How Often To Change Pump Parts
Over time, breast pump parts experience wear and tear. This tin impact your pump's suction, potentially causing a subtract in milk production. Here'due south how oftentimes you lot should supervene upon your breast pump parts to avert bug with your milk supply.
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The frequency with which you'll need to supercede your pump parts depends on the piece as well as how often you pump. Below is a breakdown of how often each individual pump part should be replaced.
How often to replace pump parts
Below are general timeframes for replacing each pump part.
However, it's a good idea to check with your breast pump manufacturer to confirm how frequently they suggest replacement, as this tin can differ betwixt brands. (Specific recommendations for some of the pop chest pump manufacturers are included at the bottom of this post.)
Duckbills (duck valves)
(as well called duckbills) are made of silicone, and they stretch and release each time the pump motor pulls at the valve, creating the suction necessary to remove chest milk from your breasts.
If your breast pump is starting to lose suction, replacing the valves is ane of the showtime things that you should endeavour.
How often to replace duck valves: If you pump 3 or more times per day, replace duck valves every calendar month. If you pump less than three times per twenty-four hour period, supersede every 2-3 months.
Note: To extend the life of your valves, Spectra recommends fugitive washing valves in the dishwasher. Instead, duck valves should be done in hot, soapy water with a make clean brush.
Valve Membrane
serve the same purpose equally duck values. (Spectra pumps more often than not come with duck valves and some Medela pumps come with valve membranes.)
Valve membranes have two pieces – the xanthous slice, which is the valve, and the white piece, which is the membrane.
How often to replace valve membranes: If you pump 3 or more times per day, replace valve membranes every ii-4 weeks. If y'all pump less than 3 times per solar day, supercede every 2 months.
Backflow Protectors
prevent chest milk and moisture from entering your tubing.
Non all pumps take split backflow protectors. Medela pumps, for example, do not have them, while Spectra pumps practise.
How often to replace backflow protectors: If you pump 3 or more times per day, supplant backflow protectors every 3 months. If you pump less than iii times per twenty-four hour period, supplant every 6 months.
Chest Shields and Connectors
are also called flanges, and are the parts that attach to your breasts. (Annotation that y'all may need a different size than the ane that comes with your pump. More info on how to detect the correct size here.)
Connectors are the pieces that connect your chest shields to your valves, tubing, and backflow protectors.
Some pumps (like Spectra) just take one piece that is both a chest shield and connector. Other pumps (like Medela) have separate pieces.
Sometimes residue builds upwards on these pump parts, specially in hard to reach spots on connectors. This buildup can reduce the effectiveness of the pump.
How ofttimes to supersede breast shields: Every vi months, or immediately if yous notice tears or cracks.
Tubing
connects your pump motor to your pump parts and bottles.
How tubing should be treated varies depending on the pump manufacturer. Spectra tubing, for case, should exist replaced immediately if chest milk or moisture gets into the pump because it tin harm the motor. Medela tubing tin can be washed if this happens.
How oft to replace tubing: If tubing slides on and off easily when you're not moving around, or when milk or wet gets into the tubing of a closed system pump.
Below is a quick reference guide to when to supervene upon pump parts:
Replacement schedules suggested by chest pump manufacturers
As noted in a higher place, it'due south a skilful idea to check what your breast pump manufacturer recommends in terms of when to supercede pump parts.
While the guidelines in a higher place are a skilful start, your pump parts may crave a unlike timeline, depending on the brand.
To notice out what your pump requires, bank check the didactics transmission. (If you don't accept yours any more, you can unremarkably find it online if you search.)
Below are what manufacturers recommend for some pop breast pumps.
Spectra replacement recommendations
Below are Spectra'southward guidelines for how often their pump parts should be replaced:
- Duckbills: Pumping more than than 3 times per day – every 2 months / Pumping 1-three times per day – every 3 months
- Backflow protectors: Pumping more than 3 times per day – every 3 months / Pumping i-iii times per day – every 6 months
- Tubing: Replace as needed
- Breast shields: Pumping more than three times per day – every half-dozen months / Pumping 1-3 times per day – as needed
Medela replacement guidelines
In their FAQ chatbot, Medela says that their new breast pump parts (shown below) should be replaced when damaged/as needed. They do non demand to be replaced in a certain timeframe.
Motif replacement recommendations
Beneath are Motif's guidelines for how frequently their pump parts should exist replaced:
- Duckbills: Every 1-3 months, or when torn, warped, discolored, or they no longer close
- Backflow protectors: When they lose elasticity or become torn, warped, or discolored
- Tubing: Every i-iii months
- Breast shields: Every 6 months, or when they become cracked or warped
Ameda breast pump part replacement guidelines
Ameda recommends replacing the valve every 8-12 weeks, only this can depend based on cleaning and use. Flanges should exist replaced when damaged.
Elvie replacement recommendations
Elvie says
that the "expected operating life of the replaceable washable components is vi months."
Y'all may be able to salve money on replacement parts through breast pump part resupply programs.
What is your feel? Do you regularly replace breast pump parts? Do you observe a difference in suction and milk supply when you exercise?
References
- Medela. "Ofttimes Asked Questions." http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/faqs
- Spectra Baby Australia. "Complete Guide to Replacing your Breast Pump Parts." https://spectra-baby.com.au/consummate-guide-replacing-breast-pump-parts/
- Spectra Baby Australia. "How frequently should you lot replace breast pump valves?" https://spectra-baby.com.au/how-frequently-should-you-replace-chest-pump-valves/
- Spectra Infant Australia. "Milk in your Backflow Protector?" https://spectra-babe.com.au/milk-backflow-protector/
Source: https://exclusivepumping.com/when-to-replace-breast-pump-parts/
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