How often should i replace pump parts

Q: Do you have to wash your pump parts after every session?

After each pumping session, its important to wash all breast pump parts and bottles as soon as possible. You can do this either by hand-washing the parts, or by putting them in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturers recommendations.

Changing your breast pump parts depends on each part and condition, and how frequently you pump.

Table of Contents Show

Breast Pump Warranty
Duck Valves/Duckbills
Valve Membrane
Backflow Protectors
Breast Shields and Connectors
Cleaning Breast Pump Parts
The Recommended Sterilisation Frequency for Your Breast Pump Parts
The Rate of Replacement of Different Breast Pump Parts
How often do you have to replace pump parts?
Do you have to wash your pump parts after every session?
Do you have to boil your pump parts after every use?
When should I replace Medela pump parts?

Breast pumps are ideal for creating a stash of healthy milk for your baby. We know it's imperative to wash your pump parts after each session, however, how often should you change your breast pump parts? With wear and tear and depending on how frequently you pump, each pump part has a different estimate on when to change them. Follow the guidelines from Exclusive Pumping and Motif Medical to avoid any problems.

Worn out breast pump parts are one of the leading causes of lower milk supply. - Motif Medical

Breast Pump Warranty

Always check your breast pump warranty to check which parts are covered, suggests Jennifer Jordan. Many breast pump motors will work for 300 hours before showing signs that the pump is not working efficiently, such as poor suction. Any parts covered by the warranty will save you money if they need replacements.

“If your pump parts wear out before your 90 days are up,” suggest Jordan, “you can usually contact your manufacturer for a replacement.” - Romper

Duck Valves/Duckbills

Breast pumps have either a duck valve or valve membrane. The duck valves enable the suction to extract the milk from your breasts. Since duck valves are made from silicone, they stretch when the motor of the pump engages the valve.

If your breast pump is starting to lose suction, replacing the valves is one of the first things that you should try. - Exclusive Pumping

Breastfeeding moms who pump three or more times per day should replace the duck valves each month and moms who pump less than three times per day should replace the duck valves every two to three months.

Via medical news today

Valve Membrane

The valve membrane in select breast pumps also allows for the suction of milk from the breast. If you use the valve membrane, the yellow part if the valve and the white part is the membrane.

Nursing moms who pump three times a day or more should replace them every two to four weeks. If you pump less, such as three times or day or under, replace the valve membranes every two months.

Backflow Protectors

Not all pumps have backflow protectors, but if yours does, the purpose is to keep breast milk and moisture from getting into the tubing. This is an important feature as the tubing must remain dry and moisture-free.

For moms who pump frequently such as three or more times per day, replace the backflow protectors every three months. For less frequent pumping or less than three times per day, replace them every six months.

Breast Shields and Connectors

Breast shields or flanges are the pump parts that connect to your breasts. The connectors link the breast shields to your valves, tubing and backflow protectors.

Replace breast shields or connectors every six months or if you notice damage to them. Also, replace breast shields if they are not the right size for your breasts. Note your breast size can change throughout your breastfeeding experience.

Pumped milk, which might have been used to feed the world's longest breastfed baby. via Wikimedia Commons, ParentingPatch

Tubing

The tubing runs between the pump parts and bottles to the pump motor. Replace tubing immediately if it moves around, slides on and off easily, or if moisture or breast milk gets in your pump. If you hand wash your breast pump tubing, make sure it is completely dry before using it.

Cleaning Breast Pump Parts

To help extend your breast pump, be sure to clean your pump parts properly. Always hand wash each item in hot soapy water and sanitize after every use. Residue from breast milk can be difficult to remove if each part is not washed properly. This can affect your milk production as well as the quality of your milk, since milk residue or germs can contribute to mold or bacteria on your pump parts. Make sure to also store milk safely in a proper container and label it with the date of pumping.

NEXT: 20 Things Moms Do With Their Breastfed Babies (That They Shouldn't)

Sources: Exclusive Pumping, Motif Medical, Romper

August 15, 2022

Sterilising and replacing your breast pump parts are essential in forging a healthy and safe experience for mother and child. How often should these two activities be conducted? To expel any confusion and reassure you that you’re right on track, here are various advisories for sterilising and replacing your breast pump parts.

The Recommended Sterilisation Frequency for Your Breast Pump Parts

Sterilisation is an important step in maintaining the cleanliness of your breast pump parts. Babies can potentially contract life-threatening illnesses if you do not ensure the proper cleaning and sterilising of your breast pump parts. There are various sterilisation methods: using a UV steriliser, steam steriliser, microwave steam bag, or simply boiling them in a large pot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sterilising your breast pump parts at least once a day. This is especially necessitous if your baby is less than three months old, born prematurely, or has a compromised immune system. For older and healthy babies, we also recommend cleaning and sterilising pump parts meticulously after every use. This is because we emphasise using clean and sterile parts for every pumping session to reduce the potential of bacterial infection.

The Rate of Replacement of Different Breast Pump Parts

As high-usage products, breast pump parts undergo wear and tear over time. Some signs include fraying, tears, or over-stretching. Routine replacement is needed to maintain optimal performance and milk production. Two key factors that affect replacement frequency include the type of breast pump part and how often you pump.

Breast Shields: Also called flanges, breast shields are the firm cones that connect directly to your breast. It is unavoidable for breast shields to accumulate residue in the areas that are difficult to reach. Breast shields can also crack or become deformed as time passes, depending on how frequently you pump. Discolouration may also occur, but this does not affect its function. Ideally, they should be replaced every 6 months if you are exclusively pumping or pump over 4 times daily. If you pump less frequently, check your breast shield regularly and replace as required.
Tubing: Cimilre’s tubing is attachable to our complete protection system, so you need not worry about stuck mould or milk. It is unnecessary to wash the tubing since it does not come into contact with breast milk. If the exterior is soiled, simply wipe it with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipe. A replacement every 3 to 6 months is advised, or whenever needed.
Silicone Valve: A silicone valve is screwed on to the flanges, responsible for controlling your pump’s suction, and as its name suggests, is constructed from silicone. If you pump over 4 times a day or sterilise it regularly, replace it every month. On the other hand, if you pump between one to three times daily, replace it every two to three months. Remember to check periodically for decreased elasticity or deformity. Smaller breast pump parts may not always show visible damage, so it is important to check thoroughly.
Backflow Protector: The backflow protector is a soft piece of silicone that stops milk from the breast shield from backing up into the tubing. If you pump three or more times daily, replace it every three months. If you pump less frequently, replace it every 6 months. Replace it when you notice any tears, stretching or loss of elasticity of the membranes. Inspect it regularly before you pump as a damaged backflow protector may result in increased moisture into the pump motor. This causes irreparable damage and the possibility of bacteria and mould to grow. Disinfecting and replacing your breast pump parts are vital in ensuring that your baby receives clean, sterile and untainted milk, and that you optimise milk expression to meet your baby’s growing needs. While it can be tedious to perform these routines regularly, keep in mind that your actions today will go a long way in benefiting both mother and child.

How often do you have to replace pump parts?

However, a good rule of thumb is to replace your pump parts every 90 days. With that said, keep in mind that worn-out breast pump parts are one of the main causes of low milk supply. This is because parts can wear down over time, which can result in a loss of suction when pumping.

Do you have to wash your pump parts after every session?

After each pumping session, it's important to wash all breast pump parts and bottles as soon as possible. You can do this either by hand-washing the parts, or by putting them in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

Do you have to boil your pump parts after every use?

All breast pump parts that come in contact with breast milk, such as bottles, valves and breast shields, should be cleaned after each use. It is not possible to completely sterilize breast pump parts at home, even if you boil them. However, sterilization is not necessary to keep these parts safe and sanitary.

When should I replace Medela pump parts?

As part of your regular pumping routine, be sure to examine your pump parts. If you notice damage or extensive wear, replace the part immediately. Medela recommends replacing your membranes every 3 – 6 months, depending on your pumping frequency.

replace pump parts