Your first week with the Mother's Nature™ H1

What your H1 includes

The H1 includes two sizes: 19 and 21 mm Mother's Nature™ breast shields. Additional sizes available for free with Perfect Fit Promise™.

Your box also includes these parts and accessories:

• Two 6 oz bottles, two 30 ml colostrum containers with lids, and two bottle-neck adapters
• Two storage bottle caps and two nipples with cap covers
• Two diaphragms, two diaphragm cap covers, four duckbill valves, and two breast shield bodies
• Two air tubes and an AC adapter
• A nipple ruler, a cleaning brush, and a manual in English and Spanish

Before your first session

Three steps get your H1 ready:

1. Wash and sanitize the washable parts: Before first use, wash the breast shields, breast shield bodies, diaphragms, diaphragm cap covers, duckbill valves, bottles, colostrum containers, and bottle-neck adapters in warm water with mild dish soap. Then boil them for 5 minutes, the boiling time the CDC recommends, and let them air dry thoroughly.
2. Charge the pump: Plug in the AC adapter and charge for 2 hours before your first session. A full charge runs the H1 for 2 hours.
3. Measure both nipples: Use the nipple ruler to measure the widest part of the tip of each nipple, not the base. Match each side to the closest size, and if you land exactly between two sizes, start with the smaller one. Measure even if you've pumped before, because your size can change between pregnancies.

How do I start my first session?

Once the parts are dry, assemble each side and connect its air tube to the pump. For the small early amounts, pump into the 30 ml colostrum containers instead of the bottles. Each one attaches with a bottle-neck adapter.

Before you place each breast shield, apply a small amount of lubricant inside its tunnel to help your nipple glide.

Your H1 starts every session in Stimulation Mode. Its quick, light cycles help trigger let-down. After 2 minutes, it switches to Expression Mode on its own for slower, deeper cycles.

To encourage another let-down, switch to 2-Phase Mode, which alternates stimulation and expression cycles.

Once the pump is running, check your fit. The tip of your nipple should feel comfortable and move freely, without rubbing, pinching, or pulling. If it rubs or pinches, try the next size up. If too much of your areola pulls into the tunnel, try the next size down.

How do I set each side?

Each breast has its own motor, so you set suction strength and cycle speed separately. Each side has 12 suction levels and 12 speed levels.

Many moms respond differently on each side. Start both sides low, and raise each side only to a level that feels comfortable. You should never feel pain while pumping.

To pump one side, choose Single Left or Single Right. To pump both sides at once, choose Synchronous. Alternate switches suction back and forth between the two sides.

Smart Memory remembers your levels in each mode. A screen lock helps prevent accidental setting changes, and the built-in night light has two brightness levels.

What do I do after each session?

Cap each bottle or colostrum container, or attach a nipple to a bottle to feed right away. You can also pour your milk into a storage bag. Our milk storage guidelines cover how long it keeps.

The CDC recommends cleaning pump parts after every use. Take each side apart and wash the parts in warm water with mild dish soap.

Never wash the pump motor or the air tubes. The H1's closed, anti-backflow design keeps milk out of the tubes.

Let every part air dry completely before you put the pump back together. Even a little moisture can affect suction.

For extra germ removal, the CDC recommends sanitizing pump parts at least once daily, after you clean them. That matters most if your baby is less than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system. For older, healthy babies, the CDC says daily sanitizing may not be necessary if you clean the parts carefully after each use.

To sanitize, steam the parts in the microwave or a plug-in steam system, or boil them for 5 minutes, and check your manual first. If your manual says the parts are dishwasher-safe, the CDC says a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle, or a sanitizing setting, makes a separate sanitizing step unnecessary.

High heat can warp silicone parts and wear them out sooner, so if you sanitize daily, check your duckbill valves and diaphragms more often.

Common problems and fixes

Check these before you decide something is broken:

• The pump feels weak, or the diaphragms move but little milk comes: Measure again and try the other included size. If neither fits, The Mom Line™ can help you measure and request your size.
• Suction fades over time: Duckbill valves stretch and diaphragms can tear with use. Replace both every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you pump and how you clean them.
• Milk or moisture shows up in the air tubes: Stop pumping right away so it can't reach the motor. Then call The Mom Line at 1-888-662-7159 to start a warranty claim.
• Pumping hurts: Lower the suction on that side, then check your flange fit.
• The pump won't charge: Use only the included AC adapter.
• Milk leaks: Check each part for tears or warping.

Where to get help

For free help getting started with your H1, or for pump, sizing, parts, and support questions, call The Mom Line at 1-888-662-7159 from 9 AM to 5 PM ET, Monday to Friday. Real moms and certified lactation consultants answer it. If you think the pump or a part is defective, The Mom Line can start a warranty claim, and we usually ask for a short video of the problem.

For feeding or supply concerns, talk to a lactation consultant (IBCLC). For pain, fever, or questions about your baby's weight or diapers, call your provider.

Questions moms ask