Everything You Need to Know about Breast Pump Replacement Parts

Updated November 2025

Did you know you need to replace the parts that come with your breast pump? Yes, seriously!

We promise, we aren't just saying this. Any breast pump you purchase will require you to replace its pump parts for best use and cleanliness.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, let's talk about the different types of breast pump parts.

The Essential Breast Pump Parts & Their Functions

Understanding each part's role helps you see why its condition is so critical. While parts vary by pump, here are the most common ones:

Part Name	What It Is & What It Does
Flanges (Breast Shields)	Also called a breast shield, this pump part is the plastic piece that goes over your breast and nipple. Flanges come in different sizes based on the size of your nipple.
Duckbill Valves	attach to the end of the flange, where your milk is released into a container. These valves get their name from their shape.
Backflow Protectors	In a traditional pump, a backflow protector keeps your milk from being exposed to external elements.
Backflow protector membranes:	are silicone disks that keep milk from splashing back into the motor or the tube of a breast pump. These membranes also block milk from splashing back into the tubes of traditional pumps.
Tubing	In traditional pumps, the flanges attach to your pump with clear tubing.
Sizing Inserts	These pieces allow your flange to be adjusted to the size needed for your nipple. They are used when the standard pump flange sizes are not the proper fit.

Do I Need to Replace My Breast Pump Parts?

Alright, jumping back into this: YES. Please replace your breast pump parts!

Here’s why:

Risk of Contamination: While proper cleaning of your breast pump parts will help prevent any bacterial contamination, breast pump parts need to be replaced in regular intervals. Failure to replace your breast pump parts increases the chance for bacteria contaminating your parts and, in turn, your milk.
Loss of Suction & Efficiency: Failure to replace pump parts can impact how well your pump works. As the silicone begins to degrade, the proper suction in the valves and membranes can impact how much milk is expressed from your breast.

Do you really want to spend any extra time pumping? We sure wouldn't.

How Often Do I Need to Replace My Breast Pump Parts?

The window for replacing your breast pump parts will depend on how often you use them. If you are an exclusive pumper, you will likely need to replace your parts sooner than someone who is only pumping once or twice a day.

Part	Recommended Replacement	Signs It's Time
Duckbill Valves, Membranes	Every 4-8 weeks	Stretched, thin, or torn silicone; loss of suction.
Flanges, Backflow Protectors	Every 6 months	Cracks, cloudiness, or visible damage.
Tubing	Every 3-6 months	Moisture inside, mold, or loss of suction.
Bottles/Containers	As needed	Cracks, scratches, or worn-out threads.

Willow Pump Replacement Parts

Replace your pump parts regularly for an optimal pumping experience. If you notice that your pump seems to have lost suction, take a look at your parts. Have a second set of parts incase of lost or torn parts.

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3 Clear Signs Your Pump Parts Need Replacing Now

We've mentioned timing windows for replacing your breast pump parts but let's dive deeper. Sometimes these windows are cut short by damage and normal wear and tear. But how can you tell?

Even if it's not time per the schedule, replace any part immediately if you notice:

The Suction is Gone: If your pump is on a high setting but doesn't feel as strong, worn-out valves are the #1 culprit.
Visible Wear and Tear: During cleaning, inspect all silicone parts for thinning, tears, or stickiness. Check plastic for cracks or deformities.

Unexplained Drop in Output: If your milk volume decreases without other reasons (hydration, stress), inefficient parts could be to blame.

Are Breast Pump Parts Covered By My Warranty?

While we can't speak for all pumps, we can speak for ours! Willow pump parts are covered under warranty for 90 days. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear. If you have any questions about the warranty, our Care Team is here to help!

Are Breast Pump Parts Covered By Insurance?

Did you know many insurance companies cover replacement breast pump parts? Many moms don't realize that breast pump parts are covered just like breast pumps!

To sweeten the deal, the replacement parts are typically shipped to you within the recommended replacement windows.

For questions regarding your specific insurance plan, you will need to talk with your carrier!

FAQs:

Are breast pump parts covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurance plans cover replacement parts! Many parents don't realize this. Often, you can get new parts shipped to you every 1-2 months at little to no cost.
Does the Willow warranty cover replacement parts?
Willow pump parts are covered under our warranty for 90 days. This covers manufacturer defects but not normal wear and tear from use.
Can I just boil my parts to sterilize them instead of replacing them?
Sterilizing kills bacteria but does not reverse physical wear. A sterilized, stretched-out duckbill valve will still result in poor suction. Replacement is necessary for performance and safety.
What's the most important part to replace regularly?
Duckbill valves and other silicone pieces have the biggest impact on suction and need the most frequent replacement. They are the engine of your pumping kit.

Willow Has Your Back - Buy Your Breast Pump Replacement Parts Today

Understanding the ins and outs of pumping and breastfeeding is overwhelming. Add in the breast pump parts and it can feel like a whole new world.

Willow is here to walk you through the journey - every step of the way. Our pumps are created with you in mind - take a moment to check them out and see what makes us different from the rest!

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of medical professionals. It should not be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions or problems. Please contact your healthcare provider with questions or concerns.