Medela Pump In-Style with MaxFlow - Tote Bag. Duckbill valves are made of silicone, which means they need to be replaced a little more often than other parts. site is credited for information purposes only. This was such a. I solely pumped for 8 months, and I had to completely learn everything as I went. If you use your pump less frequently, e.g. The top of the valve is quite delicate and can be susceptible to fraying or tiny tears. Otherwise, you can replace valve membranes around every 2 months. Also, the motors are only designed to last a year so a used breast pump could lose suction or come with other problems. They cannot be recycled. Soon, you will be able to assemble your pump in no time, and you will remember those feelings of intimidation when you first got your pump. On average, moms save $71 a month versus retail! How to Use a Breast Pumps Suction and Speed Settings to Pump More Milk, Doctors Advice for Breastfeeding on Demand. If youre a sleep-deprived mama, hang in there! You shouldnot ever have to replace the flanges unless they get damaged somehow but it is smart (and convenient) to have an extra set or two on hand. However, a good reference to keep in mind is replacing your parts every 90 days. The, Many new moms prepare so well for birth, knowing t, Are you expecting or a new mama? Also, when you have enough extra breast pump parts, you wont have to worry about a part of your only set breaking and not having a backup. There are a couple of different valves, depending on what type of breast pump you have. There are two main reasons why you should replace your breast pump parts: An important reason you need to replace your breast pump parts is to maintain good care of your pump. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. The second reason why you need to replace your breast pump parts is for hygienic reasons. Thats why its crucial to take care of your breast pump by regularly replacing certain parts so it can take care of you during your entire breast pumping journey. Keep an eye out for build up or residue in the cracks and crevices of the shield. It is often the culprit. Copyright 2022 1 Natural Way. So glad you're here! Plus, having an extra set of breast pump parts can be beneficial for moms as it helps make sure they have a spare clean set to use or spare items to leave at work. This is super interesting. When you dont have proper suction while pumping breastmilk, you will find that you are not pumping as much milk as you once did. Especially, The best way to determine your size if you need helpis to, The backflow protector is essentially the piece that makes the Spectra pump a, Buying bundles is a good idea if you want to have multiple sets on hand. This is especially helpful if you work and pump. However, a few of the supplies can be recycled. Not all breast pump parts are disposed of the same way; heres what to do with each pump part: You can recycle plastic parts, like breast shields and connectors, in your household recycling bin remember to sanitize them first! once a month or more often depending on use. As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and mother of 4, I am so happy to help you on your breastfeeding journey! It has nothing to do with the size of your breast but rather your nipples. The Dew 350 hasa few parts that differ but those are noted. A general rule of thumb is if you see that the membrane does not lay flat against the valve, it's time to replace it. I had 4 sets when I pumped full time at work. As always, if you have any questions just leave them below and I will do my best to help you out! Tubing is the part of your pump that attaches the motor to the shield connectors. They cannot be recycled. From unboxing it, learning how to use it, late-night pumping sessions, and more, you and your pump have a lot of work to do together. There is no way to sterilize the tubing, and it is important to keep tubing completely dry because moisture can damage the motor. You should also immediately replace the tubing if any moisture gets inside. It can save you some money. If you are exclusively pumping, you will need to replace the valve membranes every 2-4 weeks. However, if you arent exclusively pumping, you will want to replace these valves after 2-3 months of use. Realizing that you arent pumping as much breastmilk can be devastating, and its common for women to think that there has been a drop in their supply. How often you should replace your breast pump supplies can vary based on how often you use your breast pump. Also, you will want to replace your shield connectors immediately if you notice any warping or cracking in the plastic. And lastly, you can recycle your breast pump motor anywhere that recycles small appliances. Because the Spectra Pumps are closed system, milk does not enter the tubing. When you use your breast pump, the valve membranes act like duckbill valves, and they help create the suction that you feel. Remembering this time around when baby #3 comes in May! I'm Taylor, a Registered Nurse, Certified Lactation Counselor, and mama of two! Kiinde Twist Feeding System- Compatible with Spectra Pumps! The membranes within the backflow protectors stretch and lose elasticity over time, which impacts the performance of the pump. The membranes within the backflow protectors may stretch and lose elasticity over time, making them less effective at keeping moisture out of your breast pump motor. and a veteran of the company and breastfeeding, If you have a Spectra pump, youll notice that you will have to use backflow protectors. This information should not substitute as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. New parts help keep your breastmilk cleaner! Your breast pump comes with many parts and accessories. When you routinely replace your breast pump parts, you can have more peace of mind that your pump is doing the best that it can. The silicone duck valves which are the membranes or little white flaps on the valves need to be replaced between 1 to 3 months based on how frequently theyre used because they can affect suction power. If you exclusively pump, which is pumping four or more times a day, then you will need to change your breast pump parts more frequently than if you pump once or twice a day. TUBING, BACK FLOWPROTECTOR, BREAST SHIELD keep an eye out for buildup of residue in any of these accessories. Bottles, bottle necks, caps, and sealing discs can be recycled. Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published. If a flange does not fit correctly, it can cause discomfort or decreased milk volume. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. A complete replacement system for your Luna Breast Pump and Luna With Battery Breast Pump parts! Because Medela valves are made out of hard plastic, you can replace them less frequently than the duckbill valves. Its very reasonable to have spare valves on hand and we recommend you have some spare at home. Milk collection bottles are a part of your breast pump that you can replace as needed. I had no idea I had to replace parts when I first started pumping. Set includes: 1 each- Flange, Backflow Protector, Valve, tubing, Set includes: 1 each- Bottle, Flange, Valve, Backflow Protector, Tube. Thanks Jessi! If you see any tearing, warping, rips, or discoloration then its time to replace them. All rights reserved. If you exclusively pump or pump multiple times a day, then you might need to replace them every 2 months. When Should You Exercise After Pregnancy? Thank you! If you use your pump less frequently, e.g. The most rigorous cleaning routines are no match for the inevitable buildup of residue in the hard to reach areas of the breastshield. I don't know if all of my pumping moms out there know, but the Milkzoom by 1 Natural Way provides pump parts directly through your insurance each month. An essential part of pumping breast milk is ensuring that you have enough breast pump parts available at all times. If the tubing easily slides on and off the motor and backflow protector then its time to replace it. Maybe less if you pump often. You should not have to replace the tubing but moms often like to have an extra set on hand. If you express less frequently, replace valve membranes every 8 weeks. Worn out breast pump parts are one of the leading causes of lower milk supply. One nice thing about the Spectra parts is that they are pretty much all the same for the S1, S2, Spectra 9, Dew 350 and the M1. It cannot be recycled. As for the tubing, it needs to be replaced occasionally. This would be the first part I would replace if you notice a decrease in output when pumping. Whether you are exclusively pumping or not, you will want to replace your breast pump tubing between 3-6 months of use. Sometimes the most rigorous cleaning routine is no match for hard to reach places, and over time milk buildup does occur. Because this piece is used and abused, it gets replaced more often than any other part. You can find all that and more below! Thankfully, as the mother of two boys (who are now grown!) They need to be replaced between 3 to 6 months depending on use. Shield connectors are the parts that connect your breast shields to your tubing, valves, and milk collection bottles. As the tubing becomes stretched and worn out over time it can impact your breast pump suction strength. If you exclusively express or you express 4 or more times per day, be sure to replace your duck valves every month. If you have a Spectra pump, you will have soft silicone valves called duckbill valves. Set Includes: 2 Bottles, Spectra Cooler, Ice Pack. This is especially helpful if you. After a while, some of the parts wear down and can become stretched, resulting in a loss of suction. A mom that exclusively breast pumps about 9 times a day and sanitizes their pump more frequently than a mom that only pumps 3 to 4 times per day will need to replace her parts more often. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. It is a nice idea to have a backup set. When learning about your breast pump, its also crucial to know when to replace breast pump parts! Sorry, mama! If you are exclusively pumping, you will need to replace your backflow protectors every 3 months. You will want to replace your breast shields immediately if you notice any warping or cracking in the plastic. Spectra sells the S1, S2, S9, M1, and Dew 350 in blue or pink. Weve discussed replacing parts, but what do you do with the old parts after theyve replaced? This standard wear and tear can contribute to a loss of suction while pumping. Spectra Dual Compact Electric Breast Pump, Milk Storage Bags with Temperature Sensor, Hugsn Kisses Hands-Free Pumping / Nursing Bra. The timing in when you need to replace your breast pump parts goes hand-in-hand with how often you pump. As a first-time mom, I remember being so overwhelmed when I opened the box to my breast pump. Then if something breaks theres no need to rush out to the store to see if they have that particular replacement part in stock and you wont have to wait for your replacement part to arrive in the mail. However, keep an eye out for any cracks, tears, or warping because that could indicate that need to be replaced sooner. If this happens, or if you see mold or tears in the tubing, you will need to replace the tubing immediately. Especially when exclusively pumping, you will want to have enough extra parts to reduce the stress of washing parts so frequently. Check out our simple guide below for how often parts of the milk collection kit should be replaced. The valve connects to theflange and allows the milk to flow into the collection bottle. I sent 5 bottles each day to daycare with my baby (1 was an extra bottle for the just in case scenario). once per day), youll need to replace this part. There is a lot to know about this new machine, from learning how to assemble the breast pump to making sure its properly cleaned after each use. Find out if you're eligible for breast pump replacement parts and accessories through the Milkzoom program by filling out our short qualification form. The backflow protector should prevent moisture from entering the tubing; however, should moisture or buildup ever enter the tubing, it needs to be replaced. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional with any questions regarding the health of you or your baby. If you have a Medela pump, you will most likely have hard plastic valves that need membranes to create suction. They can properly fit you. It is extremely important to replace backflow protectors regularly because they prevent moisture from entering the pump motor, which can cause irreparable damage to the pump. Some third-party vendors like MayMom do sell other sizes that fit the Spectra Pumps if the three standard sizes do not sit. Valves are the part of your breast pump that helps create the suction that brings your breastmilk out. If you notice your Medela valves are starting to crack or warp, you will want to replace them immediately. Check out 1Natural Way's website for more information on how you can start receiving your Milkzoom boxes. Contact your local authorities to find an authorised PC recycle centre near you. Your breastmilk is likely a huge part of your babys nutrition, which means your breast pump parts need to be as clean as possible. If you are sensitive and need extra comfort, then give the massager insert a try! Lots of moms are not aware that some of the pump parts need replacing regularly to maintain performance. When pumping, a good rule of thumb is to have at least two spares for each part of the breast pump. If you notice your pump seems to have lost suction, the first thing you should do is take a look at the parts, particularly the valves. Also, if you sterilise regularly (e.g. It prevents pumped milk from entering the tubing and pump motor. You should expect to need to replace your valves every 2 to 3 months if pumping regularly. However, you should not be getting a lot of water or breastmilk in your tubing. Many moms arent aware of the need to replace breast pump parts, but its vital for keeping your breast pump working correctly and efficiently. Replacing the membrane on a valve solves a lot of output and performance issues. Cindy is always knowledgeable about breastfeeding, pumping and all the latest and greatest pumps! Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to The Pumping Mommy with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. If you notice your duckbill valves are visibly stretched out or warped, you will want to replace them immediately. Theres no way to completely sterilize the tubing to prevent bacteria from collecting inside and the moisture could damage your breast pump motor. One nice thing about the Spectra parts is that they are pretty much all the same for the, You shouldnot ever have to replace the flanges unless they get damaged somehow but it is smart (and convenient) to have an extra set or two on hand. Hi & Welcome! This is such great information! I would love to know your thoughts in the comments below! I cant tell you how many times I came home and just didnt feel like washing 5 bottles to prepare them for the next day. The most common cause for a decrease in milk supply while pumping are worn out parts. Otherwise, you can replace them as needed. If you are exclusively pumping, you will want to replace your Medela valves about every 6 months. Heres how often you should replace each breast pump part: Breast shields, or flanges, are the part of your pump that attaches to your breast. Valve membranes can be disposed of in your regular trash. Also, by frequently breast pumping and sanitizing your supplies the parts that become stretched and worn out, they may become cracked or form crevices that make it easier for residue, bacteria, and mold to build up in. Its important to remember that smaller breast pump parts may not show any visible damage. Your are successfully subscribed for email notifications. Weve outline what to do with each of them when theyve reached the end of their lives: Duck valves can be disposed of in your regular trash. 1 to 3 times per day, you can replace this part every 2 to 3 months. Milkzoom subscribers receive, on a monthly basis, milk storage bags, bottles, breast shields, and cap converters. In plastic parts, sometimes discoloration can occur as resulting from the sterilisation process. Teats cannot be recycled and will need to be thrown away in your regular trash. once per day), youll need to replace this part every 2 weeks or more often depending on use. Your email address will not be published. When pumping, your nipple should not rub or feel squished at all in the flange. Want to use a feeding system that allows you to pump directly into a storage bag? This article from Medela is perfect for helping you determine what size you need! Spectra S2 with Pump Tote and Cooler Bundle, Spectra Manual Breast Pump with Massager Insert. Free Shipping * | HSA & FSA eligible Theres no way to effectively clean and sterilise the tubing and moisture can cause irreparable damage to the pump motor or compromise its safety (think: mold and bacteria). This condensation should clear up when you disassemble your pump. The discoloration will not affect how well your pump works but may not be pleasing to the eye. 1 Natural Way's Milkzoom program will keep your breast pump parts replacement on schedule (and emergency spare parts on hand) with monthly deliveries - all through insurance.