

For this reason we recommend replacement every 6 months for hygiene reasons. Keep an eye out for buildup of residue in cracks and crevices of the shield - sometimes the most rigorous cleaning routine is no match for hard to reach places, and over time buildup does occur.

Replace the breastshield and all bottles and teats every 6 months. Replace breastshields, bottles and teats every 6 months Just take care to notice if the tubing slips on and off considerably easy, then it may be time to replace. This is how it’s supposed to work, therefore not a sign of needing replacement. Note that it is typical for the tubing to slip off if you are moving around while pumping, or if the tubing isn’t secured tightly onto the pump motor or backflow protector. If the tubing slides on and off the backflow protector or pump motor easily, then it’s time to replace it. The ends of the tubing can also stretch out and degrade over time with use, which can impact suction performance of the pump. There is no way to sterilise the tubing and it’s important to keep the tubing completely dry because moisture can cause damage to the motor. However, should moisture ever enter the tubing, we recommend replacing the tubing. The backflow protector should prevent moisture from entering the tubing. If not changed regularly, they will impact suction strength, and risk mould and bacteria in your pump, and possibly your milk. The backflow protector is the heart of a closed system pump and protect your baby’s milk from contaminants and bacteria that could cause harm, so take great care of these. Wash it in hot soapy water and let it air dry and ensure it is completely dry before use again. Inspect this part regularly before you pump because a torn, wet or damaged backflow protector diaphragm can allow moisture into the pump motor, causing irreparable damage and the potential for mould and bacteria to fester. Replace these every 2 to 3 months if you pump once a day, and replace every 6 to 8 weeks if you pump more frequently. Just like the valves, the diaphragms in the backflow protectors can stretch and degrade over time, impacting suction. Sterilising also can make these wear a lot faster, so always have spare valves on hand to switch when you notice you have a suction problem.īackflow protector diaphragms need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months Duck valves last a little bit longer than valve membranes, but still tend to be easily damaged or worn from use and washing. Replace these every 2-3 months if you use your pump less than once a day, and replace every 3 to 4 weeks if you pump more than once a day and about every 2 weeks if you exclusively pump. If your milk collection kit has a silicone duck valve, it needs to be replaced frequently as well. Sterilising can also cause very fast deterioration, so always have spares on hand to change as needed.ĭuck valves need to be replaced every 2 weeks to 2 months The valve membrane needing replacement causes the vast majority of suction issues. If your pump loses suction on one side, or you experience less suction when pumping, these membranes need replacement. If you ever see that the membrane doesn’t lay flat against the valve, it’s time to replace it, but it’s worth noting that damage is rarely visible in these small pieces.

Replace these every 2 months if you use your pump less than once a day, and replace every 2-4 weeks if using more frequently. The membranes are made of silicone and over time will stretch and lose elasticity, which can impact suction power. The little white flaps on the valves need to be replaced regularly. Valve membranes need to be replaced every 2 weeks to 2 months Here’s a rundown of the pump parts you will need to replace on a regular basis, and how often to do so. If you notice that your pump seems to have lost suction, the first thing you should do is take a look at your parts, particularly the valves, and inspect for wear, fraying or stretching and replace if needed. Usually these problems can be easily resolved with a new part. Unfortunately, lots of mums will notice that the pump isn't working as well as it did, and think there's something wrong with their actual pump, or (even worse) that there's a problem with milk supply. After a while some parts wear down and can fray or become over stretched and this results in a loss of suction when you are using your pump.

Lots of mums are not aware that some breast pump parts do need replacing regularly to maintain performance.
