Breast pump parts need to be replaced regularly to maintain efficient milk removal.  How often you need to replace pump parts depends on the specific part or whether you can see signs of wear or mold.

A Deeper Look:

Breast pump parts degrade over time as they are used.  This wear and tear can affect your pump’s suction, which may mean that you are removing less milk each time you pump.  That is why we replace pump parts—to prevent a decrease in milk production that can result from the failure to remove as much milk from your breasts as you usually do.  

As a general rule, you should inspect your pump parts before each pump session for mold, tears, distortion, fraying, stretching, and cracks.  If you see any of this kind of wear and tear, you should replace the part immediately.  However, sometimes, your first indication that a part may need to be replaced is a loss of suction, slow milk removal, or pumping less than the amount expected during a pump session.  If you are experiencing a loss of suction on one or both sides, or a decrease in suction, check your valve and make sure it is securely attached to the connector or flange piece and that the valve membrane is lying flat on the valve.  If the valve membrane is not lying flat, it should be replaced.

Generally, the more often you use your pump, the more often you should replace parts.  You should also know that sterilizing pump parts can make them deteriorate faster.  This does NOT mean you should avoid sterilizing them if necessary, it just means you should consider that factor when determining whether it is time to replace parts.  In some instances, hand washing your pump parts instead of using the dishwasher may extend the life of your pump parts. 

The best place for information on when to replace pump parts is from the manufacturer of your breast pump.  However, a general guideline is outlined below.

Duckbill Valves/Duck Valves

Duckbills should be replaced every 1-3 months.  If you are EPing, you are pumping multiple times a day and should replace the duckbills once a month.  Someone pumping less frequently, may be able to wait longer to replace a duckbill.  If you notice your breast pump has lost some of its suction, you should check your duckbills first.

Valves/Valve Membrane

Valves (often a yellow/orange plastic piece) and Valve membranes (the little white flaps that attach to valves) should be replaced every 2 weeks to 2 months.  If you are EPing, you are likely pumping multiple times a day and should replace the valve membrane every 2 weeks.  If you notice your breast pump has lost some of its suction, you should check your valve membranes first.

Backflow Protectors

Not every pump has backflow protectors, but if your pump does, the backflow protectors should be replaced every 3-6 months depending on how often you pump.  If milk gets into the backflow protectors—that’s fine!  They are doing their job—protecting your tubing and by extension, your pump motor from milk.  You do not need to replace backflow protectors if they come into contact with milk, just wash them and make sure they are completely dry before using them again.  A wet or damaged backflow protector can allow moisture to escape into the tubing, which can not only result in mold but also damage the pump motor.

Flanges/Breast Shields/Connectors

Flanges and breast shields are the same thing; they are the parts that attach to your breasts.  Sometimes flanges and connectors are a single piece that you connect a duckbill or valve to, other times the flange and connector are two separate pieces.  Flanges should be replaced immediately if you notice cracks or tears or residue buildup that you are unable to clean, but otherwise, they can be replaced every six months.

Tubing

Tubing is what connects your pump motor to your pump parts.  If moisture enters the tubing, some pump manufacturers—like Spectra—recommend replacing the tubing.  Others—like Medela and BabyBuddha—recommend cleaning the tubing if milk is present, but replacing the tubing if there is mold.  You should also replace the tubing if the ends begin to stretch and slide off of the backflow protectors or pump motor.  Many websites suggest running the pump motor with only the tubing attached to dry any moisture in the tubing; however, I would caution you against doing this unless your specific pump manufacturer recommends it.  Some pump manufacturers want you to replace the tubing because running the motor to dry the tubing can introduce moisture into your pump motor and damage it.

Bottles/Nipples

Bottles and nipples should be replaced any time you see cracks, chips, tears, or similar wear.  Additionally, you should replace the nipple if you notice the nipple has discolored, thinned, become sticky, torn, or allowed milk to pour out instead of flowing steadily.  If your bottle utilizes a liner or a single-use bag, the liner/bag should be disposed of after one use.  In any case, you should replace the nipples every two to three months and the bottles at least every four to six months.

Other Pieces

Some pumps—like the Willow, Elvie, or Freemie—may have unique pump parts not referenced here.  You should be able to find guidance on replacing parts unique to your pump on the manufacturers website, likely in the FAQ section.

The EP&Me Take:

Well, I can’t say that I did a good job following the guidelines above.  I inspected my pump parts before each use, but for many months, I was under the impression that if the parts were not torn, chipped, too stretched, or moldy that I did not need to replace them.  By default I replaced my pump parts at 4 months postpartum because I was resized into much smaller flanges.  At that time, I purchased two sets of flanges, valves, and valve membranes and began alternating the sets each day.  For next 9 months, I only replaced a handful of valve membranes when they started to hang away from the valve.  Now that I’m more educated on the replacement of pump parts, I’m surprised that I didn’t run into issues.  Admittedly, I pumped only 4 times a day from 4 months until about 9 months but I still find it peculiar especially since I sterilized my pump parts nightly the entire time I EP’d, which should have degraded the parts faster.

Whatever the reason my pump parts held up, I still made sure that I had multiple backups of each part just in case something happened.  I kept most of my backup parts in a bin on my at-home pump station (something I totally recommend each EP’er have!) but I kept at least two of each part—but probably 4-5 valve membranes—in a bag in my travel pump bag just in case I needed a new part while I was at work.  

Although I used a Spectra pump, I preferred the Medela flange and valve system, and I was able to find replacement flange and valve membranes from a company called Maymom.  I thought Maymom’s products were fantastic (and cheaper) and would absolutely buy from Maymom again in the future.  Although I my pump configuration did not require the use of a duckbill, many mamas choose the Legendairy Milk Duckbill Valves as their replacement valves because they have a pull tab that makes it much easier to remove them from the flange or connector.  When you are ready to purchase backup or additional pump parts, you should know that additional breast pump parts may be covered by insurance or considered an eligible FSA or HSA expense.

Here’s hoping your breast pump parts live long, prosperous lives Mama!