Medela Freestyle Flex User manual

Freestyle Flex™
Electric breast pump
Instructions for use
Master file (classified as medical device)
EN

ENGLISH EN
4–51

4
1. Important safety information
Please read all instructions before using this product.
Keep these instructions for future reference.
Warnings identify all instructions that are important for safety. Failure to observe these
instructions can lead to personal injury or damage to the product.
The following symbols and signal words show the significance of the warnings:
WARNING Can lead to serious injury or death.
CAUTION Can lead to minor injury.
Can lead to material damage
(not related to personal injury).
NOTICE
Useful or important information that is not
related to safety.
i Information
When using electrical products, especially when children are present, basic safety precautions
must always be followed.
WARNING
To avoid fire, electric shock, or serious burns:
•The breast pump should never be left unattended when plugged into a power source.
•Never operate an electrical device if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working
properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. If damage is found,
immediately discontinue use of power adaptor and call Medela Customer Service.
•Do not use an electrical product that has been exposed to water or other liquids including:
– Do not use while bathing or showering.
– Never place or drop into water or other liquids.
– Do not run water over the breast pump.
– If an electrical product has been exposed to water or other liquids, do not touch, unplug
the device from electrical outlet, turn off and contact the manufacturer.

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WARNING
To avoid health risks and reduce the risk of severe injury:
•Do not use the Freestyle Flex breast pump while operating a moving vehicle.
•Pumping can induce labour. Do not pump until after giving birth. If you become pregnant
while breastfeeding or breast pumping, consult with a licensed healthcare professional
before continuing.
•If infected with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), pumping
breast milk will not reduce or remove the risk of transmitting the virus to your baby through
your breast milk.
•Wash all parts that come into contact with your breast and breast milk after every use.
•The tubing poses a risk of strangulation when being played with and small parts may be
swallowed by toddlers.
Close supervision is necessary when the breast pump or accessories are used in the vicinity
of children.
CAUTION
To avoid fire or burns:
•Make sure the voltage of the power adaptor is compatible with the power source. See
chapter 19 for technical specifications.
•Always unplug electrical products immediately after use except for when charging.
•Do not place or store the product where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink.
•The breast pump and accessories are not heat-resistant. Keep away from heated surfaces
or open flames.
•Do not use near flammable materials.

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Important safety information (cont.)
CAUTION
To avoid health risks and reduce the risk of injury:
•This is a single-user product. Use by more than one person may present a health risk and
voids the warranty.
•This product cannot be serviced or repaired. Do not repair yourself. Do not modify the
device.
•Never use a damaged device. Replace defective or worn parts.
•Use the breast pump only for its intended purpose as described in these instruction for use.
•Do not use the breast pump while sleeping or overly drowsy.
•If tubing becomes mouldy, discontinue use and replace tubing.
•Do not microwave or boil breast milk. Microwaving can cause severe burns to baby’s mouth
from hot spots that develop in the milk during microwaving (Microwaving can also change
the composition of breast milk).
•Clean and sanitize all parts that come into contact with your breast and breast milk prior to
first use.
•Only use Medela recommended parts with your Freestyle Flex breast pump.
•If pumping is uncomfortable or causing pain, turn the unit off, break the seal between the
breast and the breast shield with your finger and remove the breast shield from your breast.
•While some discomfort may be felt when first using a breast pump, using a breast pump
should not cause pain. If you are unsure about correct breast shield sizing please visit www.
medela.com or see a lactation consultant/breastfeeding specialist who can help you get a
proper fit.
•Contact your healthcare professional or breastfeeding specialist if you can express only
minimal or no milk or if expression is painful. See chapter6 for more information.
NOTICE
Take appropriate care in handling bottles and components:
•Plastic bottles and parts become brittle when frozen and may break when dropped.
•Bottles and parts may become damaged if mishandled (e.g., dropped, over-tightened, or
knocked over).
•Do not use the breast milk from bottles or components that show signs of damage.

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Contents
1. Important safety information 4
2. Intended purpose 9
2.1 Indications for use 9
3. Product description 9
3.1 Description of the Freestyle Flex breast pump 9
3.2 Your breast pump system includes 10
4. Getting started 12
4.1 First steps 12
4.2 Powering your breast pump 12
5. Cleaning 13
5.1 Cleaning overview 14
5.2 Disassembling 15
5.3 Washing 16
5.4 Sanitizing 17
5.5 Cleaning the motor unit 18
5.6 Cleaning the tubing 19
6. Breast shield sizing 20
6.1 Selecting the correct Medela breast shield size 20
6.2 Optimizing the breast shield size 21
7. Assembling your breast pump 22
7.1 Assembling the pump set 22
7.2 Preparing for single pumping 24
7.3 Preparing for double pumping 25
7.4 Hands-free expression with the Easy Expression Bustier 26
8. Operating your breast pump 27
8.1 Terms and designations 27
8.2 Operating and display elements 27
8.3 Charging the battery 29
8.4 Expressing your breast milk 30
9. Finding your maximum comfort vacuum 33
10. Special features 34
10.1 Bluetooth®connectivity 34
10.2 Delayed start 36

811. Storing and thawing breast milk 37
11.1 General storage guidelines 37
11.2 Storing breast milk in a Medela cooler bag 37
11. 3 Fre ez in g 38
11.4 Thawing 38
11.5 Feeding breast milk 38
12. Maintenance and care 39
12.1 Power adaptor care 39
12.2 Battery maintenance 39
12.3 Long-term storage 40
13. Troubleshooting 41
14. Ordering information 43
15. Warranty 44
16. Disposal 45
17. Meaning of symbols 46
18. International regulations 49
18.1 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) 49
18.2 Radio transmission 49
18.3 Drinking equipment 49
19. Technical specifications 50

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2. Intended purpose
2.1 Indications for use
The Freestyle Flex breast pump is a powered breast pump to be used by lactating women to
express and collect milk from their breasts.
The Freestyle Flex breast pump is intended for a single user.
3. Product description
3.1 Description of the Freestyle Flex breast pump
The Freestyle Flex is a personal-use electric breast pump that includes 2-Phase Expression
technology and is capable of single and double pumping.
The operating life of the Freestyle Flex breast pump is 250 hours.

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Product description (cont.)
3.2 Your breast pump system includes
1x Motor unit
1x Tubing
Short ends of tubing
(connect to one or two
connectors)
Tubing holder
Long end of tubing
(connects to motor unit)
2x PersonalFit Flex
breast shield (21 mm)
(Applied Part)
2x PersonalFit Flex
breast shield (24 mm)
(Applied Part)
For other breast shield
sizes, see chapter 6
4x Bottle
2x Membrane
2x Connector body
2x PersonalFit Flex connector
For ordering information about accessories see chapter 14.

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2x Bottle stand
1x Ice pack
(included in cooler bag)
1x Cooler bag
1x Bag
4x Lid
1x power adaptor with cable
For ordering information about accessories see chapter 14.
All pictures shown in these instructions are for illustration purpose only. The actual product
may vary due to local differences or product enhancement.
Medela reserves the right to substitute any component or accessory with a replacement of
equivalent performance.

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By the rechargeable battery
Before first time use, charge the breast pump
battery for two hours with the power
adaptor.
ÆThe battery display shows all three bars
when charging is complete.
For details on the battery display see
section8.2.
Supply
socket
By the power adaptor/cable
Plug the power cable into the supply socket
on top of the motor unit.
For details on powering your breast pump/
charging the battery see section 8.3.
4. Getting started
4.1 First steps
To be ready for expressing milk do the following before using your breast pump for the first
time:
1. Charge the battery of your Freestyle Flex breast pump for two hours – see section 8.3.
2. Separate all parts that are exposed to the breast or breast milk prior to cleaning – see
section 5.2.
3. Clean and sanitize the parts – see section 5.3 and 5.4.
4.2 Powering your breast pump
There are two ways to power your breast pump for your pumping session:
or

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5. Cleaning
Supplies needed:
•Mild dish soap
•Clean soft brush
•Clean wash basin
•Drinking-quality water
•Clean pot for boiling water
Parts to wash or sanitize:
•Breast shields
•Breast milk bottles
•Lids
•Connectors
•Membranes
CAUTION
Separate and wash all parts that are exposed to breast milk immediately after use. This will
help to remove breast milk residue and prevent growth of bacteria.
•Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
•Only use drinking-quality tap water or bottled water for cleaning.
•Do not place pump parts directly in the sink to rinse or wash. Use a clean wash basin used
only for infant feeding items.
•Do not use a dish towel to rub or pat items dry.
•Do not use disinfectants for cleaning.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the tubing.
•Do not clean the tubing as described here or with Quick Clean bags in the microwave.
Follow the instructions in section 5.6.
NOTICE
Pay attention to the following:
•Take care not to damage parts of the breast pump set during cleaning.
•Store the dried breast pump set in a clean bag/container until next use.
•Do not store wet or damp parts as mould may develop.
•If you notice a white residue on your breast pump parts after boiling, your water may have a
high mineral content. Remove residue by wiping parts with a clean towel and allow to air
dry.
•Distilled water is recommended when boiling parts to prevent substantial mineral build-up
over time, which may compromise your parts.

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Cleaning (cont.)
5.1 Cleaning overview
Washing and sanitizing are two different activities. They must be done separately to protect
you and your baby, and to maintain the performance of your breast pump.
Wash – To clean the surfaces of the parts by physically removing contamination.
Sanitize – To kill living organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, that may be present on the
surfaces of the parts.
When to clean
Breast
shields
Connectors and
membranes
Bottles & lids
Before first use
Disassemble the parts according to section 5.2
Wash the parts according to section 5.3
Sanitize the parts according to section 5.4
After each use Disassemble the parts according to section 5.2
Wash the parts according to section 5.3
Once per day Disassemble the parts according to section 5.2
Sanitize the parts according to section 5.4
When to clean
Tubing Motor unit
As needed Wash only if dirty or milk is
present. Refer to section 5.6.
Wipe with clean, damp towel.
Refer to section 5.5.

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5.2 Disassembling
*Before first use
Remove and dispose of the protective cover* from the breast
shield.
After each use
Disassemble the pump set into its individual parts (breast
shield, connector and milk bottle) as follows:
1. Remove the breast shield from the connector.
2. Open the back cap of the connector by squeezing both
flaps and swiveling the cap upwards.
3. Remove the membrane from the connector body.
4. Separate the milk bottles, lids and bottle stands.

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Cleaning (cont.)
5.3 Washing
Washing is important for hygiene and serves to clean the surfaces of the parts by physically
removing contamination. Wash the parts either by hand or in a dishwasher.
Before first use and after each use
or
Rinse and wash by hand
Do not place the parts directly in the kitchen
sink for rinsing and washing. Use a dedicated
wash basin for infant feeding items.
1. Rinse the disassembled parts, except for
the tubing, with cold, clear drinking-quali-
ty water (approx. 68°F/20°C).
2. Clean these parts with plenty of warm,
soapy water (approx. 86°F/30°C). Use a
commercially available dish soap,
preferably without artificial fragrances
and coloring (pH neutral).
3. Rinse the parts with cold, clear drink-
ing-quality water for 10 to 15 seconds
(approx. 68°F/ 20°C).
4. Allow to dry after washing.
Wash in dishwasher
1. Place the disassembled parts, except for
the tubing, on the top rack or in the
cutlery section. Use a commercially
available dishwashing detergent.
2. Allow to dry after washing.
i Information
If using the dishwasher, parts may become
discolored. This will not impact the part
function.
The tubing should only be washed if dirty or
milk is present.
See section 5.6 for more details.
Drying
1. Allow to air-dry on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel.

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5.4 Sanitizing
Sanitizing is important for hygiene and serves to kill living organisms, such as bacteria or virus-
es. Boil the parts either on the stovetop or use Quick Clean microwave bags.
Before first use and once per day
or
Sanitize on stovetop
5min
1. Cover the disassembled parts, except for
the tubing, with water and boil at least for
5 minutes.
2. Allow to dry after sanitizing.
Sanitize in microwave
1. Use Quick Clean* bags in the microwave
in accordance with the instructions on the
bags.
2. Allow to dry after sanitizing.
* Refer to local website/shops for availability
in your country.
Drying
1. Allow to air-dry on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel.
2. Put the clean and dry parts in a clean storage bag or a clean environment.
Do not store parts in an airtight container/bag if moist. It is important that all residual
moisture dries.

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Cleaning (cont.)
5.5 Cleaning the motor unit
Supplies needed:
•Drinking-quality water
•Mild dish soap
•Clean dish or paper towel
Parts needed:
•Motor unit
CAUTION
•Unplug the breast pump before cleaning the motor unit.
•Do not immerse the motor unit in water; do not run water over the
motor unit.
NOTICE
•Do not spray or pour liquid directly onto the pump.
•When cleaning the motor unit display, only use a damp, soft towel with mild dish soap. Other
cleaners or abrasive cloths may degrade the display performance.
1. Switch the breast pump off.
2. Unplug the breast pump from the power source.
3. Wipe the motor unit with a clean towel moistened with
drinking-quality water.
4. Wipe the motor unit dry with a clean, dry towel.

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5.6 Cleaning the tubing
Normally, cleaning of the tubing is not necessary. Only if it is dirty or if milk is present it is
necessary to wash the tubing as described in these instructions.
Supplies needed:
•Drinking-quality water
•Mild dish soap
Parts needed:
•Tubing
NOTICE
•If the tubing becomes mouldy, discontinue use and replace tubing. Refer to chapter 14 for
ordering information.
•Do not use the breast pump with wet tubing; doing so will cause damage to your breast
pump.
i Information
•Wash the tubing only if it is dirty or if milk is present.
•It is not necessary to clean the tubing if there is condensation forming inside from previous
washings or atmospheric conditions.
In this case, just follow the instructions for drying.
Washing the tubing
1. Switch the breast pump off.
2. Remove the tubing from the motor unit.
3. Remove the tubing from the connector cap.
4. Rinse the tubing by pouring cool water into both short
tubing ends until it flows out of the long tubing end.
5. Wash the tubing in warm, soapy water.
6. Rinse the tubing with clear water.
Drying the tubing
1. Shake out any water droplets.
2. Hang the tubing to air dry.
3. Make sure that the tubing is completely dry before using it.

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6. Breast shield sizing
6.1 Selecting the correct Medela breast shield size
Make sure to use the correct breast shield size. It is an essential component of effective
pumping, helping to optimize milk flow.
Understanding Medela’s breast shield sizing
Pumping should not hurt. For maximum comfort and pumping efficiency, Medela offers
multiple breast shield sizes*.
This guide is a starting point to help determine your optimal size based on your nipple
diameter.
Measure
nipple diameter
(Ømm)
Breast shield size
(Ømm)
Up to 17 Up to 20 Up to 23 Up to 26 Up to 32
21 24 27 30 36 *
Nipple base
Areola
Nipple
measure
Step 1
Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the diameter of the nipple at the base (across the
middle) in millimetres (mm).
Do not include the areola.
Step 2
Based on the measurement, determine the Medela breast shield size.
Example: If the nipple size measures 16mm in diameter, the recommended Medela breast
shield size is 21 mm.
i Information
The PersonalFit Flex breast shields are available in sizes up to 30 mm. If you need a larger size
breast shield (36 mm) refer to your local Medela retailer or www.medela.com.
* See chapter 14 for ordering information.