The Sonata Breast Pump is the most advanced and smartest breast pump from the Medela range, heck, it is probably the smartest across all the breastpumps that we have reviewed to date!
Main Functions in Detail
Inspired by the Symphony, the Sonata provides comparable hospital-grade performance to that of the former but without its bulkiness and price that seem to be the major halting factors for most.
You see, the Symphony boasts the ability of expressing 18% more breast milk, thanks to the combination of a double pumping system and the brand's patented 2-Phase Expression technology.
Which the Sonata also has, however, it allows 11.8% more milk per minute only instead of 18% due to it having a smaller motor.
Which is still significant and suffix for daily-use as double pumping is always faster than single pumping in the expression phase. As such, the Sonata is ideal (and is also designed) for moms who pump several times a day.
It is worthy to note that this feat is also achievable due to the new Personal Fit Flex breast shields. These shields have a 105-degree opening angle which helps reduce pressure and therefore remove significantly more milk than pumping with traditional breast shields.
On top of that, they allow you to pump comfortably in a variety of positions too and moms have the flexibility to choose from two clinically tested pumping rhythms for personalized comfort.
Besides faster pumping, the biggest difference between the Sonata and the rest of the Medela breastpumps is that it has smart capabilities.
What this means is that you get to streamline and personalize your breastfeeding journey by tracking both your pumping sessions and baby's growth real-time via a connection to the MyMedela app.
Aside from that, you also get unlimited access a variety of breast milk feeding resource, including evidence-based lactation guidance and personalized content to help you reach your breast milk feeding goals.
Another thing that we like about the Sonata is how quiet it is and how it has an 'overflow protection' (a closed system at the kit) to prevent milk from entering the tubing and motor.
If you have used the inferior ones before, you will know that milk overflowing is a common problem. Not only does it make cleaning harder, it also encourages mould to manifest. With the Sonata, this will not be a problem.
The Sonata comes in a package of:
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
The Sonata is the most premium / highest end of the Medela breast pump range (besides the hospital-grade Symphony but that is of another level (see why here)).
It goes without saying that the Sonata is also the most expensive model out of all the home-based Medela electric breast pumps.
As a result, it may not be the breastpump for everyone but for those that are able to afford it, we're certain that you won't regret this investment.