I exclusively breastfeed my baby, and while it’s a wonderful experience that I treasure, it can sometimes be quite problematic and difficult when you want to give the occasional bottle. With my previous two boys I’d tried every bottle and teat around - big ones, small ones, ones with lumps and bumps around them, and we even bought lots of different ones to try whilst on holiday in France, all to no avail. When Oscar, my third baby arrived, I’d decided that I’d stay an exclusive breastfeeder and not even try any bottles. But when I was asked to review the new Calma I jumped at the chance to see if what Medela claimed was true.
What we love
The Medela Calma is ergonomically designed, small and discreet in size. It’s very easy to put together, clean and is BPA free.
A great bonus is that it’s compatible with all of the Medela range, so if you have a Medela breast pump you can screw the Calma teat straight onto your expressed milk bottle.
As the Calma works differently to other teats by using a vacuum system, your baby can suck to their own rhythm so there’s very little, if any, spillage.
I tried the Calma when Oscar was 10 weeks old, established and happy with his breastfeeding. I was amazed that Oscar straight away took all of the milk that I’d expressed. The first couple of sucks seemed to shock him (I think it was more the strangeness of having a teat in his mouth) but he soon got used to it and was most definitely sucking the same way as when on the breast. Also, at his next feed on the breast, he sucked as if nothing had been different.
What to watch out for
The Calma is sold exclusively at Mothercare and is £11.99, which makes it one of the most expensive bottles on the market. If you were planning on using it often and buying a few bottles, the cost could soon mount up. Depending on why you’re buying it though, it could be a gamble or it could be the best £11.99 you’ve ever spent.
Who is the Medela Calma best for?
Breastfeeding mums who want a seamless move from breast and bottle and back again as they require.
The Medela Calma and the innovation that has gone into it make it a very special feeding bottle. It will enable mums to have the freedom to change between breast and bottle without jeopardising their breastfeeding routine. It’s also easy to use and clean, and a handy choice for mums who express with Medela breast pumps. Just be prepared to pay more than you would for a standard bottle.
