Breast Pumping Tips 🍼

No/reduced suction / milk output is most commonly solved by following these easy steps:

Step 1. Flange Size

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

Even if you've previously checked your flange size, please remeasure it as hormonal fluctuations cause size changes. Do not rely on the flange size you used with a different breast pump, this may not be the correct fit for you. Flange sizes can also vary significantly between brands and designs. Remember that while accurate measurements are important, finding the right fit can sometimes involve trial and error. Just because you’re expressing milk doesn’t mean the flange size is ideal - many factors affect sizing beyond measurements alone.

Give your body time to adjust to any changes in fit or size - swelling, shifts in breast tissue, hormonal shifts and other changes can affect output during the transition, but with some patience, it should settle.

Step 2. Assembly

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:

• Ensure all parts are completely dry when assembling
• 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
• Rubber bands on base of motor are in place and not loose or damaged - switch over with spare rubber inside pump box if needed (Baby/ Original Owl motors) 
  

Step 3. Positioning & Bra

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. 

Ensure to use a proper maternity/nursing bra only. If the bra is too tight it can misalign the pump by pushing it upwards. If bra is too loose it can prevent proper suction. 

Step 4. Levels + Modes

Have you tried different levels and modes? Start in massage/ stimulation mode to help stimulate the nipple. This should not take more then a few minutes. Before moving to expression mode. 

Go up and down between the different levels to see the differences in how your breasts respond. There is between 9-15 levels of suction to choose from depending on your model, however the maximum level doesn't necessarily mean higher milk output. Click here to read of the guide to maximising your session using the levels and modes 

Step 5. Pump Parts

If your pump has worked well in the past but you’re now noticing less or no suction, it’s often a sign that some parts need to be replaced. Check for any obvious signs of wear, such as holes, cracks, or tears, and ensure all pieces fit securely and lie flat. If you spot any damage, discontinue use and purchase replacement parts immediately.

Remember not all wear and tear is visible to the eye and parts still need replacing even if its not visibly obvious. Be sure to follow the recommended timeframes for part replacements to maintain optimal performance. For more information about part replacement timeframes click here to visit our accessories FAQ.

Step 6.  Switching from a different breast pump / Using other breast pumps alongside

If you’re switching from another breast pump or using The Night Owl breast pump alongside another pump, differences between the two in flange fit/ size, settings, functionality, and usage environments can affect performance and comfort.

Step 7. Other Factors

Milk output, and sometimes how effective a pumping session feels, can be influenced by factors beyond the pump itself. These can include:

• Changes in Milk Supply: Milk production can naturally fluctuate due to things like stress, diet, hydration, changes in routine and the stage of your breastfeeding or pumping journey. It’s normal for output to vary from one session or day to another.
• Blocked Ducts: If you’re already dealing with a blocked duct, milk may not flow as freely while pumping, which can affect how much you express. Gentle warmth or massage before pumping may help encourage milk flow and make the session more comfortable.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts can temporarily affect milk production and pumping output. This can happen around your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or when starting, stopping or changing birth control.
• Other Body Factors: Other changes in your body can also influence milk production. If you notice a significant or ongoing change that doesn’t appear to be related to your pump, fit, parts or routine, it may be worth seeking personalised advice.
• Pumping Schedule: Changes to how often or when you pump can affect how much you express. A more consistent pumping routine can help make your sessions and output more predictable over time.

If your output has changed, first check the pump-related factors above, including flange fit, positioning, assembly, parts and settings. If everything with the pump looks right, remember that changes in your body, routine and milk supply can also affect what you express.

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 please enquire directly about purchasing a replacement motor part by itself.

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

Auto Shut-Off Feature

• For your safety, the pump is equipped with an auto shut-off function, which may sometimes be mistaken for a charging or battery issue. This feature automatically powers down the pump after a set period to prevent overheating or if you accidentally fall asleep while pumping.
• If the pump auto shut off is activated, simply turn it back on to continue using it. However, if you find yourself pumping for longer than 20 or 30 minutes, this is usually too long and may indicate an incorrect flange size, unsuitable mode or suction level, or improper positioning. Adjusting these factors can help improve efficiency and comfort during your pumping sessions.

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.

Step 3.

Ensure that you check and replace any parts that are due for replacement within the recommended timeframes. To see more information about when parts need to be replaced click here to go to the accessories FAQ.

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.

If you're noticing air leakage or a hissing sound while using your pump (often combined with reduced output), this typically indicates that a part is either worn out or damaged. The most common cause is a valve that may need replacing, but it's also possible that other components, like the cup, could be cracked or another part has torn or frayed. We recommend carefully inspecting all parts of the pump to ensure everything is intact. Replacing the valve usually resolves the issue, but double-checking the other parts ensures optimal performance and prevents further damage.

Additionally, this can happen if the parts are wet or not sealed down properly. Make sure everything is dry and securely attached.

Let the battery empty, recharge it to full capacity, then power on again.

Ensure that no milk or liquid has made direct contact with the motor. This is usually the cause of any changes with the LED Screen.