you can go high tech or low tech here. Low tech way: take a small round
balloon, not completely blown up and put the "nipple" in the pump
flange. You should see the movement increase or decrease as the suction
is changed. High tech (not really just sounds impressive) Use a vacuum
gauge, available at an auto parts store (like Pep Boys) for about $30.
Ask for a large rubber stopper (it comes with a small narrow one for
testing vaccum levels of valves in an automobile). Check a good
reference book like Riordan and Auerbach or Kittie Frantz BF Product
Guide for exact levels but the optimal suction level for a breast pump
is around 200-220 mmHg at the high end. I just had a patient bring in a
PNS that was losing suction on one side and we found that the mebrane
valve (white flappy thingy) was frayed, almost imperceptable to the
naked eye. After being replaced, it worked good as new.  As a former
employee of a major pump company, I perform maintenance and repair all
the breast pumps here at the hospital.....faster than bio med can get to
them. Of course they check it out when I'm done but I know pumps and
they know electricity so we work together.
Smiles,
mary kay smith, IBCLC
romeoville IL near Chicago

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