FAQs for Pumping
Flange Fit
A breast pump flange is the funnel-shaped piece that fits over the nipple and areola during pumping. It creates a seal around the breast, allowing the pump to extract milk effectively. Bubka breast pump flanges come in various sizes, ranging from 13mm to 27mm. Choosing the correct flange size is essential to ensure proper milk flow and prevent discomfort or nipple damage.
Check out our breast pump flange range here
Flange sizing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Here are a few steps to help you determine the correct flange size:
- Measure your nipple diameter: Using a ruler, measure the diameter of your nipple at its base.
- Add 2mm to your nipple diameter measurement: To allow for comfortable movement and prevent nipple rubbing.
- Choose the closest flange size: Compare your adjusted measurement to the available flange sizes and select the one that is closest in size.
More info here
C – Centre Nipple: Your nipple should move freely and not touch the sides of the tunnel.
O – Only a Little Areola: Most of your areola should remain outside the tunnel.
M – Motion is Gentle and Rhythmic: Your breast should move gently with the pump’s suction.
F – Feels Comfortable: Pumping should not cause any pain
Y – Yields Breast Milk: Your breasts should feel emptied after pumping
Your nipple size can change throughout your breastfeeding journey.
It's advisable to re-size your nipples every three months or whenever you ordered your flanges.
If you experience unexpected changes in supply or discomfort while pumping, it may indicate a change of flange size is recommended.
Cleaning
Cleaning:
Step 1: Soak the Parts (excluding motor)
Carefully place all the pump parts (excluding motor) into a basin full of warm soapy water
Step 2: Scrub Each Part
Using a soft-bristled brush, individually scrub each part to remove any buildup.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Once scrubbed, rinse each part thoroughly under cool, running water to remove all traces of residue.
Step 4: Air Dry
Place the rinsed parts on a clean paper towel
Step 5: Assemble
Once all parts are completely bone dry, you can now assemble and ready to pump!
Sterilising:
Once all silicone and plastic parts are clean, you can sterilise in your usual way, by either boiling them for 5 minutes or by using a steam steriliser. Do not sterilise parts higher than 100 degrees celsius. Please remember that frequent sterilisation can cause pump parts to deteriorate faster. If you follow a regular wash routine, you shouldn't need to sterilise more that just once.
Cleaning:
Please remember to wash parts with warm soapy water between pumping session to remove any milk residue.
Sterilising:
Please remember that frequent sterilisation can cause pump parts to deteriorate faster. If you follow a regular wash routine, you shouldn't need to sterilise more that just once.
Wash all pump parts that come in contact with the breast and breast milk. This includes all pump parts excluding the motor.
We recommend hand washing all soft silicone parts, such as duckbill valves, flange inserts and diaphragms.
High heat sterilisation can cause pump parts to deteriorate faster.
Pumping
Bubka's award winning design moves around you. Pump wherever and whenever, without being tied to a power outlet.
Click here to see how we are different from the others
All Bubka Breast Pumps are small & mighty, designed to be used on-the-go.
Please see the our comparison table here to get a breakdown on suction, battery, sound level and shape.
We also have a Pump Quiz, to help navigate which Bubka Breast Pump is right for you: https://bubka.com.au/pages/pump-quiz
- We strongly recommend that you re-check your flange size using our Bubka Flange Guide (as an example if you ordered a 21mm flange, is this still the correct size now?)
- Ensure you are wearing a nursing bra that allows a snug fit for your Bubka Breast Pump
- Once aligned and assembled, give your Bubka Breast Pump a really good press together to ensure it’s as tight as possible. This will guarantee you are getting the maximum suction
- The key now is once you have popped on your Bubka Breast Pump, make sure it’s centred on your nipple. I find placing the collection cup on first then attaching the motor afterwards helps to see through the collection cup a little clearer. Once turned on, give it a light tug to ensure you can feel the suction on your skin, better yet, you might even be able to feel to letdown which will further confirm that the pump is sitting snug and centred on your nipple.
- Check that your duckbill (the triangular piece) and your diaphragm (the circular piece) are secure and tight and there is no leftover milk residue on these pieces that would make them slippery - these two pieces are super important to ensure maximum suction as well as the motor.
- Always check these silicone pieces between uses in case it’s time to replace your parts. We recommended replenishing Breast Pump Replacement Parts every 8 weeks (depending how often you pump).
- Lactation increases gradually and mimics bub's sucking frequency. The frequency follows 3 short suctions + 1 long suction. The benefit about this mode is in addition to expressing breast milk efficiently, it also stimulates milk production
- Expression gets straight to the point with long suction
- Massage is a great way to begin your pump session to help make the process more comfortable and stimulate your letdown
- Auto will automatically transition your pump session from massage to expression
Depending on whether you get The Move, Pro 2 or OG Breast Pump, there are multiple levels of suction strength and speed, allowing you to find the most comfortable expression mode. The higher the setting, the more intense and slower the pulls.
Lots of mums think that the higher they set the strength, the more milk they’ll get. However, if you put the suction at a level that is painful for you, this can actually reduce the amount of milk that you pump, because pain can inhibit letdowns and cause nipple damage. And nobody wants that!
It really depends on your frequency of use and the intensity on which you use it. Based on 20min pumping sessions:
- Charge Bubka OG Breast Pump after every 2 sessions
- Charge Bubka Pro 2 Breast Pump after every 4 sessions
- Charge Bubka Move Breast Pump after every 6 sessions
All Bubka motors are USB chargeable so you could even recharge them in the car! Don't get caught out and about with no charge!
A well-fitted, supportive, snug fit such as feeding crop top is ideal. Make sure to get the compression right before each session. To further optimise fit, you can use our Bubka Bra Adjusters which are included with your pump.
To prevent leaks when using a breast pump, ensure the flange snaps closed completely by assembling dry parts properly. Avoid heat exposure that can warp the silicone. Leaning back too far or a damaged valve may cause milk to flow back instead of into the collection cup. When removing the pump from your bra, tilt forward about 45 degrees and slowly pull it out, unclipping any extenders for more space. Finally, when transferring your breast milk into bottles or storage bags, ensure that the nipple entrance is facing upwards and pour using the built-in pouring hole to avoid leaks
Bubka Breast Milk Reusable Bags are specifically designed to keep your breast milk fresh and safe for bub, made with BPA Free food grade silicone ensuring maximum protection. The bags are also pre-sterilized and can be directly stored in the fridge or freezer.Each reusable bag holds up to 250ml of breast milk with complimentary write-on labels, allowing you to label the date and contents of each bag. They can be stored in the fridge (we recommend storing your milk at the back of the fridge) or in the freezer. Note - You can use a whiteboard marker to write the date on your Milk Bags, this will wipe off easily after use!
Bubka breast pumps come with a warranty and speedy mum support for troubleshooting. Please contact us at support@bubka.co for further assistance.
The warranty coverage starts from the date of receipt by the original purchaser:
- 12-month warranty for Bubka Double Breast Pumps
- 6-month warranty for Bubka Single Breast Pumps
Please refer to Warranty & Refund Policy