What to do when your breast pump isn’t working
There are few items that new parents depend on more than a breast pump — and that’s why it can be especially jarring when they’re not working properly. If you’ve ever thought, “My breast is full of milk, but it’s not coming out,” noticed excessive condensation in your breast pump tubes, or wondered what the signs of breast tissue damage from pumping might be, your concerns might be due to issues with your breast pump, not breastfeeding itself.
Breast pumps — like all machines — can malfunction. Thankfully, they can also be fixed with a little troubleshooting. Here are a few common breast pump issues and how to fix them.
My breast pump is not turning on
If your breast pump won’t turn on, the first thing you should do is check the power source. Make sure your outlet is working properly. If it is, take a look at your motor and charging cable. Is the cord plugged into the power adapter all the way? Are there frays or permanent kinks in the wire? If so, contact your breast pump manufacturer in order to replace your adapter.
My breast pump is losing suction
If you notice that your breast pump’s suction has decreased, there are two things you should check first: Your pump’s valves and membranes. Your breast pump’s valves and membranes work together to facilitate suction; when they get old or break, that suction decreases. If you notice cracks, tears, or defects of any sort in these pieces, it’s time to replace them.
As a note, you should be regularly replacing these parts of your pump even if they aren’t broken. Your pump’s manual should have a schedule for how often each part needs to be replaced. Before you go out and buy them, check with The Lactation Network’s marketplace partners.
Other culprits for poor suction may be a failing motor, uncharged batteries (in a battery-operated pump), or misfit flanges.
What you can do
Make sure the tubes are securely attached to the motor, since it’s easy to forget to fully connect the tube (especially if you’re tired). If you are pumping one breast at a time, make sure the second tube port is covered (if your pump has both) so you aren’t losing suction there. If you’re interested in hand expression but are unsure how to express milk manually, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can show you the technique.
There’s condensation in my breast pump’s tubing
Condensation in breast pump tubing is fairly common, and it’s an easy problem to fix. To clean the tubing, simply run the pump with only the tubing attached and remove the milk collection kit (aka bottle and breast shield part of the setup). This will help dry out any moisture, so you’re all set for your next pumping session.
What you can do
Make sure that you’re cleaning and sanitizing your breast pump parts regularly, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines. However, whatever you do, don’t wash or sterilize tubing. It’s not recommended because they will never sufficiently dry. Order your new tubing as needed (most manufacturers recommend every three months) through our marketplace partners, along with extra insurance-covered accessories.
My breast pump isn’t getting enough milk
If your pump isn’t getting enough milk during regular pumping sessions, it’s a good idea to start by ensuring that your flanges are properly fitting. “Using the right flange size is very important,” Chrisie Rosenthal, IBCLC says. “If you’re using a size that’s not the best fit for you, you’ll typically see a decrease in your pumped volume and you may experience sore, damaged nipples. Using the wrong size may also lead to ongoing issues such as recurrent plugged ducts, and ultimately impact your supply. Keep in mind that your flange size may change over time, and the best fit for your left and right breast may be different.”
There can be a handful of other nuanced reasons your pump may not be wholly effective for your needs, and working with an IBCLC can help get to the root cause and find solutions to help your pump work for your needs.
What you can do
Know that as your breast milk is transitioning during your postpartum days, your breasts are likely to change in size. Having a few backup flanges in different sizes is a good idea for all pumping parents, and many notice that their milk starts flowing when they use the right size flange. If you notice any signs of breast tissue damage from pumping, reach out to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) right away.
If you’re considering a hospital-grade rental breast pump or other forms of breast milk expression to get milk flowing (think hand expression or gentle massage) speak to your doctor or IBCLC about how you might increase your milk production. Only you and your IBCLC will be able to determine how your breasts feel, how your milk ducts are producing, and what your baby’s milk production needs are.
Explore our marketplace partners for pump replacements or parts. If you’ve troubleshot your machine and replaced parts, but pumping issues persist, get in touch with a lactation consultant who can assess your lactation situation and make recommendations for next steps. We also offer insurance-covered, in-home lactation consultations with an IBCLC.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
