Exclusive pumpers: replacing the membranes

[meggers]

I use a Medela PISA. How often should I be replacing the membranes? Or how often did you, even if you didn't exclusively pump?

[sent]

I used to replace them about every 4 - 6 weeks but I can't say that it made a huge difference.

[arch01]

I pumped 5-6x/day (usually 5 after 3m) and replaced mine every 3ish weeks.

General rule of thumb is if you see a decrease in output, first thing to do is replace the membranes.

[zarapipe]

I haven't so far. Been pumping 2x a day since January.

[CrazyLucky]

You only need to replace them if there is a tear or another defect.

[ijack]

It really depends. If you notice a drop I would give it a try. A lot of times it's hard to tell that they're worn out just by looking at them.

[AmyRI]

I had to replace every few weeks. But it's a function of how often, how long, and at what suction level you use. I also got them to last longer by consistently hand washing and not putting them in the dishwasher with the rest of the hard plastic pump parts.

[donthasslethehoff]

Probably every 2 weeks in the beginning (pumping around 8x per day). When I went back to work probably closer to 3 weeks. I had a medela symphony.

[meggers]

Thanks, everyone!

[Deleted]

I EPed for the first few months and changed them every 2-3 weeks. When in doubt, just change them!

[linz]

I never notice much difference when changing them. What I do is every few months I buy all new parts since they start to look gross after awhile even washing them each day. It's pry a waste of money to some people but I pump 6x a day right now so they get a lot of use.

[sarahsas]

Can someone explain this further? I am EPing but know nothing about replacing membranes or even what they are :/

[AmyRI]

Apr 27, 2015 12:46:55 GMT -5 sarahsas said:

Can someone explain this further? I am EPing but know nothing about replacing membranes or even what they are :/

What pump are you using?

The Medela PISA has the little white rubbery flaps on it and they wear out over time. You're supposed to replace them as part of routine maintenance. Medela Freestyle has a different kind of membrane that either needs replacing much less often or sometimes never.

Ameda Purely Yours has little white rubber pieces that they refer to as valves, and those should be replaced routinely the same way Medela PISA membranes should be replaced.

[sarahsas]

AmyRI I have the PISA as well.

[Deleted]

I've used PISA and Symphony pumping 8x a day.

I replaced them at 7 weeks but probably unbucessary. One was a little bent and sometimes gave me issues.

[shortstax]

I EP and am down to 4 pumps a day. I've been pumping for 12 weeks and haven't changed them yet (on the PISA.)

[shortstax]

Apr 28, 2015 7:51:19 GMT -5 shortstax said:

I EP and am down to 4 pumps a day. I've been pumping for 12 weeks and haven't changed them yet (on the PISA.)

LOL, and  now I realize that I'm an idiot. I was thinking of the tubing, not the membranes. I have 3 sets of membranes and switch them out (but haven't fully replaced any yet.) So basically disregard me over here