Medela advocates for breastfeeding-friendly policies in the workplace and encourages companies to provide designated spaces for mothers to pump milk while at work. Beyond the breastfeeding industry, Medela's dedication to innovation and quality has earned them a reputation as a trusted brand in healthcare. They've expanded their product offerings to include medical vacuum technology and neonatal care products, further cementing their place as a leader in healthcare innovation. Their commitment to helping mothers breastfeed and providing innovative solutions has surely made a significant difference in the lives of millions of women worldwide.

8. Medela's vision for the future

Medela has since inception in 1961, always been dedicated to supporting mothers and babies in their breastfeeding journey, working with healthcare professionals and human milk experts to advance research and develop evidence-based practices that set industry standards while influencing how it designs products to serve and support its customers. In addition, since 2006 onwards it has proudly fostered research and evidence sharing to inform best practices at the annual Medela-sponsored International Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium. Through advancing research, observing natural behavior, and listening to it's customers, they 'turn SCIENCE into CARE nurturing health for generations'. As they continue to innovate and grow, their vision for the future of maternal health and breastfeeding support becomes even more ambitious. One area they're focusing on is improving the accessibility of breastfeeding support for new mothers. Medela recognises that many new mums struggle with breastfeeding, and they want to make it easier for them to get the help they need. They plan to achieve this by leveraging technology to provide virtual support to mums, making it easy for them to connect with lactation consultants and other breastfeeding experts.

This is an awe inspiring brand, with proven breastfeeding products and support that you can rely on. Shop their comprehensive range at Baby City today including breast pumps to nursing bras to meet your needs at every stage of your breastfeeding journey.