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A working and fully functional breast pump is a total must-have for mamas whether you’re pumping to build a supply or managing a busy pumping schedule. It’s just one of those things that, when it’s working right, makes your life sooo much easier! But what happens when your pump isn’t suctioning well, or worse, not suctioning at all?
Well, it’s pretty frustrating, especially when you’re relying on it to nourish your little one with your liquid gold. So, first things first: you’re definitely not alone. Whether it’s weak suction, no suction, or inconsistent suction, a lot of mamas deal with this issue. The good news is that there are a lot of potential reasons why this could be happening!
So, in today’s post, we’re going to dive into some of the most common breast pump issues. By the end, you’ll have a way better understanding of what could be happening, and how you can fix it!
Why Is My Breast Pump Not Suctioning?
Improper Assembly
The first and most common reason why your pump is not working is it simply is not put together correctly. Incorrect assembly is a super common issue and can allow air to escape from your pump, reducing the suction you need. A missing duckbill is the culprit of so much stress for so many moms as its essentially the engine of your set up. Before use, double-check the assembly of your pump, ensuring all parts are correctly aligned and nice and tight!
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Clogged or Blocked Tubing
Blocked tubing can really affect suction strength. This happens when milk or moisture accumulates in the tubing, blocking airflow and reducing suction power. To fix this, inspect the tubing for any blockages, cracks, or kinks. Then, rinse it with warm water and let it dry out completely before you try using it again.
Flange Size or Fit Issues
An improper flange size can prevent effective suction of your breast pump. A flange that’s too small or too large can create a poor seal around the breast, letting air escape and messing with the suction. Make sure you’re using the correct flange size for your nipple and know how your flanges should look!
Low Battery or Power Issues
Low battery or power problems are super common errors that lead to reduced suction. A low battery or faulty connection can cause the pump motor to be weak, affecting suction strength. Check the battery level or try regularly replacing the batteries. For electric pumps, check the power source and connections, and make sure you charge it often.
Dirty, Wet, or Worn Out Parts
Milk residue and general wear and tear on parts of the pump can prevent it from sealing properly, weakening suction. Make sure you clean all the parts of your pump properly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Wet parts can also cause for improper suction, so give them parts time to dry. Never have enough time to let them dry? Get yourself an extra set.
Know when it’s time to replace any worn or damaged parts, like valves or membranes by reaching out to a professional or the manufacturer of your pump. Just make sure you care for the replaced parts properly to ensure that you’re not replacing them again anytime soon. Find my pump replacement guide HERE!
Pump Motor Malfunction
Over time, the motor in your pumps can wear out or malfunction, which causes weak suction. If none of the other solutions work, speak to the manufacturer for troubleshooting, or, if possible, a motor replacement under warranty. If this is the case, sometimes a new pump is the easier, cheaper option, and we can set you up with the perfect pump via our free pump-matching quiz!
Suction Setting Too Low
If the suction setting on your pump is too low or weak, it can feel like the pump isn’t working properly. Gradually increase the suction level to find one that works for you, but make sure you build your way up, as setting it too high can bring a bit of discomfort.
Do Breast Pumps Lose Suction Over Time?
Yes–breast pumps can definitely lose suction over time, especially with regular use. This is usually because of wear and tear on parts like valves, membranes, and tubing. Even a small tear can greatly affect the amount of suction. You might start noticing a decline in suction after just a few months of use. When you’re choosing a breast pump, it’s important you look for quality, comfort, durability, and suction strength.
Opting for a high-quality pump will make sure that it lasts longer. Remember, regular maintenance and thorough cleaning can keep suction stronger for longer. If you notice a decrease in suction, make sure you check the valves and tubing first before assuming you need a whole pump replacement.
Before setting off on your pumping journey or going any further, you should check out The Ultimate Pumping Course. This course outlines any questions you may have, and also helps you learn how to pump better, pump more, and pump pain-free! It’s exactly what you need to have a positive pumping journey that doesn’t totally SUCK… pun intended!
How Strong Should Breast Pump Suction Be?
The suction strength on a breast pump should be strong enough to stimulate your nipples, but shouldn’t cause you pain or discomfort. Usually, pumps will have adjustable levels, allowing you to find the setting that works for you and your baby. Just start low and build up to make sure you stay comfortable.
You will be able to tell if the suction is working well if you’re able to express milk efficiently without discomfort. There should be a strong, steady pull that stimulates milk flow, but it shouldn’t be too intense or cause pain. If it’s becoming uncomfortable, try a lower setting and then chat with a virtual pumping/lactation consultant who can guide you through the steps to find the issue.
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How To Get Good Suction With A Breast Pump
Check your flange size-size matters!
As we said above, flange size definitely matters when it comes to good suction. If it’s too small, it’ll pinch and hurt, but going too big won’t create the right suction to pull the milk. Measure yourself with our flange ruler to make sure you’re using the right size; it’ll make a world of difference!
Start slow and then speed it up.
Don’t dive straight into high suction levels. Instead, think of it as like your pre-workout warmup. Starting slow and low is a great way to stimulate the natural flow of breastfeeding. If you need to, you can gradually increase the speed and suction to find what feels good. as needed.
You really need to feel suction out, as what works for one, won’t always work for another. This way, you get maximum milk with minimal discomfort because pumping doesn’t need to be uncomfortable!
Stay relaxed.
Stress can definitely slow your milk flow, and that’s the last thing you want while sitting down for a pump session. This tip is especially important while pumping at work, as this is when lots of mamas can feel a little stressed out.
To stay calm, pop on some soothing music or look at a cute picture of your baby. This might sound a little odd, but oxytocin (the hormone that helps milk flow) works best when you’re calm. Deep breaths, mama you got this!
You can even try some positive affirmations if you need a little more support. And be sure to use my Pumping Door Sign to get a little extra privacy!
Use a wearable breast pump.
Are you a multitasker like me? A wearable breast pump can be seriously helpful. It can also be good for keeping your suction consistent while you scroll through your phone, sip on a warm drink, or read, without having to play a balancing act. Just don’t make this your primary pump.
Keep your breast pump parts clean and tidy.
It can be easy to forget about or get in a rush, especially when the baby needs changing, but keeping your pump clean is key. Build-up can actually reduce suction efficiency, so when you leave your pump dirty, you’re basically putting a damper on your pumping game. Wash your pump (Discount MOWTP10D), valve and membrane parts, and all the extras after each use and sterilize them to keep your pump in tip-top condition!
A good breast pump can make a huge difference!
Getting the right suction strength can seriously make or break your pumping experience. So, understanding suction strength is key to getting the most out of your pump. If you’re looking for more tips on how to optimize your pumping experience, head over to my blog to learn about the benefits of pumping and so much more!
