It is normal for pump pieces to lose elasticity and wear over time. Soft silicone, moving pieces need to be replaced more often than hard plastic pieces. How often parts need to be replaced depends on many things: how often you pump, the temperature of water you use when cleaning your pump, what type of bottle brush (if any) you use, how often you sanitize the pieces, the type of sanitation method you use.

To keep your pump working at its best, take care to replace specific pieces at the first sign of wear. How will you know it’s time? Suction may feel different, you will pump less milk than expected for two or three pumping sessions in a row, or it will take longer than normal to pump the same amount of milk.

Keep spare parts on hand so you can replace pieces immediately rather than waiting for parts to arrive in the mail.

Some parents wonder why replacement pieces must be purchased; why aren’t they free or included with the warranty? Maintaining your breast pump is like taking care of your car; you are responsible for maintenance. For example, you don’t need to buy a new car every 3,000 miles—you just have the oil changed. Same with your pump—you don’t need to replace the pump motor when suction dips. Simply keep spare parts on hand and replace them at first sign of wear. This keeps your pump working optimally.

Did you receive your breast pump through insurance? Some insurance plans will cover replacement pieces. Contact your insurance or the DME that supplied your breast pump to find out if this is an option for you. But don’t wait until you need to replace something—contact them in advance so you can have spare parts on hand.