Are you thinking about getting a Medela Sonata? Here’s a complete Medela Sonata breast pump review, including the pros and cons, and comparisons with other breast pumps.
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What is the Medela Sonata?
The Medela Sonata is a one of Medela’s higher-end breast pumps.
Medela offers many different breast pumps, each with a slightly different flavor – hospital grade (Symphony), double electric for pumping at work (Pump in Style with Max Flow), portable (Freestyle Flex and Swing Maxi), and manual (Harmony).
The Medela Sonata falls somewhere between the Symphony and Pump in Style – it’s a personal breast pump, but with a lot more functionality. It’s a smart pump that can integrate with an app on your phone, the suction/motor is “inspired” by the Symphony, and you’re not tied to an outlet while using it.
What are the pros of the Sonata?
Some of the advantages of the Medela Sonata include:
1. It’s effective
It is a very effective breast pump – many moms said that it was as efficient as the Symphony – with the added bonus of being much more portable than the Symphony.
2. Pumping sessions are tracked in the app
The Sonata connects to the Medela Family app (available for iOS and Android) to automatically track your pumping sessions.
3. You can pump anywhere
The Sonata has a rechargeable battery, so you aren’t tied to an outlet when you pump.
4. It’s closed system
It is a closed system pump, which means no milk in the tubing.
5. There are breast shield options
Comes with two sets of breast shields (sizes 21mm and 24mm). The breast shields included with the Sonata are Medela’s PersonalFlex flanges, which Medela says are 11.8% more effective than regular breast shields, as well as more comfortable.
What are the cons of the Sonata?
There are also a few disadvantages:
1. It’s not a small pump
While the pump has a rechargeable battery, it is a bit bulky.
You can definitely move around with it, but you have to carry the pump, as it’s not small enough to fit on a lanyard or in your pocket like more portable pumps.
2. The pump parts are unique (and heavy)
The pump parts the Sonata uses are unique to this pump, so may be difficult to find in a store. (Therefore, you might want to stock up online in case one of yours breaks.)
They are also a bit heavy and require a strong pumping bra to keep them in place.
3. Price
It is sold at a higher price point than many other breast pumps. Check price.
Medela Sonata Breast Pump Accessories
The breast pump parts are unique to this pump.
There are four components, including:
- Breast shield connector
- Connector cap
- Valve
- Membrane
One question that comes up frequently with the Sonata is how often the breast pump parts need to be replaced.
Medela doesn’t explicitly define a replacement timeline on their website, but the manufacturer did answer a question on amazon regarding this, stating the following in November 2017:
There is no life expectancy on the parts. We recommend replacing your parts if they are damaged or if they have become worn.
You can also replace just the membranes if you’re concerned about a loss of suction.
The Sonata also comes with PersonalFlex breast shields. These flanges have a 105 degree angle (in contrast to the 90 degree angle other Medela breast shields use) and have softer, silicone edges.
Medela breast shields can be used interchangeably with any Medela pump. You can also use alternative flanges easily with Medela pumps.
Breast Pump Bags
What bottles are compatible with the Sonata?
The Medela Sonata uses regular Medela bottles, which are narrow-mouth bottles. You may be able to screw other narrow mouth bottles into the Sonata pump parts, such as Evenflo or Dr. Brown’s bottles.
If you have wide-mouth bottles you’d like to use with the Sonata, Maymom makes an adapter than you can use to pump directly into AVENT or Spectra bottles.
Medela Sonata or Medela Freestyle Flex?
Both of these are great pumps. Some differences that you may want to consider:
- The Medela Freestyle Flex is much smaller and more portable than the Sonata.
- The Flex is priced slightly cheaper than the Sonata.
- Some women may find that the Sonata is more effective for them than the Flex.
Medela Pump in Style vs Medela Sonata?
Again, both of these are great pumps. The major differences are:
- The Medela Pump in Style does not have a rechargeable battery, so it’s less mobile than the Sonata.
- The Pump in Style is also priced significantly lower than the Sonata.
- The Pump in Style doesn’t have any integrations with the Medela Family app.
Medela Sonata Review: Bottom Line
The Medela Sonata is a great pump for moms who want the effectiveness of a hospital grade pump, but have the ability to use it on the go. It’s a good option for both working moms and exclusive pumpers.
(You may be able to get a Medela Sonata free or at a lower cost through insurance. Check out your eligibility here.)
Have you used this pump? Tell us your Medela Sonata breast pump review in the comments!
Comments & Chitchat
A HUGE advantage of this pump is that you can use it in a reclined position.
I think this makes it even better than the Symphony.
I have an older model and the battery is completely shot, but I bought an extra power cord to either use it on the couch or in bed.