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 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 is 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 replaced. 

10. Replace parts as needed to maintain your pumps 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 that 30 days. 

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