Frequently Asked Questions
Ameda
Products
Pumping
Troubleshooting
Insurance
Ameda does not currently offer a recycling program for used pumps. We suggest you contact your local waste management provider to determine if there are options in your area for recycling.
We recommend that you call our ParentCare Department when you have a few minutes available at 866-992-6332 M-F 8:00am-5:00pm CST for warranty assistance. Due to the nature of our product, we need to conduct our product troubleshooting over the phone. Troubleshooting may include listening to your motor, so please have your pump and pump accessories readily available when calling. General questions can be emailed to parentcare@ameda.com.
Your Finesse breast pump carries a two-year product warranty and all other personal electric breast pumps from Ameda carry a one-year product warranty from the date of receipt and our ParentCare staff is here to assist you during your breast pumping journey. Please call our ParentCare Department at 866-992-6332 M-F 8:00 am-5:00pm CST when you have a few minutes to discuss any issues you are experiencing. We will provide troubleshooting support over the phone to determine if a product related issue exists. If we determine that our product is the root cause of the issue you are experiencing, we will assist you under the terms of the product warranty. If a product related issue is not found, our ParentCare Specialists can support you further by providing additional product education and guidance that may help enhance your overall lactation and pumping experience.
Mya Breast Pumps:
Mya Joy:
Mya and Mya Joy are both small, lightweight personal use pumps. They both provide hospital strength performance and are designed for moms pumping on a daily basis. Mya includes an internal lithium battery and uses it own unique pump kit and flange system. Mya Joy has a internal battery back-up option that requires 4 AA batteries. Mya Joy is also compatible with most components in the Ameda HygieniKit including containers, tubing and CustomFit flanges.
The Mya and Mya Joy are covered by most insurance plans. To find out your options contact your insurance plan directly. Ameda also has a convenient web page to learn more and search for a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider that covers Ameda pumps.
The HygieniKit you received in the hospital is mostly compatible with your Mya Joy pumping kit. All CustomFitâ„¢ flanges, containers/lids and tubing from your Ameda hospital kit can be used with the Joy. The diaphragm and valve pieces in the Joy are slightly different from those used in your HygieniKit so we recommend that only use the diaphragm and valves that come with your Mya Joy pump (just toss out the old ones). Two new sets of valves and diaphragms come with each Mya Joy pump.
Yes. The Mya Joy has an internal battery compartment that requires 4 AA batteries.
Yes. The Mya Joy pump features hospital strength performance and is designed for daily use by moms. It also features two modes of pumping (stimulation and expression) and a large range of settings for mom’s comfort. Plus - Joy is so small and quiet, mom can take it with her where -ever she needs to go!
Mya Joy parts are conveniently available on the Ameda.com website and through many online retail and DME partners nationwide including Amazon.
Mya:
The Mya pump uses a unique pump kit and flange system. The HygieniKitâ„¢ parts and CustomFitâ„¢ Flanges are not compatible with the Mya.
Yes. The Mya has a built-in lithium battery that provides up to two hours of pumping time on a single charge. Mom can conveniently pump without having to worry about being plugged in!
Yes. The Mya pump features hospital strength performance and is designed for daily use by moms. It also features two modes of pumping (stimulation and expression) and a large range of settings for mom’s comfort. Plus - Mya is so small and quiet, mom can take it with her where -ever she needs to go!
Mya parts are conveniently available on the Ameda.com website https://www.ameda.com/products/ and through many online retail and DME partners nationwide including Amazon. There are a wide range of spare parts for Mya including 5 unique flange sizes so mom can find her perfect fit!
Finesse:
Your Ameda pump includes 4 valves upon receipt. In most cases, 2 of your valves will be pre-assembled on the breast flange. Check the plastic bag that contains the bottle disk and collar for your 2 spare valves. Valves are a routine maintenance piece part, requiring replacement every 2-3 months, depending on care and frequency of pumping. You can purchase replacements valves at Ameda.com as Ameda does not provide additional valves free of charge and insurance does not cover this piece part. We strongly urge you to purchase Ameda brand valves only, 2 per package. Off brand valves and other accessories are marketed as “compatible with†Ameda pumps. However, off-brand product does not work well with our pump and use of off-brand product will void your Ameda warranty.
Proper flange fit is essential to successful breast pumping. Pumping should not cause discomfort. Additionally, using the proper size flange will ensure maximum milk output. A good fit allows your nipple to move freely in the breast flange tunnel. You should see some space around the nipple. Only a little of the areola should be drawn into the tunnel with the nipple. The flange is too small if some or all of your nipple rubs against the sides of the breast flange tunnel. The flange is too big if more areola is drawn into the breast flange with your nipple and/or if your areola rubs against the side of the breast flange tunnel. Refer to your instruction manual for pictures of a good flange fit. You may also call our ParentCare Department at 866-992-6332 to conduct a flange fit over the phone. To see our range of flanges, refer to the below chart:
Before first use, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider, prepare your HygieniKit as follows:
- Set aside tubing, adapter cap and tubing adapter. These parts do not need to be cleaned.
- Take apart the remaining parts (the diaphragms, flanges, valves, storage bottles, locking rings and discs. These are the parts that can touch the breast milk.
- Boil a pot of clean water.
- Place the diaphragms, flanges, valves, storage boles, locking rings and discs into the pot of boiling water for 20 minutes.
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the parts carefully with clean tongs.
- Let parts AIR dry on a clean surface.
Clean & Sanitize
WATCH VIDEOVALVES
- Exercise extreme care when washing and drying the valves.
- Carefully remove the valve from the flange.
- First, rinse the valve in cold water. This will assist with removing fat deposits (a natural component of breast milk). Then swish the valve or soak the valve in warm soapy water.
- Do not insert your fingers or any other tools into the valve opening.
- Next, rinse the valve again in cool water and allow the valve to air dry.
- Do not place the valve directly into the water flowing from the faucet. If your water pressure is too strong, this could cause damage to the valve.
FLANGES, BOTTLES LOCKING RINGS & DISCS
- Hand wash in warm soapy water and allow to air dry
- Upper rack of standard, household dishwasher may also be used for flanges and boles
- Do not use steam sterilizer bags or steam bole sterilizers
TUBING
The tubing does not require cleaning before first use or in between uses. Our Proven Airlock Protection barrier helps protect milk while keeping pump tubing dry and clean.Pump Maintenance
WATCH VIDEO
An average pumping session is 10-15 minutes. Discontinue pumping after 15-20 minutes if no results are achieved.
- Attempt another pumping session in an hour or so after the baby feeds.
- Relax and allow your body to adjust to the feel of the pump. Your body recognizes the difference between the pump and your baby. Your body will adjust - this may take a few pumping sessions.
Pumping is an art; the body needs me to adjust to this process. Practice and patience is required. We suggest you “get to know†your breast pump prior to
returning to work or when first pumping to gather milk for a planned occasional separation.
Pumping routinely to replace your nursing baby (i.e. returning to work):
- You must use your breast pump in accordance with the nursing schedule established by the nursing baby.
- Skipping pumping sessions will have a negative effect on your milk supply.
- Use your breast pump in between baby’s nursing sessions.
- Single pump after a nursing session on the side that the baby finished nursing.
- You may need to combine expressed milk from multiple pumping sessions to create a full feeding for baby
- Consult your personal LC or other healthcare professional for further assessment of personal circumstances
Replacing Valves
WATCH VIDEOSUCTION
- The suction dial should be set to your highest COMFORTABLE suction level
- If any discomfort is felt, turn the suction down
SPEED
- Your pumping sessions should begin with the speed dial set at the highest speed level.
- This will encourage your body to release your milk (let down) so milk flow will start.
- This action mimics the suckling action of your baby at the beginning of a nursing session
- Once milk flow has begun, slowly adjust the speed dial down, about half way
- This slower speed will effectively drain your breast of milk
- This action mimics the longer and slower sucks of your baby during a nursing session, once milk is present and feeding starts
- After milk flow slows, try to initiate another let down by turning the speed all the way up and repeating the process
- Multiple let-downs occur during a nursing session with baby. For optimal milk output, it is important to mimic this pattern when using your breast pump
Your breast pump valve should be replaced every 2 to 3 months depending on frequency of pumping. Low suction and other suction related issues are most often caused by damaged or worn valves, that need to be replaced. (Valves are the small, clear silicone, triangle shaped pieces that attach to the flange and hang down into the milk collection container during pumping). Valves are the “heart “of pump suction and therefore it is essential that these pieces are well-maintained during your pumping journey. To restore suction:
- Replace your current valves with brand new, unused valves.
- A spare set can be found with the lids and locking disks that were included with your pump
- Additional valves can also be purchased online at Ameda.com and thru several online retailers such Amazon.com or BuyBuyBaby. We caution you to purchase Ameda brand valves only, available 2 per pack only. Off brand valves are not guaranteed by Ameda do not perform in the same manner as genuine Ameda brand valves.
- For our video on replacing your valves, please click here:
- Check your flange fit:
- Using the wrong size flange can create suction issues, discomfort while pumping and negatively affect your milk production.
Replacing Valves
WATCH VIDEOFlange Fit
WATCH VIDEO
Uneven suction or suction on one side only may be a sign that it is time for routine replacement of your valves as the pump motor cannot create uneven suction or suction on one side only (unless you are set up to single pump). Valves are the small, clear silicone, triangle shaped pieces that attach to the flange and hang down into the milk collection container during pumping.)
- Replace the valve on the pumping side that is not working with a brand new, unused valve.
- A spare set can be found with the lids and locking disks that were included with your pump
- Additional valves can also be purchased thru several online retailers such Amazon.com or Target.com.
- Nipple size variance from breast to breast is not uncommon. You may need a different size flange for each breast
- Using the wrong size flange can create suction issues, discomfort while pumping and negatively affect your milk production
- Nipple size and breast tissue may naturally change during your breast pumping journey. The flange size that was proper for you when you began pumping may not be the proper size after time has passed
- Verify that the tubing adapter is inserted firmly into the tubing adapter port
- Visibly inspect the tubing adapter for any signs of damage
- Defects in the tubing adapter may be the cause uneven suction
- Focus on the side that isn’t working
- Starting with the valve, switch piece parts, one at a time, from the side that is working to the side that isn’t working. This will isolate the piece part that is causing the issue.
- If the lower suction stays with the same breast regardless of switching piece parts, then the suction issue is most likely due to Mom’s anatomy
- Check flange fit on the nipple of the breast that is having low suction
- Remove the tubing set up that is not providing suction from the pump.
- Close off the port that you are not using with the white, tail like piece that is attached to the tubing adapter
- You must close off the unused port to single pump.
- Suction levels will be stronger when single pumping
Uneven Suction
WATCH VIDEO- Ensure that a valve is attached to each flange
- Ensure that the tubing adapter is firmly inserted into the adapter port
- Ensure diaphragms are placed in to the top of each flange
- If using battery power exclusively, switch to your power cord adapter
Flange Fit
Proper flange fit is essential to successful breast pumping. Pumping should not cause discomfort. Additionally, using the proper size flange will ensure maximum milk output. A good fit allows your nipple to move freely in the breast flange tunnel. You should see some space around the nipple. Only a little areola should be drawn into the tunnel with the nipple. The flange is too small if some or all of your nipple rubs against the sides of the breast flange tunnel. The flange is too big if more areola is drawn into the breast flange with your nipple and/or if your areola rubs against the side of the breast flange tunnel. Refer to your instruction manual for pictures of a good flange fit. You may also call our ParentCare Department at 866-992-6332 to conduct a flange fit over the phone. Click here to see our range of flanges.Other Troubleshooting
WATCH VIDEO
If Your Pump is not powering on with the AC Adapter, please follow the below instructions for troubleshooting:
- If you have batteries installed in the battery compartment, remove the batteries
- Try using the pump in a different electrical socket.
- Ensure the AC Adapter is inserted into the AC Adapter port and not the Tubing Adapter port
- Try powering on the pump with 6 brand new premium AA batteries
- This is a diagnostic step only; we do not expect you to forego using electric power permanently
- This is an indicator as to whether the AC Adapter or pump motor base is the root cause of the issue For best pump performance, use 6AA brand new premium batteries (for Finesse only).
- Use your pump on battery power until you can call our ParentCare Department at 866-992-6332 for assistance
- Ensure the AC Adapter has been unplugged from the motor unit
- Ensure 6 brand new premium AA batteries have been installed
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of a double electric breast pump. We recommend that you contact your insurance plan to ask about your benefits for a breast pump and what they require. Some insurance plans ask that you have a prescription from a doctor. Most will have you order your breast pump through a durable medical equipment provider (DME) on their list. To learn more about how this process works, check out our guide on receiving a free breast pump through insurance on the Milk 101 blog.
Each plan is different. We recommend calling your insurance plan to learn more. If a prescription is needed, contact your doctor to obtain a prescription in advance of placing the order for your breast pump. In some cases, your doctor may send the prescription directly to a specific DME. If this is the case, we recommend that follow up directly with this DME to see if additional information is needed to process your order.
All health insurance plans are different. As a first step, ask your insurance plan. The second step is to see if the DME will allow you to upgrade your breast pump with an additional out of pocket fee. Many DMEs offer a range of upgrade options, as well as additional accessories available for purchase.
This is often the case. Check with your employer or plan administrator to verify your benefits.
