New pump? Not sure where to start? We've got you, mum.
We know you've got approximately 100 things on your mind (and probably a bub attached to you), so figuring out your breast pump shouldn't be another one.
Whether you're pumping for the first time, building up a little milk stash or heading back to work, we're here to make it easy.
From getting your pump ready to finding your flange size, cleaning your parts and storing that precious liquid gold, here's everything you need to know.
1. First things first, let's meet your pump!
Our Bubka wearable breast pumps are designed to give you a little more freedom while expressing.
Meet the Bubka pumping family:
- Bubka Glow Double Breast Pump: Our all-in-one pumping kit, complete with six flange sizes, a nipple ruler, built-in night light, travel case and spare motor. Because nobody wants a flat battery halfway through pumping.
- Bubka Move Breast Pump: Small, mighty and designed for mums on the move. Available as a single or double pump, with just four parts to clean.
- Bubka Pro 2: One of our earlier wearable pumps, featuring four pumping modes and adjustable suction settings. Still using yours? We've got you covered, too!
No cords holding you back. Just hands-free pumping that fits into real mum life.
Watch: Bubka's Quick Start Video Guides
More of a visual learner? We've got you!
Our quick-start video playlist walks you through getting started with your Bubka pump. Perfect for following along while you're setting everything up.
Watch the full Bubka Quick Start playlist on YouTube
Before your first pump
A little prep goes a long way.
- Wash your hands. Always a good place to start.
- Clean your parts. Wash all milk-contact parts and follow your pump's first-use cleaning and sanitising instructions.
- Let everything dry. Make sure all parts are completely dry before assembling.
- Charge your motor. Use the supplied charging cable.
- Put it together. Make sure all the pieces fit securely before pumping.
One important reminder: Your motor is the brains of the operation! Never submerge it in water, pop it in a steriliser or wash it with your pump parts.
2. Let's talk flange sizes (because size really does matter!)
Here's something we wish every mum knew before they started pumping:
Your pump shouldn't hurt. And the right flange size can make ALL the difference.
The flange is the part of your breast pump that fits around your nipple. If it's too big or too small, pumping can feel uncomfortable and may affect how much milk you're able to express.
And here's a fun fact: your nipples don't necessarily need the same size on both sides. Boobs like to do their own thing!
How to find your fit
- Grab a nipple ruler.
- Measure the diameter of your nipple at its base, not your areola.
- Measure both sides separately.
- Use our Flange Size Guide to find your fit.
- Check that your nipple can move comfortably without rubbing or pinching.
What's included with your pump?
- Glow: Six sizes included — 13mm, 15mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm and 24mm, plus a nipple ruler.
- Move: A 24mm breast shield is included, with additional sizing options available separately.
Bubka offers flange sizes from 11mm to 27mm, depending on your pump model.
Bubka tip: Your nipple size can change throughout your breastfeeding journey. If pumping suddenly feels uncomfortable, it might be time to measure again.
3. Ready, steady, PUMP!
You've charged your motor, found your flange size and cleaned your parts.
Now for the good stuff.
How to use your Bubka wearable breast pump
- Assemble your pump according to your model's instructions.
- Pop it inside a supportive nursing bra.
- Make sure your nipple is centred inside the flange.
- Switch on your pump and start with a gentle suction setting.
- Gradually adjust the suction until you find a comfortable level.
- Switch between pumping modes to find what works for you.
- When you're finished, turn off the motor before carefully removing your pump.
That's it, mum. You're pumping!
Which pumping mode should I use?
Every mum responds differently to pumping, which is why our pumps have adjustable settings.
Our Bubka Glow features four modes:
- Massage Mode: Gentle, quicker suction designed to encourage your milk let-down.
- Mixed Stimulation Mode: Combines suction patterns to help stimulate milk flow.
- Expression Mode: Designed for expressing milk once it's flowing.
- Automatic Mode: Gradually increases suction to help you find a comfortable setting.
Glow also has 12 adjustable suction levels, so you've got plenty of room to find your sweet spot.
Move and Pro 2 have their own settings, so check your model's instructions.
Remember: higher suction doesn't necessarily mean more milk.
You don't win a medal for pumping on the highest level. Comfortable pumping is what we're aiming for!
For more help, read our guide to Bubka pumping modes.
4. Pumping done. Now for the washing up (sorry!)
We'd love to tell you that pump parts clean themselves. Unfortunately, we're still working on that one.
The good news? Keeping your pump clean doesn't need to be complicated.
How to clean your Bubka breast pump
According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), expressing equipment should be thoroughly cleaned at least once every 24 hours when used frequently.
If you're expressing once a day or less, clean your equipment after each use.
Here's the routine:
- Wash your hands before handling your pump parts.
- Take everything apart, separating the removable milk-contact pieces.
- Rinse in cold water to remove any leftover milk.
- Wash thoroughly using hot water, dishwashing liquid and a dedicated cleaning brush.
- Rinse at least twice in hot water to remove soap.
- Air dry completely on a clean surface, covered while drying.
- Store your dry parts in a clean, covered container or bag.
Pumping multiple times a day?
Here's a handy tip from the ABA.
If you're expressing several times a day, you can store your unrinsed expressing equipment in a clean, closed container or bag in the fridge between uses, then thoroughly wash it at least once every 24 hours.
If a fridge isn't available, the ABA recommends rinsing parts in cold water before storing them in a closed container.
Always follow your pump manufacturer's instructions, too.
Do you need to sterilise your breast pump every time?
Not necessarily!
For healthy, full-term babies, the ABA advises that thoroughly cleaning your expressing equipment is generally enough without routine sterilising.
If bub is premature or unwell, or you're experiencing a breast or nipple infection, speak with your healthcare professional about any additional precautions.
And always follow your Bubka pump's first-use and care instructions.
Read the Australian Breastfeeding Association's cleaning guidelines.
Meet your Bubka clean-up crew
Because you've got better things to do than stand at the kitchen sink all day.
Our biodegradable bamboo wipes are handy for removing milk residue from compatible pump parts when you're out and about.
Just wipe and let the surface dry for 10 minutes before reassembling. Don't use them on the motor, and remember to keep up your regular thorough washing routine.
Bubka Microwave Steam Steriliser Bags
Clean parts first, then steam sterilise compatible accessories in as little as 90 seconds, depending on your microwave.
Each bag can be reused up to 20 times. That's up to 200 uses per 10-pack!
Bubka Portable Clean & Dry Kit
Your own little portable cleaning station. Complete with silicone cleaning brushes and a foldable drying rack that holds up to two sets of wearable pump parts.
Perfect for home, work or wherever mum life takes you.
5. Storing your liquid gold 💜
Whether you've pumped 20ml or 200ml, every drop counts.
Once you've finished expressing, you'll want to store your milk safely so it's ready when bub needs it.
Our Bubka Reusable Breastmilk Storage Bags are made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone and hold up to 240ml.
They're reusable, freezer-friendly and designed to make storing and pouring your milk that little bit easier.
Choose from:
- Store & Pour Milk Bags: Designed for easy milk storage and pouring straight into bub's bottle.
- Store & Snack Milk Bags: Perfect for storing milk now and snacks or purées later.
How long can breastmilk be stored?
Here's your quick guide, based on the Australian Breastfeeding Association's breastmilk storage recommendations.
Freshly expressed breastmilk
| Where you're storing it | How long? |
|---|---|
| Room temperature (26°C or cooler) | 6–8 hours |
| Fridge (5°C or cooler) | Up to 72 hours |
| Freezer compartment inside fridge (-15°C) | 2 weeks |
| Separate-door freezer (-18°C) | 3 months |
| Deep freezer (-20°C) | 6–12 months* |
*For a chest or upright manual-defrost deep freezer opened infrequently and maintaining its temperature.
If you've got a fridge available, it's best to pop your milk in there rather than leaving it out.
What about previously frozen breastmilk?
Once you've thawed your milk, the storage rules change.
| Milk condition | How long can you keep it? |
|---|---|
| Thawed in fridge, not warmed | Up to 24 hours in the fridge |
| Thawed in fridge, then kept at room temperature | Until the next feed (maximum 4 hours) |
| Thawed outside the fridge or warmed | In the fridge: until the next feed (maximum 4 hours). At room temperature: only to complete the feed. |
| Bub has started drinking | Use only to finish that feed, then discard leftovers. |
Important: Never refreeze fully thawed breastmilk.
These times are based on the ABA's guidance for expressed breastmilk. If bub is premature or unwell, ask your healthcare team for advice specific to your baby.
For the full guidelines, visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association's breastmilk storage guide.
Our top milk storage tips
A few little habits can make milk storage much easier.
- Label it: Write the date you expressed your milk so you know which to use first.
- Freeze smaller portions: Less waste when bub only wants a little top-up.
- Leave some room: Fill containers no more than three-quarters full before freezing. Milk expands!
- Keep it cool: Store your milk towards the back of the fridge or freezer, away from the door.
- Cool before combining: Adding freshly expressed milk to refrigerated or frozen milk? Chill the fresh milk first.
Bubka tip: Freezing smaller portions can be a lifesaver. Because watching a whole bag of expressed milk go to waste? No thank you!
6. How to thaw and warm your breastmilk
Got some frozen milk ready for bub? Here's how to prepare it safely.
Thawing frozen breastmilk
Option 1: In the fridge
Pop your frozen milk into the fridge and let it thaw slowly, usually overnight.
Once fully thawed, it can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Option 2: In warm water
Need it sooner?
Stand the sealed milk bag or container in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water and gently move it around until thawed.
Milk thawed outside the fridge should be used for the next feed, following the ABA storage times above.
Warming breastmilk
Breastmilk doesn't actually need to be warmed if bub is happy drinking it cool.
If you'd prefer to warm it:
- Place your sealed milk container in warm water.
- Gently swirl to mix the milk.
- Test a few drops on your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot.
- Feed bub and discard any leftovers.
A few important don'ts:
- Don't microwave breastmilk.
- Don't thaw breastmilk at room temperature.
- Don't boil or overheat it.
- Don't warm the same milk more than once.
- Don't refreeze thawed breastmilk.
For more information, see the ABA's guide to preparing expressed breastmilk.
7. Pump not quite doing its thing? Let's troubleshoot.
Before you assume something's wrong, try these quick checks.
Not getting much suction?
Check that:
- Your motor is fully charged.
- Your duckbill valve and diaphragm are fitted correctly.
- Your breast shield is properly attached.
- Your parts are clean, dry and undamaged.
- Your pump is positioned correctly inside your bra.
Sometimes it's something as simple as a slightly loose part.
Not expressing as much milk as expected?
First, remember that the amount you pump isn't always an accurate reflection of your milk supply.
Try checking your flange size, adjusting your suction setting and giving yourself a little time to relax.
Sometimes looking at a photo of bub, taking a few slow breaths or using gentle breast massage can help with let-down.
Pumping feels uncomfortable?
Try lowering your suction and checking your flange fit.
Pumping shouldn't be painful. If discomfort continues, stop and speak with an IBCLC, GP or midwife.
Had your pump for a while?
Your silicone valves and diaphragms work hard!
Over time, they can wear down and affect suction.
Check your parts regularly and replace anything worn, damaged or no longer working properly.
Find compatible replacement parts for your pump:
8. A few questions we hear from Bubka mums
Can I really pump while doing other things?
You sure can! That's the beauty of wearable pumping.
Reply to emails, fold the washing or enjoy a cuppa while your pump does its thing.
Just keep your pump upright and avoid anything too active that might cause spills.
How long should I pump for?
Every mum is different.
Some mums express for 10–15 minutes, while others need longer. Pumping time depends on your milk flow, comfort and individual feeding needs.
If you're unsure about your routine or milk supply, an IBCLC can help.
Can I use different flange sizes on each breast?
Absolutely!
It's completely normal for each nipple to measure differently. Use the appropriate compatible size for each side.
How often should I clean my pump?
The ABA recommends thoroughly cleaning equipment at least once every 24 hours when expressing frequently, with safe storage between sessions.
If you express once a day or less, clean your equipment after each use.
Can I wash or sterilise my Bubka motor?
Big no on this one, mum!
Your motor contains electronics. Never submerge it, wash it with pump parts or put it in a steam steriliser.
What if I'm struggling with pumping?
You're not expected to figure everything out on your own.
If you're experiencing pain, struggling to express or concerned about your milk supply, a qualified lactation consultant can help.
Pump. Store. Clean. Repeat.
Pumping might be part of your everyday routine, but that doesn't mean it needs to take over your day.
Whether you're expressing at home, heading back to work or packing everything for a day out with bub, we're here to make things that little bit easier.
From wearable pumps to reusable milk storage and cleaning essentials, Bubka's got your back, mum.
Because you've got enough on your plate.