Medela Harmony losing suction

ces25c

I've only used it a couple dozen times and the suction is almost completely gone.  I've been cleaning it regularly, but today I took it completely apart (even the handle) and scrubbed everything twice, made sure it was assembled right, and changed the membrane but it didn't help anything.  

Any ideas?  I'm waiting to hear back from their customer service, but I really need to pump before Monday. 

Pinaysis86

You may have used it way too much or more than it was made for. How often did you use the pump?? It isn't made for daily pumping that is for sure! I had this pump also and I used it probably twice a day and it only lasted a week! They aren't joking when they say not intended for daily use. You may be SOL I ended up upgrading to the Medela Swing and I love it.

ces25c

Pinaysis86:

You may have used it way too much or more than it was made for. How often did you use the pump?? It isn't made for daily pumping that is for sure! I had this pump also and I used it probably twice a day and it only lasted a week! They aren't joking when they say not intended for daily use. You may be SOL I ended up upgrading to the Medela Swing and I love it.

I said I've used it a couple dozen times, but I just checked the receipt date.  I've only had it about 3 weeks and used it every other day at the most.  Ugh.  This is so frustrating.

KahlansMom

I have used my harmony EVERYDAY for the last 2 months and it still works great.  What probably happened is you lost the little white gasket/o-ring type thing thats on the handle membrane (the soft plastic membrane that creates the suction).  It's on the little post that goes into the neck of the pump.  Does this make sense?  It's hard to explain the little piece I'm talking about.  If it's missing, thats what your problem is.  Medela doesn't sell just the o-ring, you'll have to buy a whole new membrane if you can't find an o-ring at a hardware store.  Good luck, and I'm sorry you're having issues with it.

ces25c

KahlansMom:

I have used my harmony EVERYDAY for the last 2 months and it still works great.  What probably happened is you lost the little white gasket/o-ring type thing thats on the handle membrane (the soft plastic membrane that creates the suction).  It's on the little post that goes into the neck of the pump.  Does this make sense?  It's hard to explain the little piece I'm talking about.  If it's missing, thats what your problem is.  Medela doesn't sell just the o-ring, you'll have to buy a whole new membrane if you can't find an o-ring at a hardware store.  Good luck, and I'm sorry you're having issues with it.

Ok, maybe that's it, I don't see a little piece on that post.  I don't remember ever seeing it, but it sounds like it's really small.  ARGH!  Thanks for your answer too...  

maureenpoland

I know mine weakens if the clear rubber part in the handle slips off the oval thing inside. it has little markers on it, and if they aren't perfectly lined up, it doesnt work very well. But, yeah, if you are missing the little white flap thingy, that will most definitely impact suction.

hope you figured it out!