Breastfeeding/Lactation Consultant

Maggie take the tubing off and put your finger over the ports and see if the suction is ok there or in the motor.....m

It's ok to put rubbing alcohol down the tubes to dry it out, it is recommended by the manufacturer actually.

The other common problem that can create low suction is at the white valve on the yellow part that hangs down in the bottles. That yellow valve and white diaphram need to be taken off and separated each time you wash the pump or milk can clog it up and cause milk to back up into the pump which can ruin the motor and/or cause low suction.

Be sure to check your tubes to see if there are any holes or breaks in them that would decrease suction. Make sure you have the flange and bottle screwed on tightly. Leaving the bottle unscrewed a bit is a way I teach moms to reduce suction in certain circumstances.

Try each tube and flange/bottle as a single pump. Don't forget to cover the unused port with the little plug for that. If you single pump the suction should be a bit higher and you may be able to identify that one of the kits is having a problem. Also put just the tubing on and run the pump and put your finger over the end of the tubes to check if the suction there is as strong as it is directly on the ports. That should tell you if it is in the tubing.

Last resort is to call the manufacturer to help you trouble shoot. Don't forget the PIS has a one year warranty and they may replace it if there is a defect.

Good luck

Warmly Kathy

Thank you Thank you Thank you!! I think my problem was with the white covers on the yellow part!!! nt

oh yes those flanges wear out, Medela recommends replacing them every 3 mo - about $1 for 2. nt