Suction that does not release

When this issue presents it may be uncomfortable- the pump will suction the breast, but not release the suction, expressing the milk. Luckily, most cases of this happening are simple to fix! 

For the suction on your pump to work properly, the suction loop between the diaphragms, valves and breast need to be closed. If there is space between the flange and breast, or the valve is not sealed, the suction may get "stuck". You will notice the diaphragm inflate to the top but not lower again.

To troubleshoot the issue check the following:

1) When was the last time you measured your flange size? This can change naturally over time and impact your pumping session. If you haven't measured recently, check out the article here and contact us if you need help finding the flange size you need!

 2) Try replacing the valves! If they are over a month old they may need replacing. If the valve no longer closes flat under the suction, the loop is not closed, this can cause the diaphragm to over-inflate. 

3) Contact us if the valves have been replaced and your flange size is accurate. We can help from here in getting you a solution for the issue.

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 you 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. 

Pumping with Nipple Elasticity

The hormone which helps your belly grow and stretch throughout your pregnancy also causes the nipples to become elastic. There is nothing unusual about this, it is actually helpful when the baby feeds and allows the nipple to fill their mouth and aid the latch. 

Some moms do have more nipple elasticity than others, and while it is normal, this can be painful and hinder pumping if the right equipment is not being used. If you suspect nipple elasticity may be affecting your pumping we have a few suggestions which may help, but we also recommend getting in touch with a lactation consultant, as they can better assist in finding the solution which is right for you.

How can I tell if I'm experiencing nipple elasticity?

Every mom has nipple elasticity, some just experience more than others. Nipple elasticity is only an issue if you are not emptying properly, developing clogged ducts, or if pumping is causing pain. Some signs that you may have more nipple elasticity than average would be:

• The nipple stretches and hits the end of the flange while pumping. Nipples do often stretch to fill about half the flange normally, but if it is elongating and filling the whole flange tunnel this may be an issue. 
• The original nipple size doubles after pumping. Measure your nipple diameter before and after pumping to check this. 
• No matter what flange size you chose, the areola is being drawn into the flange tunnel. You may have already measured your nipples, chosen the right flange size, or even sized down from this, but the areola always ends up in the tunnel.

Turn the suction strength down

There is no need to turn the suction way up! Suction strength is not the secret to milk production, and will not get your emptied faster. Turning the pump suction up past where it is comfortable for you is actually counter productive, and will only stretch out the nipple further. 

Try a different flange size

As most guides suggest measuring flange size after pumping, nipple elasticity can be an obstacle in getting the right size. Some moms' nipples will stretch to fill the entire flange tunnel, no matter the flange size. We suggest working directly with a Board Certified International Lactations Consultant, who can help you decide what size flange is right for you. 

Know that the nipple touching the sides of the tunnel is not an issue unless this is causing pain and discomfort- rubbing can be normal and does not always indicate that a mom needs to size up. 

Some may notice rubbing against the sides of the tunnel and decide to size up- in reality, sizing up in these instances will simply pull more and more of the areola into the tunnel, which can cause damage and bruising to the areola area. If you have tried sizing up due to the nipple touching the inside of the flange tunnel, you may want to try sizing down next. 

If you have been using the wrong flange size for a while, you may have some swelling and edema in the area, you may need to size down multiple times as this is being addressed and the tissue heals. Do know it is normal that some moms will need to change sizes multiple times in their pumping journey. 

Try a different style flange or flange insert

For moms with more elasticity than average, our flanges may be uncomfortable, the tissue inside the tunnel may stretch out, pulling in areola and restricting milk flow. If this sounds like you, we have several brands of flanges we could suggest to help with your pumping! You may also try a silicone insert for the flange for the same benefits. 

• Pumpin Pals makes flanges in both hard plastics and silicone to assist with nipple elasticity. Their flange design features a tapered tunnel, so that there is no hard cut off where the flange tunnel begins. Size 2xs fits flange sizes 10-14mm,  extra small fits flange sizes 15-19mm. Small fits sizes 20-23mm. Medium fits sizes 24-28mm. Large fits sizes 26-30mm. Extra Large fits sizes 32-40mm. 
• BeauGen Breast Pump Cushions are soft and stretchy, filling the inside of the flange and reducing friction between you and the plastic. These flanges bring down the size of the flange by about 2mm total and can allow for a more customized fit if you are between sizes. The grippy material of the inserts hold back breast tissue and prevent it from being drawn into the tunnel too far. Once these cushions are received, wrap them around the outside of the flange for a few hours or days to allow them to take the shape of the flange, making use easier. 
• Lacteck Flanges have no hard tunnel, instead, they are a heavy silicone design which collapses with the suction around the breast tissue. Their website recommends choosing one size below your measured size for elastic nipples. They currently have sizes 12mm, 15mm,  18mm, 21mm, 24mm and 27mm.
• Pumpables Liquid Flange Kit uses liquid silicone for more comfortable pumping. the entire, closed-system, pumping assembly, you will just attach the tubing included to the front of the breast pump to use them. This option comes in sizes 15mm, 17mm, 21mm, 25mm and 29mm. 

 

Pump Compatibility Chart

Low or No Suction

No suction on your breast pump? Don't worry, there is normally a simple solution. Below is the troubleshooting process as our customer service team would walk you 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. 

• 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. Plug in your pump and turn it on. Do not attach any pieces or parts to the pump. 

• Listen to the pump. Do you hear the usual sound that it makes when pumping? Is there any sound present that you do not normally hear? Note if the pump is silent.

3. Find the airflow port. This is the area on the front of your breast pump where the tubing attaches to the pump. Put your finger directly over one of the plastic tubes you see coming out of the pump. Test both tubes of the airflow port. We will refer to these as the right and left airflow port. 

• Pull your finger away and repeat. Do you feel the pump pulling on your finger? It may not feel like much, but any pull on your finger means the pump is creating suction.

4. 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. 

• 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.

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. Use a twisting motion to attach the diaphragms to your breast shields. Attach the valves and bottles to your flanges. 

8. 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? Watch the diaphragm assembly carefully.

• Is the diaphragm inflating and deflating as normally? Does it not inflate very much? Does it inflate more than normal? Note if the diaphragm gets "stuck" at the top of the dome.  
• If the diaphragm is getting "stuck" or inflates more than normal, check again to make sure the valves are attached well to the bottom of your breast shields, or flanges. 

9. Next, you will look through the bottom of the bottle, to take a look at the valves while the pump is pumping. You should see the valves moving while the pump is on. 

• Duo or Luna, you will see the slit on the bottom open and close. For the Twist, the flap on the front should move back and forth. 
• Note if you do not see any movement of the valve. If this is the case, your valves likely need to be replaced. 

10. Replace parts as needed to maintain your pump’s suction.

• For a pumping mom, replacing parts every month is normal.
• Contact us if you are having any problem with a part that has been used less than 30 days. 

Contact us if you are still experiencing poor or no suction with your pump after following these steps. 

Power and Battery Issues

We know it’s vital for your pump to work properly and consistently in order to provide milk for your baby. Thankfully, with Motif pumps, oftentimes the solutions to power or battery issues are simple. 

If your pump will not turn on, check these 3 aspects:

If you have checked all of the above and the pump is still not working, or for any other power problems, contact us to file a warranty ticket with Motif Medical.

 

Milk in Tubing

Even though all Motif pumps are closed pumping systems, there is still a small chance that breast milk may get in the tubing, as with any pump. If this happens, it’s essential to replace the tubing as soon as possible to ensure that no residue, bacteria, or mold develop in your breast pump.

 

Why Do I Need To Replace The Tubing?

Wet tubing is not safe for the mother, baby or your breast pump! Breast pump tubing can never be completely sanitized and dried. Any time moisture gets in the tubing it leaves your pump motor at risk. This moisture can be sucked back into the pump causing damage. The best way to ensure the milk from your breast pump is clean and safe is to ensure all the parts are clean and sterile!

What To Do If Milk Gets In The Tubing: 

1. As soon as you notice it, turn off the breast pump. 
2. Once off, disconnect the tubing from the pump, and the diaphragm top. 
3. Remove the milk from tubing and diaphragm. Clean the diaphragm as usual.  
4. Clean the tubing by rinsing it with cool water
5. Hang tubing to dry. Tubing must be dry before using it again.
6. Replace tubing ASAP. Only use the dried tubing if no other option is available. 

 

To prevent backflow of milk into the tubing in the future, here are a few tips:

- Pump while sitting upright, do not lean over or lay down. This can cause milk to get past the backflow protector, or diaphragm. 

- Inspect your diaphragms for tears. Tears will let milk backflow into the tube.

- Check to make sure the diaphragm is assembled correctly before each use.