I know, I know—replacing your breast pump parts probably isn’t the hot mom topic you planned to think about today. I’m guessing it was more like: “When can I nap?” Or, “Did I brush my teeth today?” And maybe even, “How many cups of coffee can I safely drink?” But hear me out… Swapping out those tiny pieces of silicone and plastic is one of the simplest ways to keep your pump working well and your milk supply flowing.
Yet so many moms put it off or don’t even realize their pump parts need to be replaced. And I get it! You’re juggling a million things at once, so pump cleanliness may not be at the top of your to-do list. Nonetheless, it has to be done at some point, right?
That’s why today, we’re going to discuss all that need-to-know information about replacing pump parts. We’ll go over why it matters, what needs replacing and when, and how to keep your pump safe and clean. Because if you’re going to sit there for 20 minutes attached to a motor, it better work well!
How Often To Replace Breast Pump Parts
In this post, we’re diving into:
- Why you need to replace your breast pump parts
- What parts often get worn out
- How often to replace each part
- How to effectively clean everything (because mold is a territory no mom likes to venture into)
It’s also helpful to understand the ins and outs of pumping. Even if they don’t apply right now, they might later! If you’re interested in learning more, check out “Why Is My Breast Pump Not Suctioning?”, and “How To Choose The Right Breast Pump.”
Now, whether you’re brand new at pumping or you’re a total pro, we could all use help with part replacements. Let’s take a look at whether you should replace your breast pump parts, why it matters, and how to do it. Trust me, it’s a lot easier than you may think.
Do You Have To Replace Breast Pump Parts?
Short answer: YES! Long answers: still yes, but let’s break it down a little more.
Wear and tear is real.
Breast pumps are tiny but mighty. And when you’re pumping what feels like a million times a day, they wear out. Just like a pair of sneakers, your pump parts will need replacing after some time. Tiny cracks, stretched silicone, and weak seals can result in less suction and, therefore, less milk. This is obviously not what you want.
Your breast milk supply demands good suction.
When your duckbills, valve membranes, or backflow protector get old or cracked, your suction sucks (pun intended). If your pump feels weaker than usual, something probably needs to be replaced. Swapping out small parts can bring your pump back to full power without skipping a beat.
Bacteria loves worn parts.
Damaged parts can trap milk residue and grow germs. Proper scrubbing and air drying can eliminate this problem, but no amount of cleaning can fix a cracked valve. It’s important to keep an eye on your parts to make sure they’re in good condition. Fresh parts keep your milk clean and your mind at ease.
It saves you from buying a whole new part.
If your suction tanks, don’t panic and rush to replace your pump straight away. Many issues come down to old or worn parts, not the pump motor itself. Fresh parts cost way less than a new pump.
What Parts Of A Breast Pump Need To Be Replaced?
There are so many different parts of a breast pump, and they’re all responsible for doing different things! Here’s your thorough breakdown of what’s what:
Duckbills
Duckbills, also known as duck valves, do so much more than you think. Small but mighty, these little flaps help create suction by opening and closing. They wear out pretty fast, so make sure you’re always checking them for tears or stretching. Luckily, they’re super cheap to replace and can make a huge difference in how much milk you get per pump.
Valve Membranes
Membranes are the thin silicone disks that also help to maintain suction. When they begin to wear down, your pump power will drop drastically. Valve membranes need to be replaced often, especially if you’re pumping multiple times per day. It’s a good idea to keep a few of these on hand so you’re never stuck with weak suction during a pumping session.
Backflow Protector
Backflow protectors keep milk out of your tubing and pump motor. Because trust me, you do not want milk in there. Replace your backflow protectors if the membrane looks loose or the casing cracks. A worn-out backflow protector can lead to leaks, loss of suction, and even some very costly repairs if milk begins to back up where it shouldn’t.
Flanges
Flanges, also known as breast shields, sit directly on your boob. If you notice cracks or cloudy plastic, you need to swap them out for newbies. A proper fit is absolutely essential for your comfort and milk production. An ill-fitting or damaged flange can cause pain, clogged ducts, and lower supply—so check them regularly and make sure you have the right size. Not really sure how to size up to the right flange? Check out “How to Measure Flange Size Properly.” You may also find my freebie flange ruler handy!
Tubing
Tubing doesn’t always touch milk directly, but if condensation builds up, bacteria has a place to thrive. If you see water drops stuck inside or any milk, replace them ASAP. Make sure you dry the tubing thoroughly after cleaning with hot soapy water. Any trapped moisture is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, and nobody wants that near their liquid gold.
Collection Bottles
Milk collection bottles play a crucial role in capturing every precious drop of your milk. Over time, they can get scratched, cloudy, or develop tiny cracks that are hard to clean properly, trapping yucky bacteria. Damaged bottles can harbor bacteria and may even leak. Inspect them regularly and replace them if they look worn, especially if you notice milk leaks or if they don’t seal as tightly anymore.
When To Replace Breast Pump Parts
Our Pump Replacement Parts Guide Freebie is super handy. But if you need a quick refresh, we’ve got you covered! We recommend replacing:
- Duckbills: Every 2-3 months
- Valve Membranes: Every 2-3 months
- Backflow Protector: Replace only if hard plastic is broken (dependent on brand)
- Flanges: Every 3-6 months
- Tubing: Replace when moldy or loose
If you notice less suction, weird noises, milk leaking where it shouldn’t be, or cracking in these parts—they may need to be replaced! Most of the time, something has passed its use-by date. So, before you replace your whole pump, replace your pump parts first. Whether exclusively pumping or supplementing, a correctly fitting and working pump can improve your nursing experience greatly.
Keep your pump in good condition by replacing parts when needed.
Replacing your pump kit parts may seem like a boring task, but clogged ducts, wasted milk, and a destroyed supply are way worse. You don’t need to be perfect, just proactive! Trust me, your boobs (and your baby) will thank you.
If you’d like to learn more from a trusted educational (and supportive source) check out The Ultimate Pumping Course. Consider this your guide to stress-free pumping, from the first feed to the last.
And, of course, now is the perfect time to check out your pump parts and keep your pump working well. You’ve got this! If you need a little more guidance along the way, speak to our friendly team of lactation consultants and head to the One With The Pump blog! We’re your one-stop shop for all things pumping.
