How to Fix a Medela Pump

Only nursing mothers can understand the urgency of needing to breast pump when away from your baby. When your pump seems to be broken, it can be a source of panic, frustration and even physical pain. While there is no specific one-shot "fix" for a malfunctioning breast pump, there are a few troubleshooting tips that might just save your day.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol

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Instructions

• 1

  Make sure everything is attached properly. Although it seems obvious, often the tubing is not securely attached to the ports, or the yellow valves are not properly attached, resulting in no suction. Take everything apart and reattach the pump---multiple times, if necessary.

• 2

  Determine exactly where the problem is. Take the tubing off, turn the breast pump on and feel the ports and tubing to see if the problem is in the tubing, the ports or the motor.

• 3

  If you have a double pump, test each side as a single pump, making certain to cover the unused port. Single pumping usually results in slightly higher suction, so this can help determine if the problem is on one side of the pump.

• 4

  Make certain no milk is in the tubing. If you are unsure, clean your pump well. Use warm water and rubbing alcohol to wash the tubes out.

• 5

  Make sure no milk is in the motor. To clean the motor, turn the pump on and pour warm water the opposite way (starting at the breast shield). Routinely separate the valve and membrane (yellow and clear pieces), and check the tubes for any tears or holes that may decrease suction.

• 6

  Contact Medela's customer service at 1-800-435-8316 or [email protected]. Most Medela pumps have a one-year warranty.

• 7

  Order spare parts online. Medela offers spare parts, along with websites like My Breast Pump, Bosom Buddies and the Lactation Connection (see Resources).