Low or No Suction on One Side

While low or no suction can occur with a breast pump, it should not be possible for your motor to create different suction on each side. If this seems to be occurring, it is likely a problem with a component part or the assembly of parts. Below is the troubleshooting process as our customer service team would walk your through it- take notes and share with us the results if you need to make a warranty claim.

1. Check your breastshield or flange size! Find information on measuring here. If you are feeling no suction it may simply be that the flange is too large and is not putting pressure on your nipple. 

• You may need a different size flange for each breast! Make sure to measure both sides. 
• It is possible for flange size to change throughout your pumping journey, so even if you have used the pump before, it's possible that you need a different flange size today.
• Some moms do need a size we do not carry. If you need a size that you are unable to find contact us and we will help you get the pair you need.

2. Pull out your breast pump parts. Carefully inspect each part for any damage, a small tear or hole is enough to cause you not to get suction. Pay close attention to the diaphragms, valves and tubing in particular. Note if anything looks damaged or different. 

• Compare the two valves. Does the slit on one valve appear to be more open than the other? If so, note this. 
• Are the parts clean and dry? If you store your pumping kit in the fridge, moisture can build up and reduce suction. Make sure the parts are room temperature and dry before using them again.

3. Attach the tubing to both airflow ports. Put your finger over the free end of the tubing. Test both tubing pieces. 

• Pull your finger away and repeat. Do you feel the pull on your finger? If you do not, study the tubing carefully, are there any tears? Is it wider than it used to be? Does it stay well attached to the pump?
• Make sure the tubing is free of any twist or kinks. 

4. Assemble your diaphragms. Pay close attention to the direction of the membranes. The membranes should fit into the diaphragm assemblies easily. Note if the diaphragm does not stay shut well. 

5. Use a twisting motion to attach the diaphragms to your flanges. Attach the valves and bottles to your flanges. 

6. Attach the tubing to your diaphragm assembly. Feel for suction with your breast on the flange, or by putting your palm over the flange. Do you feel the pull? Note which side has no suction- right or left. Turn off the pump. 

7. Next, we swap out the parts. Starting with the valve. Swap the valve from the side with no suction, to the side with suction, and vice versa. Swapping which side of the pump the valves are attached to. Turn on the pump. 

• Did the side with no suction change? If so, it is due to that valve not working properly. Replace the valve if so. 
• Did the side with no suction stay the same? If so, continue on with the troubleshooting.

8. Next, swap the diaphragms. Take the diaphragm from the side with no suction, and move this to the side with suction, and vice versa. Swapping which side each diaphragm is attached to. Turn on the pump. Note if the diaphragm on either side is not inflating at all. 

• Did the side with no suction change? If so, it is due to that diaphragm not working properly. Replace the diaphragm if so. 
• Did the side with no suction stay the same? If so, continue on with the troubleshooting.

9. Now, swap the tubing. Take the tubing from the side with no suction, and move it to the side with suction, and vice versa. Swapping which side of the pump each piece of tubing is attached to. Turn on the pump. 

• Did the side with no suction change? If so, it is due to that tubing not working properly. Replace the tubing if so. 
• Was the diaphragm not inflating? Did the side where the diaphragm did not inflate change when you swapped the tubing?
• Does the tubing seem loose on either the diaphragm, or the pump itself? Note if so.

10. I tried all of this, but the side with no suction did not change despite moving all the parts from one side to the other. 

• There may be something anatomical going on, to rule this out, attach each port of the pump to the opposite side of your body. If you normally pump the right breast with the right airflow port, instead, try pumping the right breast with the left port, and vice versa. 
• Does the issue remain on that side of the pump? Or does the side with no suction/ output stay on the same breast?
• If it remains on the same breast, you may need a different size flange on that breast. We would recommend getting in touch with a lactation consultant to help you get this resolved.

If the side of the pump remains without suction, despite swapping parts and breasts, there may be something wrong with your pump. Contact us for further assistance. 

• If you identified a pump part which was causing the issue, and this part has been used less than 30 days, this may be covered by the warranty. Contact us for more information.