Skip to main content

I’m not getting enough milk

Tips and solutions to maximize milk production and extraction

Updated over a month ago

The Perifit Pump offers hospital-grade suction similar if not better than many larger, non-wearable pumps. However, how each person will respond to a new pump is very individual and difficult to predict.

Here are some strategies to get your body used to a new pump, and some tips to check out to get the most out of your Perifit Pump.

1. Check the Essentials needed for a comfortable pumping session (Assembly, Positioning, Flange and Bra Fitting)

Check your pump assembly

This is really the first thing to check because it can easily solve your problem! The assembly is very important because a part that is not perfectly assembled or pushed in can cause a small air leak and therefore a big drop in the performance of your breast pump. Most importantly, please check that:

  • The flange is the right way around and pushed all the way into the connector.

  • The valve is pushed all the way into the connector.

  • The diaphragm is well positionned and moving up and down when pump is ON.

All the steps to check when assembling are detailed in this article and shown in the following video:

Make sure your flange is the right size

Using the correct flange size is essential for both effective suction and comfort during your pumping sessions. Your needs might change throughout your breastfeeding journey, so it’s important to regularly check that your flange still fits you well.

How to check if you're using the right size:

  • Measure your nipple using our size guide here.

  • Check the size of your flange – it’s written on the side of the flange.

  • Do a visual fit check: Center your nipple in the flange. It should move freely without rubbing against the sides, but there shouldn’t be too much extra space either. (you can do this in front of a mirror)

If you notice that your current flange isn’t the right fit, you can easily order the correct size on our website.

Make sure your pump is well positioned on your breast during pumping

Before and during your pumping session, make sure the pump is correctly positioned and hasn’t shifted:

  • The nipple should be centered in the flange

  • There should be no gap between the flange and the breast

  • Your pumping bra should fit firmly enough to hold the pump securely in place, without compressing the milk ducts, so milk can flow freely.


If you're having trouble finding the right bra fit, here are some tips:

👉 If the pump moves during the session or you notice a gap between the flange and your breast, make sure you tighten the bra straps for a firmer hold or try switching to a better-fitting bra for improved support.

👉 If your breast feels overly compressed or you notice red marks appearing, try to loosen the bra slightly using the straps or the bra extender included in your Perifit pump box. Consider trying a softer or more flexible bra.

Check out those videos for some helpful tips:

Check that your shell is properly clipped to the connector

If you do not feel any suction, or you lose suction during your session, your shell may have unclipped from the connector. Take off your breast pump and check that the connector is in place, and reclip it if necessary. To avoid this, choose a full-coverage bra like this one available on our website that supports the entire shell and holds your breast pump in place during your pumping session.

Frequency of replacement of the silicone parts

Regularly check the condition of your silicone parts. If you notice any deformation or cracks, it's time to replace them.

Even if there’s no visible damage, we recommend replacing the silicone parts every 3 months to ensure optimal performance.

Please find the recommended replacement guidelines below:

  • the valve every 1 to 3 months

  • the diaphragm every 3 to 6 months

  • the o-ring every 3 to 6 months

  • the flange every 3 to 6 months

The first replacement valve and o-ring are included in your original breast pump package.

ℹ A valve that does not open properly or is too worn can affect the performance of your breast pump. Try changing the valve to see if it improves the situation. A replacement valve is available in your breast pump box, in the small accessory bag with your charging cable.

2. Modify your pump settings to customise the pumping to your needs

The Perifit Pump has advanced options that allow the pumping to be customised to adapt exactly to your experience.

Follow the tips below to know how to adjust these options :

Intensity adjustment

Research shows that you will probably get the best output with a suction intensity that feels strong to you, but is not painful so you need to choose the higher intensity that stays comfortable. Keep in mind that the level can be different on each breast.

To change the intensity level you can either use the physical buttons ‘+’ and ‘-’ on the hub or adjust it remotely from the in-app session screen.

Start at low intensity and gradually increase suction to what is comfortable for you. You may find that you can increase suction intensity over your pumping session as your nipple tissues become more elastic.

Pumping should not hurt! If you are experiencing pain while pumping, you may need to experiment with lower suction over a longer time, try a different flange size, or try a small amount of pumping lubricant.

Change suction modes

If you feel your milk production slows down during a session, try switching to stimulation mode for 2 minutes, before re-switching to expression mode. You need to find the right cycle for your own use, alternating between stimulation and expression.

You can easily modify the mode by:

  • using the drop button on your pump

  • clicking on the "drop" button on your session screen in the Perifit Pump App

For more detailed information, check this article.

Pumping programs

When used with the application, our Perifit breast pump offers three distinct programs designed to meet different pumping needs: Classic, Power Pumping and Mix-mode.

  • Use the classic program if a 2-minutes stimulation is enough for you to initiate the milk flow and maintain consistent continuous milk extraction.

  • Use mix-mode if you feel like you need to repeatedly boost the milk ejection reflex by switching back to stimulation during the session.

  • Use power pumping if you want to increase your milk production.

Programs can be found while clicking on "Options" on the session screen.

Suction speed settings

We know that some women respond better to generally faster cycle speeds, and others to generally slower cycle speeds. Some women need low suction and a slower cycle speed, while others need powerful suction but also a faster cycle speed for optimum performance.

With Perifit Pump, you have access to 3 cycle speed ranges: fast, moderate and slow.

We invite you to take the time to try them out to find the one that suits you best and gives you the best amount of milk.

A fast speed means more suctions during a program but all women respond differently to speed settings so using the fast speed doesn’t necessarily mean more milk, you need to choose what works best for you.

You can choose your suction cycle speed from the home screen by clicking on Options after connecting your breast pump.

3. Additional Breastfeeding tips

Things to try with your usual breast pump if you are switching to Perifit pump

  • Some lactation consultants recommend using your usual pump on one side while simultaneously pumping with the new pump on the other side, then switching to the next pump session, to get the body used to the new pump.

  • Or, start pumping for a few minutes with your old pump, then switch to the Perifit Pump, and progressively switch over faster and faster.

  • You can also pump with Perifit Pump but finish with your usual breast pump if necessary to empty the breasts.

Things to try if you are breastfeeding

Once you have familiarised yourself with the handling/positioning of the breast pump, you can also try using the Perifit breast pump on one breast while you are breastfeeding on the other breast, especially when breastfeeding in the morning.

Recommended pumping frequency

If you notice a decrease in milk supply or if your baby's feeding patterns change, you may need to increase the frequency of expressing milk.

  • During the early weeks after giving birth, it is recommended to express milk at least 8 times per day to establish and maintain milk supply, as it mimics the frequency of a newborn's feeding pattern. Aim to express milk every 2 to 3 hours.

  • Once your milk supply is well established, after the first few weeks, you may be able to reduce the frequency of expressing milk. A general guideline is to express milk 7 to 9 times per day.

  • Consistency in expressing milk is crucial for maintaining milk production. Aim to express milk at regular intervals throughout the day.

Remember to be patient: use the Perifit several times a day, for several days in a row. It is normal to need a week or two to get your body fully used to it and to achieve the same milk production.

“Introduce” your body to the new pump

All breast pumps are basically fooling your body into thinking that a baby is feeding to trigger milk letdown. When you change pumps, sometimes the small differences in suction patterns or cycle lengths can be enough to confuse the systems that control milk letdown. If this happens, you may need to ‘train’ your body to respond to this new signal to release the milk!

Use the suction kit supplied with your breast pump

In some cases, having a tighter-fitting assembly can help you pump better. You should have received a "suction fit kit" with your Perifit breast pump. If you haven't find it in your box and you are facing suction problems, don't hesitate to contact our support team for help. This kit contains a round patch, a small silicone strip, a cut diaphragm, and a new connector.

Here are the steps to follow to install it:

  1. Install only the connector and the ring (the patch) on the diaphragm area first. (Watch this video to understand how to stick it)

  2. Start a session to check if the suction has improved.

  3. If no improvement is noticed, then add the silicone strip on the back of the hub and test again. (See attached photo)

⚠️ Do not use the cut diaphragm provided in the kit unless specifically recommended by a member of the Perifit support team. Please keep the one you already use with your breast pump!

Get advice from our medical expert

An IBCLC certified lactation consultant is available to help you if these tips do not work for you. You can book a videoconference to be coached on how to use your breast pump and increase your lactation with Perifit Pump. She has already accompanied many of our users and helped them improve their experience with Perifit Pump. Book your call right here.

There’s no “perfect” amount of milk to pump. The right amount is the one your body makes for your baby’s needs. Some parents express 60 mL per session, others 160 mL—and both are totally normal. Your milk supply can vary depending on the time of day, your baby’s feeding patterns, and your own body’s rhythm.

Every body is different, and so is every breastfeeding journey. Comparing your output to someone else’s can be misleading and discouraging. Instead, focus on what works best for you and your baby.

You're doing an amazing job ! 💛

Let us know how it helps by pressing the emojis below ⬇️

Did this answer your question?