Breast pump parts that need extra TLC

My relationship with my current breast pump is about 20 months.... and still going strong! I'm the burara type so that's really an achievement. Before finding this "one" pump, i road tested two other pumps. Read about my review of my other pumps here. At first, i was reluctant  to  invest in an expensive double electric breast pump because i was afraid i'd wreck it!



So considering how long i have been using my current breast pump, which is a Medela Pump In Style Advance, that's actually quite an achievement!

After more than one year of pumping, i'm suggesting to take extra care when handling these specific pump parts:

Power cord and adapter

When my husband bought my Medela pump, the seller specifically said to be extra careful handling the power cord. And true enough, in my case, it was the first that needed repair. It was on the 8th month of when i started having problems. The pump would just suddenly turn off after a slight movement. I guess the electrical connections within the cord was disturbed. Hubby tried to quick fix it with electrical tape. Eventually, we had an electrician to repair the cord. A new 230V power adapter costs Php 4,000 so better take good care of this! We've looked around for cheaper universal power adapter, like those that have varying electrical volts sold in SM Hardware Center and Handyman Shops, but the sockets just won't fit.

Avoid twisting or stretching the power cord  to keep the electrical wires inside in tact. Check the illustration below for proper storage and usage. If you pump far away from the power source, use an extension cord. This way, the wires inside are stretched less.

[caption id="attachment_2481" align="aligncenter" width="298"] Source: Medela Manual[/caption]

Tubing 

Tubing is the plastic hose that connects the motor to the flanges.  It carries the suction needed to let the  breast milk out.  Although the tubing does not go in contact with breast milk, it's still best to sanitize it once in a while.  It's yucky when you see white marks from dried water marks or accidental milk spills.

[caption id="attachment_2966" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An extra piece of Medela PISA tubing costs Php 400.[/caption]

Every week or so, i soak the tubing in soapy water. To dry, i hang the tubing.  To eliminate condensation inside the tubing you can run the motor and add a few drops of alcohol inside the tubing.  Just let the pump run until the alcohol is gone. This disinfects the insides of the hose.

When milk accidentally back flows, just disassemble the parts and wash.  Shake off excess water, then reconnect to the pump. To completely dry the tubing, just run the pump for a few minutes.

Avoid twisting  the tubing, this may loosen the ends. Any loose ends can  disturb the vacuum, which is required  for efficient pumping. When storing, make sure the tubing is placed in a safe area to avoid kinks or bumps.

Membrane

The membrane is the white thin sheet of plastic connected to the valve. When pumping, you snap on the membrane to the valve. Then you snap the valve to the connector. You then screw connector to the milk collection bottle.  Then you also attach the connector to the breast shield or flange. Refer to the illustration below.

[caption id="attachment_2977" align="aligncenter" width="292"] Some parts of the Medela PISA[/caption]

Among all the pump parts, the membrane is easiest to lose because of its size - just a bit bigger than 1/2 inch rounds. Hand wash these babies and take extra care. Just soak in soapy water and brush a few times- that's it. They are thin and fragile. Handle with care to avoid tearing.

The membrane is considered a consumable, you have to replace them sooner or later. A set of 2 valves and 6 membranes costs Php 390.00.

It may be a good idea to purchase spare pump parts before you need it, for emergency purposes. If you are using Medela, the contact details of Medela Moms are 0917-5614366 or 725-3723, 738-6272, or 964-7331 .

Frugality is the name of the game nowadays.  It pays to know  how to extend the life of these parts so you can use the breast pump longer.

Also worth reading:

• Washing the pump parts in the office


• Get more milk from every pump