Understanding Breast Pump Parts and How to Use Them

Here’s all you need to know about the different parts of your breast pump

From flanges, tubing, membranes, and pump connectors to battery packs and power adaptors, your breast pump relies on many different working parts to help you deliver milk to your baby. While most of them come with your breast pump, there are some parts and accessories you need to know (and know when to replace) for a smoother pumping experience. Here’s a rundown of the essentials and additional resources to help you get access to breast pump accessories.

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Understanding Breast Pump Parts

The pumps come with the basic parts you need for pumping: The pump itself, valves, membranes, breast shields, tubing, connectors, and anything needed to keep it powered including power adaptors and battery packs. All of these items qualify as breast pump accessories, which can be replaced if needed. Here’s a handy breakdown of the different accessories, and some tips for choosing them.

Valves and Membranes

Breast pump valves and membranes work to create suction. These items will come with your breast pump but should be replaced about once a month or whenever they start to get worn out. Given how important they are for pump function, it’s a good idea to have a few extra in your pumping bag in case of a tear or other dysfunction.

Breast Shields 

Breast shields, or flanges, help maximize milk output and prevent milk-duct compression. These funnel-shaped parts are placed over the nipple and areola to create a seal. When pumping, they gently pull on the nipple, mimicking a baby’s suction and leading to the release of milk. Having the correct flange size is vital for milk output. While choosing a breast shield that’s too big can compress and reduce milk flow, choosing one that’s too small can cause nipple pain and discoloration, and lead to low milk production. 

Our advice? Use a flange size chart, such as the one Medela provides, to prevent this. You may also want to try out a few different breast shield sizes to find the right one for you. Many breast pump brands have their own sizing system, so make sure to check out your breast pump manufacturer’s website to confirm your size. 

Tubing

The clear plastic tubing that comes with your breast pump connects the flange to the pump. Damaged tubing results in less suction power and your breast pump not working properly, so try to have extra on hand in case of issues. Also, make sure to keep your tubing dry, or else it may get moldy. You can prevent mold by running the motor of your breast pump with the tubing attached to help clear out condensation inside the tubes. If they still need drying, wave or twirl them in the air to get that excess moisture out before storing your breast pump. 

Follow these guidelines on how to clean breast pump parts and refer to your specific pump’s manual. 

Breast Milk Bottles and Storage Bags

Breast milk bottles and storage bags can help you feed your baby or stash your liquid gold away for later. Bottles tend to be brand-specific and can be used for feeding with nipple attachments. However, they aren’t good for freezing. To build up a supply of frozen breast milk, pump directly into storage bags instead—and make sure to follow these storage guidelines to make the most of your supply. 

Breast Pump Connectors

These pieces connect breast shields to the milk collection bottles. Not all pumps have separate connectors, but the ones that do make cleaning your breast pump easier because you’re able to take more of it apart to reach those tiny nooks and crannies. Additionally, having separate connectors lets you try out different breast shield sizes while keeping the same connectors.

Battery Packs and Batteries

Battery-operated breast pumps make traveling while breastfeeding so much easier. Some come with their own battery packs though rarely with the accompanying batteries. Before your battery-powered breast pump arrives, look into what kind of batteries you’ll need and store some in the car, at the office, and around the house for convenience while pumping.

Power Adapters

To power a breast pump that isn’t cordless, you’ll need the right adapter. Also called a transformer or power cord, breast pump power adapters come in different wattages and sizes, so make sure to select a power option that’s compatible with your breast pump brand. 

For more information, please visit pump spare parts.

Some breast pumps even have portable vehicle adapters and USB ports. Determine which adapter is right for your model, and then get an extra to keep in the car or have in your bag at all times. 

Carrying Bags

Although they’re not essential, bags, backpacks, and totes specifically meant to carry your pump sure are convenient. These carriers make it easy to take your pump with you anywhere you go. Carrying bags typically come with additional pockets to hold breast milk storage containers, extra parts such as tubing or flanges, and anything else you may need while pumping—including snacks. (Don’t forget, breastfeeding burns as many as 500 calories per day, so you may find you need a boost after a session.) 

Pump Replacement Parts are part of our Mother Pumper Program, designed to make your life easier with convenient monthly* deliveries. Many insurance plans cover free recurring milk storage bags and pump replacement parts. Simply follow the steps below to ensure you’re stocked with the pumping essentials and can focus on what matters most, your baby.

If you qualify, we’ll do all the work for you! 

Look out for our & text confirmations about every 30 days.*

Simply confirm your information.

Wait for your replacement parts and/or milk storage bags to arrive at your door!

*This may vary based on your insurance

Many insurers will cover breast pump replacement equipment. If you received your pump through insurance with Aeroflow Breastpumps, we’ll automatically let you know if your insurance covers additional breast pump parts at no cost. You’ll be notified via if you’re eligible to receive this benefit.

If you’re looking to purchase new or specific pump parts out of pocket, we also carry individual pieces and convenient kits that are packaged by breast pump brand. We always recommend keeping an extra set of pump parts on hand, just in case! That way there isn't an interruption to your breastfeeding schedule and if something breaks, you'll be prepared.

Pumping is no easy task. While it is often rewarding, it requires a lot of effort to keep up with your baby’s feeding schedule! One of the most time-consuming aspects of any daily pumping routine is cleaning and caring for your breast pump parts. Maintaining proper care of your breast pump flanges, valves, and tubing is essential to pumping safely and efficiently.

Pump supplies can become stretched, torn, or worn out due to pumping and sanitizing repeatedly, causing the overall loss of suction strength. Over time, residue can build up in the crevices and tubing, leading to possible bacteria and mold build-up. As a regular or exclusive pumper, replacing these parts on a 90-day basis is key to breastfeeding successfully.

However, sometimes the process of replacing pump parts can be a little confusing. Like what parts need to be replaced? And how often should they be changed?

In addition to replacing your breast pump supplies, one of the most important aspects of any daily breastfeeding routine is properly maintaining all the breast pump parts and accessories you use.

After finishing a pumping session, the prospect of washing all these parts and pieces can seem daunting. But effectively cleaning your breast pump, breast shields/flanges, connectors, baby bottles and more is an essential part of the process. It helps safeguard your baby's developing immune system against the harmful germs and bacteria that can grow in breast milk residue. 

In addition to washing pump parts with soap and water, the CDC recommends going the extra mile and sanitizing breast pump parts once daily in some cases, especially if the baby was born prematurely or has a weakened immune system. Be sure to check with your baby's healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. As with everything else involved in caring for a baby, don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it! Enlist the services of your partner or family members whenever possible. 

Once you establish a system that works for you, you'll find that cleaning breast pump parts becomes another routine part of your day. Technically, fully sterilizing breast pump parts is not possible, even through boiling, according to the FDA. The good news is that it is also not necessary for safe feeding. 

Sanitizing parts is what's needed to protect a baby's vulnerable immune system, and this can be achieved through microwave steaming and certain dishwashing settings. For some items (be sure to check manufacturer guidelines) boiling is an option. For an older child with a mature immune system, a thorough cleaning with soap and hot water after each use may be sufficient. 

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• First things first, start by washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Disinfect countertops or any surfaces your breast pump may come in contact with during your pumping session.
• Inspect your pump parts for mold or breast milk residue build-up before using them. Just in case, it's always a good idea to keep spare parts on hand.
• Scrub your pump parts after every use and let air dry on a clean drying rack or paper towel. A cloth or dish towel should not be used to dry pump parts.
• A disinfectant wipe or paper towel with sanitizing spray can be used to gently wipe the pump base, buttons, dials, and switches. The electrical unit should never be submerged in water or cleaning liquid. You should also never attempt to steam clean it in the microwave.
• After pumping, as soon as possible, take apart tubing and separate all parts, including breast shields, valves, connectors, membranes, tubing, and milk collection bottles.
• Rinse the parts that come in contact with the breast and breast milk under running water.
• Clean all pieces by hand or by dishwasher, as outlined below.
• Store dry pump and parts in a clean, protected area away from dust and germs.