A fully charged Ameda Glo gives you up to 100 minutes of pumping, which is about five 20 minute sessions. If your Glo is running flat after only three sessions, the cause is usually how it is being used or charged, and most of it is easy to fix.
I hear this question often from moms who have just started with their Glo. The good news is that a few small changes to session length, suction level and charging can make a big difference to how far one charge takes you.
What a full charge should give you
| What | Ameda Glo |
|---|---|
| Pumping time per full charge | Up to 100 minutes |
| Typical sessions per charge | About five 20 minute sessions |
| Time to charge fully | About 2 hours, until the display shows 3 solid bars |
| Automatic switch off | After 30 minutes of pumping, or 15 minutes on pause |
| Modes | Stimulation, Expression, Massage and Automatic, each with 15 levels |
The Glo does not pump while it is plugged in, so it always needs a charge before you start.
Why your battery runs down sooner
1. Long sessions. The Glo switches itself off after 30 minutes of pumping. If your sessions often run that long, 100 minutes of battery works out to about three sessions. Most moms find 15 to 20 minutes is enough to empty well, so switching off at about 20 minutes gives you more sessions per charge.
2. High suction levels. The higher the level, the harder the motor works and the faster the battery runs down. Stronger suction does not always mean more milk, and too much can be uncomfortable. Ameda’s own advice is to use the highest level that feels comfortable and no higher.
3. The mode you use. The Glo starts in Stimulation mode to help your milk let down, then moves into Expression mode on its own after 2 minutes. Letting it follow this pattern works well for most moms. Massage and Automatic modes change the rhythm more often, which can use more power.
4. Not charging fully. A full charge takes about 2 hours, until the display shows 3 solid bars. Unplugging early means you start the day with less than a full battery. Take the cup off the motor before you charge.
5. The wrong charger. Ameda recommends a standard 1 amp charging block. Fast chargers, like many newer phone, tablet and laptop chargers, can damage the pump.
6. Worn parts or a poor seal. If the diaphragm is not pressed down all the way around the cup, or the valves and diaphragms are stretched or worn, the motor has to work harder to hold suction. That extra effort drains the battery faster.
How to get five sessions from one charge
- Set a timer for 20 minutes and switch the pump off yourself, rather than waiting for the 30 minute switch off.
- Find your comfortable level. Turn the suction up until it feels strong but comfortable, then go down one level. The Glo remembers your last level, so check it before you start.
- Let the pump do the work. Start in Stimulation mode and let it move into Expression mode after 2 minutes.
- Charge fully every time for about 2 hours, until you see 3 solid bars.
- Use a standard 1 amp charging block, not a fast charger.
- Check the assembly before each session. Press the diaphragm down firmly all the way around the cup so it seals well.
- Replace valves and diaphragms regularly. Soft silicone parts stretch over time, and worn parts make the motor work harder.
Looking after the battery
- Unplug the pump once it is fully charged, rather than leaving it on charge for days.
- Keep the pump out of heat, like a hot car or direct sun, while charging and storing it.
- Make sure your hands and the charging port are completely dry before you plug in.
- Never put the motor in water. Wipe it clean and keep the display dry.
A simple battery test
If you are still getting only three sessions, try this for a day to see whether it is the settings or the battery.
- Charge the Glo for the full 2 hours with a standard 1 amp charging block, until it shows 3 solid bars.
- Check the diaphragm is pressed down all the way around the cup, and that the valves are not stretched or torn.
- Pump in Expression mode at a comfortable, moderate level.
- Switch the pump off yourself at 20 minutes.
- Count how many sessions you get before it needs charging again.
If you now get closer to five sessions, the settings were the cause. If the Glo still runs flat after three sessions under these gentle settings, contact us at My Breastpump and we will help you look at your pump more closely.
A note from your SACLC
Shorter sessions at a comfortable level are not only kinder to your battery, they are kinder to you too. Pumping should never hurt. If you need high suction or long sessions to get your milk flowing, the fit of your flange may be the real issue. A flange that is the wrong size can make pumping less comfortable and less effective, so come and chat to us about a fitting.
We stock Ameda Glo valves, diaphragms, flanges, collection cups and spares kits, so you can keep your Glo working at its best.