Wearable breast pumps offer convenience, flexibility and hands-free expression, making them a valuable tool for many breastfeeding mothers.
However, wearable pumps do not work equally well for every woman. Individual anatomy, nipple elasticity, breast shape, milk storage capacity and personal responsiveness to pumps can all influence pumping comfort and milk output.
Some mothers achieve excellent results with wearable pumps, while others find they respond better to a traditional electric pump with separate flanges and an external motor.
If you are exclusively pumping, have concerns about milk removal, or are experiencing ongoing discomfort, you may wish to discuss your pumping routine with a qualified lactation professional.
Individual pumping results will vary.
Disclaimer
This guide is intended for general product support and troubleshooting purposes only and does not replace personalised medical, lactation or healthcare advice.
If you are experiencing persistent pain, breast redness, fever, blocked ducts, concerns about milk supply, or any other health concerns, please seek advice from your healthcare provider or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Low output is one of the most common concerns and can happen for several reasons:
✓ Check that your nipple is centred in the flange tunnel before starting.
✓ Ensure all pump parts are assembled correctly and securely.
✓ Confirm that your duckbill valves are fully closed before use.
✓ Check that the silicone flange insert is the correct size for your nipple.
✓ Make sure the collection cup is sealed correctly.
✓ Try pumping when relaxed and comfortable. Looking at photos or videos
of your baby may help trigger let-down.
Remember, the amount you pump is not a measure of your milk supply. Many mothers express less milk with a pump than their baby can remove at the breast.
This may indicate that the breasts are not
being drained effectively.
✓ Check nipple alignment.
✓ Review your flange size.
✓ Ensure the bra is supportive but not compressing the pump.
✓ Try a different suction level. Stronger suction is not always better.
✓ Consider whether a wearable pump suits your body and pumping needs.
Some women, regardless of breast size, simply respond better to a traditional pump with separate flanges and an external motor.
Correct flange sizing is one of the most important factors in comfortable and effective pumping.
To measure your flange size:
• Measure the widest part of your nipple diameter in millimetres (mm). Do not include the areola in this measurement.
• Choose a flange size that matches your nipple diameter. Some mothers prefer to add 1–2 mm for additional comfort, but this varies from person to person.
• Your nipple should move freely within the tunnel during pumping without excessive areola being drawn in.
Signs your flange may be too large:
• Excessive areola being pulled into the tunnel
• Reduced milk output
• Discomfort during pumping
• Difficulty maintaining effective suction
Signs your flange may be too small:
• Nipple rubbing against the sides of the tunnel
• Pain during pumping
• Nipple blanching or damage
• Reduced milk flow
If your nipple is chafing or feeling sore during pumping, you may benefit from applying a pumping-safe lubricant to the flange tunnel before expressing.
It is also important to remember that nipple size can change throughout your breastfeeding and expressing journey. Hormonal changes, milk supply regulation, and the postpartum period can all affect nipple measurements. We recommend remeasuring regularly, particularly if you notice changes in comfort, output, or nipple appearance during pumping.
Pumping should never be painful.
✓ Recheck flange size.
✓ Lower the suction level.
✓ Ensure the nipple is centred.
✓ Check that all silicone components are fitted correctly.
If pain persists, discontinue use and seek support.
This is completely normal.
Most women naturally produce more milk on one side than the other. Differences in output between breasts are very common and do not usually indicate a problem.
Please check:
✓ All parts are assembled correctly.
✓ Duckbill valves are not torn, stretched or damaged.
✓ Silicone components are seated properly.
✓ Collection cups are fully sealed.
✓ The battery is adequately charged.
Replacement valves should be used periodically as wear and tear can affect suction
performance.
Leaks are usually caused by:
✓ Incorrect assembly
✓ Overfilling the collection cup
✓ Silicone seals not sitting correctly
✓ Movement causing the collection cup to tilt
Always keep the pump upright during use and empty before reaching maximum capacity. When removing the pump, lean slightly forward to help prevent any milk from spilling out of the collection cup.
We recommend avoiding significant bending or lying down while wearing the pumps.
The collection cups are designed to remain upright. Excessive leaning may cause leakage and reduce performance.
There is no "normal" amount. Output varies depending on:
• Time of day
• Stage of lactation
• Time since the last feed or pump
• Individual milk storage capacity
• Pump responsiveness
Some mothers pump several ounces, while others pump much smaller amounts and still have a healthy milk supply.
Wearable pumps are an amazing option for many mothers, but they are not a perfect fit for everyone.
Some women find they achieve better milk removal with a traditional electric pump that uses separate flanges and an external motor. This is not a reflection of your milk supply or your pumping ability. Everybody responds differently.
If you've checked positioning, flange fit and assembly and are still experiencing poor milk removal, a traditional pump may be more effective for you.
To keep your pump performing at its best, wearable pump parts should be replaced regularly as they naturally wear over time.
Recommended replacement schedule:
• Duckbill valves: Every 1–3 months depending on frequency of use
• Silicone inserts and seals: Every 2–3 months or sooner if damaged, stretched, or showing signs of wear
• Collection cups and hard plastic components: Replace if cracked, damaged, or no longer sealing correctly
Worn parts can lead to reduced suction, lower milk output, and leaking. If you notice a change in pump performance, checking and replacing wearable parts is one of the first troubleshooting steps we recommend.
All replacement parts are available to purchase through our online shop.
Our wearable pump is designed as a convenient pumping solution to support your breastfeeding and pumping journey. While many mothers achieve excellent results with wearable pumps, they are not designed to replace a primary hospital-grade or traditional electric breast pump for exclusive pumping.
For mothers who are exclusively pumping or relying heavily on pumping to maintain milk supply, we recommend using a primary pump with separate flanges and an external motor as your main pump, with the wearable pump used alongside it for convenience, travel, work, or occasional pumping sessions.
Every mother responds differently to pumps, and some women find traditional pumps remove milk more effectively than wearable pumps. This is completely normal and does not reflect your milk supply or pumping ability.
