In 1939, a leading Swedish gynecologist compelled his friend Einar Egnell, a talented inventor and engineer, of the need for a better breast pump for nursing mothers. Prior to this, breast pumps were painful for women to use and not very effective. With the cooperation and interest of Syster Maja, a nurse in the gynecology department of Stockholm's newest hospital, serving mothers by providing them with the best possible breast pump turned into Egnell's biggest interest, passion and life work.

Three years and eight versions later, Syster Maja was finally satisfied with Egnell's breast pump. It closely mimicked the sucking rhythm and intensity of a nursing baby, caused no discomfort to mothers and included the highest standards of hygiene. In recognition, Egnell named his breast pump the SMB, Syster Majas Brostpump, after her.

For 30 years, Egnell embarked on a new career providing quality breast pumps to nursing mothers throughout Europe and around the world. Ensuring that his life work of service to mothers continued, Egnell's company became Ameda AG of Switzerland.

In 1994, Ameda revolutionized breast pump technology again with its innovative HygieniKit Milk Collection System. The HygieniKit features a patented diaphragm that acts as a two-way barrier between mother's milk and pump tubing. This means that the pump and kit tubing never require cleaning because they don't come into contact with mother's milk and the milk is protected from any potential contaminants that may be present in the pump or tubing.

In 2001, the FDA reviewed and upheld Ameda's claim that the HygieniKit Milk Collection System protects both collected breastmilk from viruses and bacteria that may be present in the pump or kit tubing and conversely, the pump and kit tubing are protected from viruses and bacteria that may be present in collected milk. Ameda is the only company with the FDA clearance to make this strong protective claim. Due to the greater risk of infection for premature or sick newborn babies, this claim is of most significance to women using rented or hospital breast pumps.

Today, an Ameda breast pump combines Egnell's gold-standard pump technology, a modern HygieniKit Milk Collection System and 21st century features modern women expect. Ameda's mission - like Egnell's - is to serve breastfeeding mothers. Everything Ameda offers, from the highest quality breast pumps and products to breastfeeding education as well as support of lactation professionals, reflects a passion for breastfeeding.