A: It is recommended that all silicone parts including duck valve are replaced every 3 months or more often if these parts are frequently being sterilised or you are exclusively expressing. This is to ensure you can still have maximum milk extraction as this can affect the efficiency of milk extraction.
Each Kiwy Miya Breast pump comes with a replacement duck valve, once you noticed that milk yield is less effective, please replace duck valve immediately.
The Kiwy Miya Hospital Grade Breast-pump is hospital-grade and this ensures you of its power, efficiency and durability. It is a smart little gadget that provides more advanced pumping features and more comfortable silicone on the breast, allowing powerful yet comfortable pumping. It has exceptional stimulation and expression levels to choose from, all safe with consideration for the mother's comfort.
To properly maintain your Kiwy Miya, you’ll need to replace parts on a regular basis. Not replacing parts will make your pump work harder, leading to unnecessary wear and tear on the motor.
- Diaphragm: Replace every 2 - 3 months, or when you notice any damage or decrease in suction
- Duck Valve: Replace every 2 - 3 months, or when you notice any damage or decrease in suction
- Breastshield/ Flange: Replace every 6 months, or when you notice any damage or decrease in suction
- Tubing: Replace should moisture ever enter the tubing or when you notice any damage
A: Experiencing pain whilst breast-pumping is certainly not what we want, There are many reasons why you may experience pain while expressing, such as:
Suction Level The suction on the pump may be too high, please adjust the suction settings for a lower suction strength.
Cracked and sore Nipples Your nipples may be cracked and is sore due to breastfeeding. If this is the case, stop using the breast pump for a while until your nipples have recovered.
N.B. If there is any soreness when pumping, please reduce the settings. Please apply some breast milk or nipple cream on the nipple and areola if there is pinching so that the breast does not stick to the silicone and cause further pain and bleeding.
Flange Sizes Kiwy Miya comes with one size only flange (22mm) and comes with complimentary silicone shield in order to provide maximum comfort during your pumping sessions.
The size of the shield's nipple area should be bigger than the nipple diameter. Always centre the nipple shield with your nipple in the middle where it is able to move freely so your milk-ducts don't get blocked.
The areola should be mostly supported by the shield, but if is also fine if some are drawn into the nipple area. If it is comfortable and the milk is expressing, this is a good sign.
Flange Sizing Guide The Kiwy Miya comes with size 22mm Flange size. This is the most commonly fitted size; however, many women will fit better in other sizes. Other flange sizes are available for purchase from here.
A properly sized flange size is important to ensure the best performance of your pump. An improperly fitted flange size can cause discomfort, hinder milk output, and in severe cases cause injury.
To determine the flange size you need, pump for 5 minutes using the provided shields. Your nipples will expand while milk is being expressed so it’s important to measure after they have swollen to ensure the size you select will provide enough room. After you pump, measure the diameter of the nipples at the base as illustrated in the image to the right. Repeat the process a few times to make sure you have the right measurement. Select a flange size that is 2-3mm larger than this measurement.
Signs that your flange might be too small:
- General discomfort while pumping
- Painful rubbing of nipple in flange
- Nipple not moving freely inside of flange
- Redness of the nipple
- Whiteness of the nipple and/or a white ring around the base of the nipple
- Little milk is being expressed
- Signs that your flange might be too big
- General discomfort while pumping
- Nipple is pulled to the end of the flange
- Little milk is being expressed
- Excess areola is drawn into the flange
- Sensation of pulling and/or pulling pain
