FAQ

Our wearable breast pumps fit inside your bra so your completely hands free and mobile while pumping. Visit our 'How it works' page for a step by step guide on everything you need to know about The Night Owl wearable breast pumps!

Our wearable pumps were designed to fit inside most standard nursing or maternity bras so your cup size won't affect how it works. As long as it's centered and pressed firmly against your breast with no gaps you're good to go!

The most important fit is your nipple diameter so head over to our fitting guide to ensure you get the correct size flange. Visit our 'fitting guide' for more information

You can certainly measure and order now to be prepared in advance. Some mums experience a change in size anywhere between 2 - 12 weeks postpartum due to hormones, so just keep an eye on it and do a re-measure if necessary. We have different size attachments available if size does happen to change at some point in the postpartum period.

Yes absolutely! The Night Owl wearable pumps were designed to fit any breast size.

You can absolutely use The Night Owl wearable breast pumps to exclusively pump. Our pumps are designed to cater to the diverse needs of breastfeeding mothers, including those who choose to exclusively pump. Please keep in mind not all wearable breast pumps on the market are suitable for exclusive pumping.

We understand the importance of a reliable and efficient pump for exclusively pumping, and we're here to reassure you that our pumps are up to the task both performance and durability wise. These pumps have been carefully crafted with a focus on motor performance, comfort and durability, ensuring a consistent and effective pumping experience.

It is a common misconception that ALL wearable breast pumps are not "as good" as other pumps as they "aren't strong enough". Although this may be true for some, this isn't true in our case. The strength in our wearable pump motors is actually higher than most average breast pumps out there in the market.

For exclusive pumping, we highly recommend the Original Night Owl V2 and Mumma Owl models.

These stand out due to their advanced motor performance. The powerful suction (hospital grade level) capabilities and customisable settings make them well-suited for
extended pumping sessions, providing comfort and efficiency for those who choose to exclusively pump.

The advanced motor technology and higher suction levels in the recommended models for exclusive pumping (Original Night Owl V2 and Mumma Owl) allows for efficient milk expression, reducing pumping time while maintaining comfort and freedom. Customisable settings provide flexibility to adapt to your specific needs, ensuring a personalised and effective pumping routine for exclusive pumping mums.

Absolutely. All night owl pumps are built to withstand long-term, frequent use. We prioritise durability and quality to ensure that your pumping journey remains smooth and reliable over time.

They won't leak if you bend over. We recommend either sitting or standing however depending on the milk level, our pump is designed to use in any position! They won't leak unless it's laid completely flat or flipped upside down.

The Mumma Owl (15 levels) and Night Owl Original V2 (12 levels) pumps operate at up 300 mmHg which is in line with larger Hospital Grade pumps. There's several levels of suction however the maximum level doesn't necessarily mean a higher milk output. It's very rare that our mums actually use the pump to the maximum suction level as it is very strong - the most important thing is having the right size flange, how the modes are used and how comfortable you are!

Once you start pumping you'll likely find a level that is both comfortable and works best for you.

No, more levels of suction means it is easier to find what is most comfortable for you. More levels also means, more gentle to use.

As the suction power is 'split up' across more levels, this means you can tailor it more easily and specifically to your individual pumping needs, tolerance and comfort levels.

No absolutely not! Our pumps have a lot of levels to choose from, so the suction power is split up comfortably - that way you can easily tailor to your personal comfort level. The most gentle of the 3 is the Mumma Owl, however all are gentle as we've designed them to be.

If it 'hurts' that means you either have the level up too high, or an incorrect size.

Although there aren't any official standards in Australia for what 'hospital grade' is defined as - hospital grade suction is generally classified as 300-350 mmHg in the world of breast pumps. Our Mumma Owl and Original Night Owl V2 measure at 300mmHg so they're more than powerful enough, and YES they fall into the 'hospital grade' category.

There's also a significant number of levels of suction, however the maximum level doesn't necessarily mean a higher milk output. It's very rare that our mums actually use the pump to the maximum suction level as it is very strong - the most important thing is having the right size flange, how the modes are used and how comfortable you are!

It's important to consider whether you're purchasing a pump with an 'open' or 'closed' system.

All of our night owl pumps have a 'closed system'. This means that there is a barrier between the parts that touch your breast milk, and the pump motor. This is called the back flow protector, or i.e. the diaphragm.

A closed system is important as it prevents your breast milk from being contaminated.
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If a pump has an 'open system' this means that they do not have barriers between the parts that touch your breast milk and the tubing, pump motor etc. This allows moisture from pumping to enter any tubing or the motor, where there is the risk of being hidden mould, which will then come into contact with your breast milk - therefore contaminating it and making it unsafe for your baby to drink.

Auto mode will start in massage mode and gradually go up through levels 1-3 before switching to to express and going up through levels 3-7

Up to 90 minutes for the Original V2 and up to 70 minutes for the Baby V2. This is dependent on the suction level.

Generally around 1-2 hours from flat to fully charged. We recommend using a minimum 5V-1A charger however faster chargers may charge your pumps faster.

The Mumma Owl is the most compact and discrete out of the 3 models. Followed by the Original V2 and then Baby Owl.

We offer a 12 month manufacturers warranty on all of our breast pumps for that extra piece of mind. The warranty starts from the date of purchase, unless it is a pre-order. If it is a pre-order then the warranty will start from the date of dispatch. The warranty period covers manufacturer faults only, and not wear and tear or damage.

Increasing breast milk supply when pumping can be achieved through various methods:

Frequent Pumping: Boost your milk supply while pumping by increasing the frequency of pumping sessions. One way of doing this is cluster pumping, which involves pumping every five minutes to provide repeated stimulation to your breasts. This signals your body to continue milk production. While cluster pumping might not be feasible during work or busy hours with the kids, you can try it during evenings or weekends at home. Aim for several sessions of cluster pumping until you notice a significant increase in supply. Remember to stay hydrated throughout nursing or pumping.

Another approach is to add an extra pumping session during the day, particularly if you're working. For instance, if you were pumping three times daily, increase it to four times.

If you're typically with your baby all day and wish to enhance supply, use the pump for an additional session alongside regular nursing.

Milk production is influenced by hormones and your circadian rhythm, with mornings often yielding the highest volume. Consider pumping in the morning before your baby wakes up or shortly after nursing. Alternatively, you can pump at night after your baby's bedtime.

With consistent effort, your body will adjust to produce more milk during the extra pumping session. For optimal results, maintain the same time for your additional pumping session each day.

Double pumping:  For maximum milk extraction during pumping sessions, consider double pumping, which involves pumping both breasts simultaneously. Pairing double pumping with cluster pumping can be beneficial if you're aiming to boost milk supply or build a reserve of milk in the freezer for future use.

Proper Pumping Technique: Ensure you're using the correct pump settings and techniques for efficient milk removal. Massage your breasts before and during pumping to encourage milk flow.

Emptying the Breasts Completely: Make sure to empty your breasts fully during each pumping session to signal your body to produce more milk.

Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consume a balanced diet rich in nutrients and calories. Consider lactation-supporting foods like oats, fenugreek, and leafy greens.

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Practice skin-to-skin contact with your baby as it stimulates milk production and promotes bonding.

Relaxation Techniques: Stress can hinder milk production, so try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music while pumping.

Avoid comparing: Don't feel discouraged if others seem to pump more milk than you.

Breast size doesn't determine milk production; it's the number of milk storage cells that varies between individuals. Women with more storage cells can express milk faster as it's readily available, while those with fewer cells may require more time to pump the same amount.

The more you pump, the better you'll understand your milk production capacity within a given time frame.

Consistently pumping and leaving bottles for your baby, especially during work hours, typically results in higher milk output compared to occasional pumping, such as for a date night. Your body adjusts its milk production to match your baby's needs, so pumping in addition to nursing won't yield significant extra milk once breastfeeding is established.

Mothers who primarily nurse may need multiple pumping sessions to collect enough milk for one feeding due to their milk production being synchronized with their baby's demand.

Consult a Lactation Consultant: If you're struggling to increase your milk supply, consider seeking support from a lactation consultant who can provide personalized guidance and tips.

Whether wearable breast pumps are worth it depends on individual preferences and needs.

Wearable breast pumps are absolutely worth it if you value the freedom and convenience they offer.

With features like hands-free operation, mobility, and suitability for various settings including work environments and travel, wearable breast pumps like The Night Owl can provide numerous benefits.

Additionally, the night owl wearable breast pumps are designed to cater to the diverse needs of breastfeeding mothers, including those who exclusively pump.

However, it's important to note that every wearable breast pump is different, and not all wearable breast pumps on the market are suitable, particularly for exclusive pumping, so it's essential to research and choose the right option for your specific needs.

We're based in Melbourne, Australia and yes everything ships directly to you from our Melbourne warehouse!

We currently ship orders to Australia and New Zealand.

You can track your order after a shipping confirmation email has been sent to you with a tracking number. If you haven't received your email please contact us using the link below.

We endeavor to ship your order within 1-2 business days from our Melbourne warehouse. If you need your item quickly we recommend express post. Please see the Australia Post domestic delivery time frames for the most accurate estimate for when to expect your order after it has been shipped.

Should your item have a pre-order date, this is the approx date of dispatch. The delivery timeframe starts from the pre-order date it ships on.

Your order will be shipped all together along with the pre-order items so you can expect it all to ship on the estimated dispatch date for the pre-order item. If however you require an 'in stock' item from your order more urgently, please contact us so that we can try our best to assist.

Not to worry, this just means that the shipment you ordered from sold out and customers who order after you will receive their pre-order from the later shipment.
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If there is any changes with your pre-order we will always contact you directly first.

We accept all major debit and credit cards as well as PayPal, and buy now pay later options including Afterpay, LayBuy and Klarna.

Our locally owned and operated Australian company ensures compliance with all prerequisites essential for claiming our wearable breast pumps through eligible health insurance policies. Should your health fund qualify for breast pump claims, kindly reach out to us with your order number, and we'll promptly provide you with an official tax invoice, meeting all the criteria stipulated by your insurance provider, facilitating a seamless claim process.

Please be advised that not all health insurance policies accommodate breast pump claims. We recommend verifying eligibility with your provider beforehand.

Please contact us using the link below as soon as possible. We'll do our best to make any changes before your order has shipped.

Please contact us using the link below as soon as possible.

Please make sure that you are certain before placing your order, as once an order is placed we are unable to cancel it regardless of whether it is in-stock or a pre-order.

You can view our returns policy here.

View our complete guide on assembly here.

Here are the recommended upgrade time frames for each part

Original Night Owl & Baby Owl:

Shield: 2-3 months

Valve: 1-2 months

Diaphragm: 1-2 months

Flange inserts: 1-2 months

Linker: 2-3 months

Mumma Owl:

All parts - Approx 3 months or as needed if appearing worn

As is the case with any breast pump, it's essential to replace the silicone components after a specific duration to ensure optimal functionality.

Failure to replace these parts and utilising the motor with worn, frayed, loose, or damaged components can lead to the motor overworking, causing strain during pumping. This not only poses a risk of damaging the motor but can also result in a significant decrease in milk output.

The most convenient way to stay proactive about this is by acquiring a collector cup kit, which is readily accessible on our website. Alternatively, each individual part is also available for purchase.

Breast pump parts do not require sterilisation as they are only in contact with breast milk which is already sterile. We do not recommend frequent sterilisation as this causes breast pump parts to deteriorate and discolour.

Heat over 100 degrees can warp the parts.

Frequent sterilisation is likely to shorten the life of your parts quicker so you will need to replace them more often.

Unless otherwise advised by your health professional, we recommend simply warm soapy water with a soft cloth or brush. Ensure all parts are properly dry before using your pump.

Breast pump parts are only in contact with breast milk which is sterile, so no they don't require sterilising (unless recommended by your midwives if your baby is immunocompromised or for any other reason required).

A lot of sterilisers operate at over 100° which can be harmful to your parts. This may cause them to discolour, warp or deteriorate and require replacing faster.

No. Most dishwashers operate at over 100° which can be harmful to your parts. This may cause them to discolour, warp or deteriorate and require replacing faster.

We recommend simply warm soapy water with a soft cloth or brush.

See our complete fitting and nipple measuring guide here.

A flange insert goes into a 24mm shield to create a smaller 'tunnel' for comfort and better output. See our guide here for a more detailed look. Don't forget to buy two (2) if you pump with a twin pack!

Send us a message requesting the cancellation through via the contact us link below with your latest subscription order number

All subscriptions require 24 hours notice for a cancellation request to be processed.

We are unable to cancel a subscription the same day it is due. If you request a cancellation on the day that your subscription is due this means that the cancellation will take effect from the next payment date that it would have been due.

Subscriptions can only be cancelled after the first renewal.

As an example, once you place your original order, you cannot immediately cancel your subscription. You must wait until the first renewal order (2nd order in your subscription cycle) is completed and then you may cancel at anytime you wish.

No or reduced suction is most commonly solved by following these easy steps:

Step 1.

Check that your flange size is correct. No milk or suction when pumping is often a sign at the flange size is wrong or not positioned correctly. Use our fitting guide here.

Step 2.

Check that all the parts are assembled correctly as any air getting in will reduce suction. Please follow our how to guide for a step by step guide on how to assemble you pump. Pay particular attention to:

• The motor clicked all the way down and even
• The valve pushed all the way in and not on an angle (arrow to arrow).
• The diaphragm and shield sealed and down as tightly as possible

Step 3.

Is the pump centered and pressed firmly against your breast? Your nursing or maternity bra needs to be tight enough so there's no air or gaps between the shield and your breast.

Step 4.

Have you tried different levels and modes? We recommend starting in massage/ stimulation mode to help stimulate the nipple. Go up and down between the different levels. There's is between 9-15 levels of suction depending on your model, however the maximum level doesn't necessarily mean higher milk output.

Step 5.

If they've worked previously and noticed now that there's less or no suction, it's likely time to replace some parts.

Check for any obvious holes, cracks, or tears, and make sure the pieces fit firmly and lie flat. Any obvious damage we recommend not using and purchasing a replacement part.

Sometimes it's not obvious to the eye that a part needs replacing. Please refer to our recommended time frames for all breast pump parts. This is also dependent on how and how much you are using them.

If you've tried all the following steps and you're still struggling with output or suction, rest assured we're here to help. Leave us a message and we'll reply to you as soon as possible.

Step 1.

Check that your flange size is correct. Pain when pumping is most commonly a sign at the flange size is wrong or not positioned correctly. Use our fitting guide here.

Step 2.

Check that your nipple is centered and positioned correctly.

Step 3.

Read through our how to guide here to ensure you are using the modes and levels correctly

If you've tried all the following steps and you're still struggling with pain while pumping, rest assured we're here to help. Leave us a message and we'll reply to you as soon as possible.

Step 1.

Check that all the parts are assembled correctly as this may cause leakages. Please follow our how to guide for a step by step guide on how to assemble you pump.

Troubleshooting leaking from the bottom of the flange/ shield:

• Parts are overdue for replacement and have loosened (the shield generally needs to be replaced within 2 months). Please ensure you have replaced the parts in time to prevent leakage and also keep the suction working at its best
• Silicone shield is not snapped shut completely all the way around
• Silicone shield has been placed the wrong way around and the pouring hole used to empty the milk has been placed at the bottom of the cup instead of the top, causing the milk to leak out
• The skin on the surface of the breast could be sweaty/oily/moist which can cause silicone from
  breast pumps to 'stick' to the skin, and as you move around if it's 'stuck' to the silicone it can unseal a little bit of the shield. An easy trick to fix this is a quick wipe of the skin before pumping with a baby wipe, wet paper towel etc, and then once the skins dry pop the pump on for your session
• It is getting caught at the bottom of your bra which is unsealing the shield somewhere as a result of how it's placed/angled. Make sure that you are wearing a suitable nursing bra that is fitted correctly. If the bra moves up and down due to the straps not being fitted correctly this can potentially catch on to your shield. Also, your pumps come with additional straps that can be attached to your bra to keep it securely in place and help prevent this
• Parts have been placed in a dishwasher or steriliser (over 100 degrees) against recommendation which has caused them to warp/ loosen

Troubleshooting leaking from the middle tunnel / flangehole:

• Flange/ shield size is too big - please refer to our fitting guide to figure out the right size for you 
• You are leaning a bit too far back when pumping from sitting - try to be leaning slightly forward if possible or in the very least ensure you're sitting straight
• Nipple isn't centered properly in the tunnel/ flange hole
• Pump isn't being held tight enough against the breast using a nursing bra - need to ensure an airtight seal - use the additional bra strap provided if needed to ensure an airtight seal. If you are not 'feeling any suction' it usually points to incorrect positioning
  
• The valve isn't pushed up far and tight enough onto the end of the linker so milk is traveling back up

Step 2.

Ensure all parts are completely dry before assembling and using your pump. Wet parts may prevent the parts from tightening and may cause leakage.

Step 3.

When removing the pump from your breast, lean forward 45° to ensure that there's enough space to take it out without getting caught anywhere.

Step 4.

Leaning too far back while pumping - we recommend a mainly sitting or standing position. If the cup is over full past the maximum capacity of 180ml, there may be leakage.

Step 5.

If they've worked previously and you've tried all the above steps, then it's likely time to replace some parts.

Check for any obvious holes, cracks, or tears, and make sure the pieces fit firmly and lie flat. Any obvious damage we recommend not using and purchasing a replacement part.

Sometimes it's not obvious to the eye that a part needs replacing. Please refer to our recommended time frames for all breast pump parts. This is also dependent on how and how much you are using them. We also offer accessory subscriptions so there's one less thing you need to remember!

If you've tried all the following steps and you're still struggling with leakage, rest assured we're here to help. Leave us a message and we'll reply to you as soon as possible.

Charging

• We recommend using a minimum 5V-1A charger. Faster chargers may charge your pumps faster.
• If your pump isn't charging, try with another USB charger and try different power outlet.
• Ensure that no milk or liquid has gone inside the charging port. This may cause your pump to stop charging. If this has happened we have replacement motors available here.

Battery

• The nature of lithium-ion or Li-ion batteries that the maximum capacity will decrease with usage. Rest assured this is perfectly normal, just like your mobile phone or any other device that has a Li-ion battery

If you've tried all the following steps and you're still struggling with battery or charging, rest assured we're here to help. Leave us a message and we'll reply to you as soon as possible.

If there is a 'squeaking' noise coming from your pumps, please try the following:

Step 1.

Check that all the parts are assembled correctly as this may cause them to 'squeak'. Please follow our how to guide for a step by step guide on how to assemble you pump. Pay particular attention to:

• Ensure the diaphragm has been sealed securely and placed down correctly onto the linker.
• Ensure all parts are completely dry before assembling and using your pump.
• Replace the rubber bands on the motor as they may be worn or loose (Original Owl & Baby Owl)

Step 2.

Is the pump centered and pressed firmly against your breast? Your nursing or maternity bra needs to be tight enough so there's no air or gaps between the shield and your breast. Also ensure it's not so tight that it's painful or uncomfortable.

Other

• Our breast pumps are quiet and discreet when compared with others on the market. Some noise is unavoidable as there's moving parts and a motor that creates the suction.
• You may notice that two motors may not always sound exactly the same. There are many factors that control this however rest assured, this is perfectly normal and has no factor in the amount of suction or of the performance of your pumps.

If you've tried all the following steps and you're still struggling with sound, rest assured we're here to help. Leave us a message and we'll reply to you as soon as possible.