FAQs
We've tried to cover every question we've ever been asked. But if we haven't answered yours, please reach out to us at support@milkdroppumps.com. We're here to help!
Sizing & fit
Which size am I?
Take the size quiz to find the right pump or cushion for your body.
Reach out to us on support@milkdroppumps.com and we’ll help you get the right size.
Remember to measure your nipple, NOT your flange or your areola, and measure before you pump (so your nipple isn't already swollen).
Find out how to measure your nipple here.
Will it fit my pump?
Our cushions are designed specifically for Milkdrop Pumps.
However, they also fit other pumps. Check out the list of compatible pumps, which includes some more info on flanges too.
Which flange can I use it with?
Milkdrop cushions are designed specifically for Milkdrop pumps, which come with a flange based on your size (typically XS, S, M or L).
However, if you're using the cushion on a different pump, first check this page to see if it's a compatible pump, and then scroll down to see more info on flanges.
How many cushions come in a packet?
There are two cushions per packet.
What if I'm between sizes?
Sometimes your nipple falls right on the line between sizes.
If you're purchasing a Milkdrop pump, then choose the larger size. We can always send you a smaller cushion to use with it (they come included). Just contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com for help.
If you're just purchasing cushions, then we usually recommend that you choose the smaller size to start with.
The cushions are quite stretchy, and can mould to your shape. For most comfort, it's better to have the silicone close to your nipple, support as much of your areola as possible.
If you're confused, email us at support@milkdroppumps.com, and we can help!
Cleaning
How do I keep pump parts and cushions clean?
Wash pump parts (not the motor) and cushions before use in warm soapy water, rinse in drinking-quality water and air dry on a clean unused towel. You can also pop it in the dishwasher, sanitise in steam or boiling water.
You can follow more detailed instructions from the FDA website on how to clean breast pumps.
If you are using the cushion in a clinical setting, you can sterilise as part of your hospital or clinical systems. Contact us at clinician@milkdroppumps.com or join our clinician program.
How do I store the pump or cushion?
Keep them in a cool, dry location, away from sunlight.
How long will the cushions last?
We designed Milkdrop cushions to last for 4-6 months, depending on how often you pump. Why? We want to avoid environmental waste, and save you from repurchasing replacements every few weeks, which gets expensive in the long-run.
Safety
What are the cushions made from?
The cushion is 100% medical-grade silicone. Most other pump products out there are food-grade only, which is fine for your baby, but not necessarily your skin. It is BPA and plastic-free. The silicone cushion is made with no lubricants or additives and is strictly tested for safety for you and for your baby.
Can I use the cushion on damaged or raw nipples?
Yes. The cushion is designed to be gentle on your skin, even with cracked nipples. It is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, is BPA and plastic-free and no lubricants or additives are used in manufacture.
Can my baby drink milk that has touched the cushion?
Yes. In addition to strict quality controls, the silicone is also tested to the FDA food safe standard and is appropriate for your baby to drink, even if milk comes into contact with the cushion.
Using the cushion
How do I attach and remove it?
See this instruction video. Stretch the cushion onto your breast pump flange, hooking the lip of the cushion over the edge of the flange. Make sure it is nice and snug all the way around. You may need to remove existing inserts out of the head beforehand. Before you remove, make sure any milk that has collected in the ridges is tipped back into the bottle. Then, just peel the cushion back off the rim.
How do I keep it clean?
Wash before use in warm soapy water, rinse in drinking-quality water and air dry on a clean unused towel. You can also pop it in the dishwasher, sanitise in steam or boiling water. You can follow more detailed instructions from the FDA website on how to clean breast pumps. If you are using the cushion in a clinical setting, you can sterilise as part of your hospital or clinical systems. See here for more details.
How long can I use it?
Our cushions are designed to last for 4-6 months depending on how often you are pumping.
How do I store it?
Keep it in a cool, dry location, away from sunlight.
How should I dispose of it?
The cushion is designed to last as long as you are using your pump (per baby). When you are ready to finally put the pump in cupboard (yay!), you can dispose of it - silicone is stable and won’t leach chemicals or break down and cause environmental issues like plastic. You can also gift to a friend if it is has had less than 4-6 months of use. Make sure you wash and disinfect by boiling or steaming first.
Troubleshooting
I'm having trouble attaching the cushion
First, check your pump type is compatible with Milkdrop. Second, remove any existing inserts out of the pump head beforehand. Third, stretch the cushion onto your pump by holding the pump firmly in one hand, hooking the cushion over the head, and working your way around. You can stretch the cushion quite far without damaging it. Check out this instruction video. If you’re still having trouble, please contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com.
I don't think it fits my nipple properly
Every woman is different. You may notice that the hole in the cushion is far smaller than most pump heads. This is to protect your areola from being sucked into the pump shaft.
The cushion should feel snug against your nipple, and might even press against the sides slightly, which is ok (as long as it’s not painful).
If your nipple doesn’t fit at all, or if you’re having pain, please contact us as soon as you can at support@milkdroppumps.com.
We may be able to help with different sizing.
I don't feel anything when I start pumping
Because the cushion acts as a shield against the suck of the pump, you won’t feel the tugging and pulling you normally feel from the pump quite so intensely.
Give yourself some time and try to relax. You may be surprised how much milk you do collect. If you’re still struggling to get a letdown at all, or finding that you’re collecting far less milk, then read through the next question, and contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com.
We may be able to help, and if not, we will arrange a refund through our 30-day risk-free trial policy.
I think I'm collecting less milk
Check that the cushion is fitted on the funnel nice and snugly, with no gaps. Try increasing the suction two or three notches - don’t do this if it hurts. Take a deep breath and try to relax.
Some women tell us that they don’t feel like they’re collecting milk at all, because there isn’t the harsh tugging sensation, only to find after a few minutes to their surprise that there’s plenty of milk in the bottle. You don’t need to be in discomfort to collect milk.
Take the cushion off just to get letdown, and then place it back for the rest of the pumping session.
If you’re double pumping using a bra, try pumping just on one breast, and massage your breast while you pump.
If these aren’t working for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com.
We may be able to help, and if not, we will arrange a refund through our 30-day risk-free trial policy.
Milk is collecting back behind the cushion
You may see some milk pooling in behind the cushion.
This is ok, and part of the design. When you are finished, just tip the pump head slightly to drain the milk from the cushion before you peel it off.
The cushion is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, is BPA and plastic-free and no lubricants or additives are used in manufacture, so any milk that comes in contact with the cushion is appropriate for your baby to drink.
If it's causing your cushion to lose suction or doesn't feel right, please contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com
Orders, tracking, changes & returns
Help, I can't checkout!
Oh no! Please contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com
Which payment methods do you have?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Paypal and Afterpay. If you'd like to use something else, let us know and we'll try to make it happen!
Can I change my shipping address?
Of course, please contact us as soon as possible at support@milkdroppumps.com so that we can change your address before we ship.
Read our full policy here.
How do I change my order?
If you’ve ordered and paid for the cushion but have changed your mind (before we've shipped it), please contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com to arrange a refund.
Read our full policy here.
I didn't receive order confirmation, do you have my order?
Please contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com to check if your order was placed and its status.
Where can I track my order?
You should receive notifications by email when your order has been packed, is on route, and has been delivered. Please contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com if you haven’t received any notifications on your order, or if you’d like to update or cancel.
Do you do returns?
Every woman is different.
For the cushions, we have a 30-day risk-free trial period on your first order of cushions. If you are having trouble with the cushion for any reason, please contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com.
We would like to understand more and may have some tips that will help, but we will also arrange a return and refund, hassle-free, on your first order.
Please return the cushion washed and the packaging intact.
For the pumps, unfortunately we can't offer returns (unless the product is faulty of course!) as they are a personal medical device. We can switch out cushion sizes for you in the first 30 days of purchasing your pump. Contact us if you need help.
Read our full policy here.
For Clinicians
Who might benefit from these cushions and pumps?
Preliminary observations from our pilot indicate that lactating women perceive lower levels of pain, redness and swelling in the nipple, and higher levels of comfort when using the cushion on their existing pump.
Most women perceive that they collect the same or more milk when using the cushion on their existing pump. We will release a detailed report on our pilot outcomes shortly, noting that the pilot observations have not yet been validated with a broader trial.
How is this cushion different from inserts (or just smaller flange sizes)?
Firstly, the cushion is softer and more flexible than others. It measures 10A on the Shore Hardness scale, making it 3-4x softer than existing breast pump cushions and over 10x softer than existing breast pump heads. This softness allows it to be more flexible and mould to the shape of the nipple.
Secondly, the cushion is designed with a series of ridges, which roll over when the pump is on, and allow the nipple and areola to move within the pump flange, rather than be pressed against it. This may be one reason for lower swelling and chafing that we had seen in our pilot.
Can I try a sample?
We provide reusable, sterilisable cushions for use within your clinic or practice, and discount codes for patients ordering on your recommendation. Join our clinician program! We'd love to hear from you.
Do you provide education or information sessions?
Of course! If you would like us to provide a demonstration or education session, or would like any other information, please contact us at clinician@milkdroppumps.com. We'd love to hear from you.
More questions? Contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com