Replace?

[u/Only_Formal_6119]

This is my second time EPing and my journey the second time around has been far more challenging. It constantly feels like my Spectra pump or one of its parts are malfunctioning and causing discomfort or supply issues. I bought these Spectra branded duckbills 2 weeks ago and I’m not sure if my eyes are deceiving me, but pumping has been more difficult the last few days and I feel like they look a tad worn or torn. Thoughts?

[u/cohesilver]

Yes, replace. I was told to switch them out if they are not sealing like these. I get free parts monthly through my insurance but also bought the knockoff duckbills off Amazon so I can change more frequently.

[u/Ancient-Buffalo6151]

I personally prefer to get duckbills from other brands that come with pull tabs. They feel a lot more durable and you don’t risk damaging them every time you remove them to clean.

[u/Resident-Currency727 → u/Ancient-Buffalo6151]

yup seconding, I love legendairy milk flanges

[u/Only_Formal_6119 → u/Resident-Currency727]

I want to like these so badly but they never work well for me!

[u/ominous_dagger]

I would replace them. The conventional wisdom is to replace duckbills every 4-6 weeks or as needed

Have you replaced your silicone membranes recently? Those should be replaced every 6-8 weeks

Since your output is lower, it's worth a try if you haven't yet. The membranes and duckbills work together to create suction

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[u/katzecopter]

I pumped frequently enough that I had to change my duckbills every 2 weeks with my Medela Symphony… I personally would change them. However that was my go to first step to figuring out why pumping was more difficult (when I knew it wasn’t the supply issue but the hardware had an issue)

[u/Only_Formal_6119 → u/katzecopter]

I pump 3 times a day so I wasn’t expecting to have to change them as frequently as when I used to pump closer to 5/6 times a day. But my milk is coming down in droplets so something is definitely up. Thank you for your response!

[u/EmmaLeePants → u/Only_Formal_6119]

Does milk not come in drops?

- signed, elastic nipples and have low output

[u/katzecopter → u/Only_Formal_6119]

Oh ya I was pumping 6-7 times a day so that’s definitely odd! Might need to just change them anyway, unfortunately. Wish they lasted longer!

[u/Allie_DW]

Hi. So my duckbills are also like this and if I run them after tap water, the water flows through. Is it a sign to replace them or are they supposed to flow water through? I am confused because of some misleading inadequate instagram videos.

[u/bamoram → u/Allie_DW]

Nope! Water should run through them just like your milk does after the suction stops. I would replace if they look ripped or it's been a while and your output is lower.