If your breast pump is not suctioning the way it used to, the problem often lies in one of two breast pump parts. Most breast pumps have a valve plus a diaphragm, filter or backflow protector. The number one cause of low suction is a dirty, torn or worn out valve. If you valve is the type that has a valve head and membrane shown here, it is imperative that you remove these parts when cleaning. The valve membrane will retain a build up that decreases the suction. Taking the membrane apart from the head is essential to remove this build-up. If you see that the membrane will no longer close completely with the head or if it has a tear, replace it as soon as possible.
If your breast pump has a duckbill valve (shown below) which in most cases is a clear or white valve, the tip of the duckbill must be able to close completely. If it remains open, the amount of pressure your pump can provide is decreased. As a rule, if you are pumping three times per day or more, replace duckbill valves every six to eight weeks at minimum. This is a small maintenance expense that will reward you in the dividend of a healthier milk supply.
One example of essential breast pump parts that need replacement are the Spectra S2 parts that include the white duckbill valve and the backflow protector. These two parts are the most commonly replaced parts for Spectra breast pumps and if either of these parts is used for longer that eight weeks, the amount of pressure your breast pump has can be decreased. The longer you use a breast pump with parts that are not functioning at capacity, the greater the chance of decreasing milk supply.
The most commonly replaced parts for each brand are listed below:
Spectra - duckbill valve, backflow protector
Ameda - duckbill valve, diaphragms
If your breast pump has a duckbill valve (shown below) which in most cases is a clear or white valve, the tip of the duckbill must be able to close completely. If it remains open, the amount of pressure your pump can provide is decreased. As a rule, if you are pumping three times per day or more, replace duckbill valves every six to eight weeks at minimum. This is a small maintenance expense that will reward you in the dividend of a healthier milk supply.
The most commonly replaced parts for each brand are listed below:
Spectra - duckbill valve, backflow protector
Ameda - duckbill valve, diaphragms
Motif - duckbill valve, diaphragms
Hygiea - duckbill valve, bacteriostatic filter
ARDO - duckbill valve, membrane pot
PJ's Limerick - micron filter, silicone gasket
Bailey Nurture III - filter
Breast pumps that do not have closed systems such as Medela do not need parts replaced as often, but open system can lead to exposure of bacteria to breast milk so we do not recommend these pumps.
Lactation Connection offers subscription services for replacement parts on our most popular brands so that you don't forget to replace them on a regular basis. We only sell authentic manufacturers parts for Spectra, Ameda, Hygeia, ARDO, Limerick, Bailey, Rumble Tuff and BelleMa to ensure quality of performance in your breast pump.
Salud! Here is to a healthy milk supply!
Tanya
Hygiea - duckbill valve, bacteriostatic filter
ARDO - duckbill valve, membrane pot
PJ's Limerick - micron filter, silicone gasket
Bailey Nurture III - filter
Breast pumps that do not have closed systems such as Medela do not need parts replaced as often, but open system can lead to exposure of bacteria to breast milk so we do not recommend these pumps.
Lactation Connection offers subscription services for replacement parts on our most popular brands so that you don't forget to replace them on a regular basis. We only sell authentic manufacturers parts for Spectra, Ameda, Hygeia, ARDO, Limerick, Bailey, Rumble Tuff and BelleMa to ensure quality of performance in your breast pump.
Salud! Here is to a healthy milk supply!
Tanya
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