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Troubleshooting Common Pumping Issues

Pumping can be life changing for many mums, giving freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. But sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Suction feels off, output drops, or one side just isn’t working the way it should. Don’t worry, most of these hiccups have simple solutions.

Here’s your guide to troubleshooting common breast pump problems so you can get back to comfortable, effective pumping with your Night Owl wearable pump.

Loss of Suction

If your pump feels weaker than usual, it’s usually a parts issue. Check:

Valves: Small tears or stretching can cause suction loss, these often need replacing every 4–6 weeks.
Diaphragms: If they’re cloudy, warped, or not sealing properly, performance will drop.
Assembly: Make sure every piece is fitted snugly with no gaps.
Motor unit: Wipe it clean (never submerge it) and check for visible damage.

Low Milk Output

One of the most common concerns mums face is not seeing much milk in the collection cups. Before you panic, remember: output can vary day to day. But if it keeps happening, check these factors:

Flange size: If the flange doesn’t fit properly, milk won’t flow well. Check out our Fitting guide.
Positioning: Make sure your nipples are centred in the shield with no rubbing or pinching.
Relaxation: Stress can affect let-down. Try deep breathing, a warm compress, or looking at photos of your baby.
Pump parts: Worn valves or diaphragms reduce suction and need regular replacement.
Suction settings: Adjust the suction level to a comfortable setting using the 'how to guide' that came with your pump. Excessively high or low settings will hinder output.

Uneven Pumping Between Breasts

Sometimes one breast expresses more milk than the other. This is normal to a degree, but if the difference is big:

Double-check flange sizes for both sides.
Adjust positioning and ensure both shields are centred.
Rotate which side you start with, your let-down reflex is usually strongest on the first side.
If one pump unit is noticeably weaker, check its valves and diaphragms for wear.

Pump Not Turning On or Charging

If your Night Owl pump isn’t powering up:

Check the adapter: It should be a 5V/1A supply. Some multi-port chargers don’t draw enough power.
Cables: Try a different charging cable or PowerPoint.
Battery: Over time, batteries naturally decline. If your pump is over a year old, battery life may shorten.
Auto shut off: Will automatically shut off after 30mins usage.

Discomfort While Pumping

Pumping shouldn’t be painful. If it is, something needs adjusting:

Flange size: Too small or too big can cause rubbing or pinching.
Suction level: Start low and build up, more suction doesn’t always mean more milk.
Lubrication: A few drops of breast milk or nipple balm around the shield can reduce friction.
Breaks: If nipples are sore, give them time to rest and heal.

Milk Leaking or Spilling

Leaks can be frustrating, especially with wearable pumps. Common causes include:

Overfilling the collection cups ~ empty them before they reach the max line.
Incorrect assembly ~ make sure every part clicks firmly into place.
Worn seals or diaphragms ~ causing poor closure.
Pump not sitting upright in the bra ~ adjust bra fit so the pump sits securely.

When to Replace Pump Parts

Staying on top of part replacement prevents most issues. A general guide:

Valves: Every 4–6 weeks
Diaphragms: Every 6–8 weeks
Flanges & shields: Every 2-3 months
or as soon as cracks, warping, or cloudiness appear

You can shop genuine Night Owl replacement parts here

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

When something feels “off,” run through this list:

Is the pump fully charged?
Are the parts clean, dry, and correctly assembled?
Have valves or diaphragms been replaced recently?
Is your flange size correct?
Is your pump sitting upright and centred?

Keeping Your Pump on Track

Most breast pump problems have a simple fix, and a few tweaks are often all it takes to get your pumping sessions back on track. Regular cleaning, correct sizing, and timely part replacements will help your Night Owl wearable breast pump keep working its best.

If you’re still having trouble, head to our Troubleshooting/Warranty FAQs