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Gem is a wearable, hands-free breast pump designed for the way South African moms actually live. It fits discreetly in your bra with no cords, tubes, or wires - so you can pump at your desk, in the car, at a braai, or on the couch with your family, and nobody needs to know.

What makes Gem different is not just the product - it's the support behind it. When you buy a Gem, you're buying from Jess, the founder. She answers every message personally, troubleshoots sizing and suction issues over WhatsApp, and stocks all replacement parts locally so you're never waiting weeks for an overseas shipment.

Gem has 4 pumping modes, 9 suction intensity levels per mode, suction up to 270mmHg, and a 150ml milk collection bottle - all in a quiet, compact unit that runs on battery and charges via USB-C.

Every Gem pump includes:

1. Pump hub (the motor unit)
2. 24mm breast shield
3. Silicone flange inserts - 22mm, 20mm, and 18mm
4. Milk collection bottle (150ml) with lid
5. Silicone diaphragm
6. Duckbill valve and o-ring seal (plus one spare set of each)
7. USB-C charging cable
8. Nipple measuring card
9. Bra adjuster
10. Instruction manual

No - Gem is designed to fit in a standard nursing bra regardless of size. The bra adjuster included in your box can create extra space if needed.

For the best result, use a well-fitting nursing bra that provides good support without being too tight. A bra that is too loose can allow the pump to shift and break the seal.

We recommend sitting upright or standing for the best suction and milk flow. Many moms pump while doing light household tasks, changing their baby, or walking around - the key is to keep the pump upright so the milk flows down into the collection bottle.

Avoid leaning forward at a steep angle during a session as this can affect the seal and cause leaking.

Yes. Gem is a fully functional breast pump and many moms use it as their only pump from day one. It works particularly well for moms returning to work, moms who need the flexibility of pumping hands-free, and moms who want to build a milk stash.

If you are exclusively pumping and building your supply in the early weeks, some lactation consultants recommend also breastfeeding directly at the breast if possible, as a baby's latch can be more effective than any pump at establishing supply. Gem works beautifully alongside breastfeeding - you can breastfeed on one side and pump on the other simultaneously.

Correct assembly is the single most important factor in getting good suction and preventing leaks. Here is how to do it:

1. Make sure all parts are completely clean and dry before assembling.
2. Attach the duckbill valve to the inside base of the breast shield.
3. Place the diaphragm into the pump hub, ensuring it sits flat and flush.
4. If using a silicone flange insert, place it inside the breast shield.
5. Attach the milk collection bottle to the bottom of the breast shield. The bottle must fit snugly with no wobble or gap - this is critical for suction.
6. Insert the assembled breast shield and bottle into the back of the pump hub. Use the pinch technique: hold the breast shield and bottle together firmly and insert them as a single unit.
7. Give the top of the pump hub a firm squeeze to ensure the diaphragm is properly seated.

Watch our assembly video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-2UoVOK5lM/

Correct nipple placement in the breast shield tunnel makes a significant difference to both comfort and output. Here is the best way to do it:

1. Hold the assembled pump in the hand of the same side you are pumping on.
2. Use your other hand to cup your breast from underneath.
3. Lean slightly forward and gently drop your nipple into the centre of the breast shield tunnel.
4. Your nipple should be centred in the tunnel without touching the sides.
5. Maintain this position as you pull your bra up and over the pump to hold it in place.

If your nipple rubs against the sides of the tunnel during pumping, your flange size may need adjusting. See the Sizing & Fit section below.

Yes. Gem is a closed system - the diaphragm creates a barrier that prevents milk from entering the pump motor. This makes it hygienic and safe to use, and means the motor unit does not need to be washed.

The correct flange size is the single biggest factor in whether your Gem works well for you. It is determined by your nipple size - not your breast size. A G-cup mom and an A-cup mom could need the exact same flange.

To find your size using the measuring card in your Gem box:

1. Measure the width of your nipple at the base - where your nipple meets your areola. Measure the nipple only, not the areola.
2. Take this measurement in millimetres.
3. Choose the flange size closest to your measurement. Most women need a 20mm or smaller.

Gem comes with a 24mm breast shield plus silicone flange inserts of 22mm, 20mm, and 18mm. If you need smaller than 18mm, inserts of 15mm and 16mm are available from Fed Is Best.

Yes. Breast size does not determine pump fit - nipple size does. The pump creates suction around your nipple, not your breast. Whether you are an A cup or a G cup, the right flange size is determined by your nipple diameter, not your bra size.

Measure your nipple using the card in your box and choose the size closest to your measurement. If you are unsure, DM us on Instagram or email info@gembreastpump.co.za before you purchase - we are happy to advise.

Completely normal. Many women need a different flange size on each side. Measure both nipples and choose the appropriate insert for each pump.

Your nipple size can also change over the course of your breastfeeding journey - between pregnancies, across months of breastfeeding, and even as your supply establishes. If your output drops or your fit starts to feel different, it is worth re-measuring.

Yes. Flat and inverted nipples are very common - they do not mean you cannot pump or breastfeed. Many Gem moms have flat or inverted nipples and pump successfully.

Flat nipples typically work best with a snugger flange size. If your nipple does not protrude much at rest, try starting with a smaller insert (18mm or 20mm) and see which feels most comfortable and gives the best output.

If you are finding it difficult, we recommend speaking to a lactation consultant who can assess your latch and positioning. We work with lactation consultants in Johannesburg and Cape Town and can refer you - just email us.

Gem has four pumping modes. Press the power button once to cycle between them. Each mode is indicated by a different colour on the display.

1. Massage Mode (white light) - gentle, quick suction to stimulate milk flow and encourage letdown. The pump automatically switches to Stimulation Mode after 2 minutes.
2. Stimulation Mode (purple light) - slower, deeper pulls to trigger letdown, mimicking the way a baby suckles at the start of a feed.
3. Expression Mode (blue light) - a steady rhythm combining shorter and longer pulls, similar to how a baby feeds once milk is flowing. Switch to this once you feel your letdown.
4. Ultra Expression Mode (green light) - longer, deeper suction for moms who prefer a stronger pull to fully empty the breast.

Use the + and - buttons to adjust suction intensity within each mode. There are 9 intensity levels per mode.

Gem automatically stops after 30 minutes as a safety feature. Most moms find 15 to 25 minutes is sufficient for a full session once their supply is established.

If you need to continue after the 30-minute auto-stop, simply switch the pump back on.

Gem operates at under 50 decibels - significantly quieter than a traditional plug-in pump. With any background noise (music, a car, a meeting room), nobody will notice. Most moms pump at the office, in the car, and at social events without anyone knowing.

To be honest: in a completely silent room, you may hear a soft hum. But in real-life settings, Gem is discreet enough that it won't draw attention.

No. Gem does not have Bluetooth or app connectivity. You control it entirely from the buttons and digital display on the pump hub itself - simple, reliable, and nothing that can crash or drain your phone battery.

Leaking is almost always caused by one of three things: an assembly issue, a worn part, or a cracked component. Work through these steps:

1. Check your assembly. The most common cause is the milk collection bottle not fitting snugly against the pump hub. Disassemble and reassemble using the pinch technique - insert your index finger into the breast shield tunnel and your thumb under the bottle, then pinch them together as you insert into the hub.
2. Check the duckbill valve. The "lips" of the valve should be soft but closed when at rest. If they are floppy, stretched, or not closing properly, replace the valve with your spare.
3. Check the o-ring seal. It should sit as a neat, round ring with no stretching or hardening. Replace with your spare if it looks worn.
4. Check for cracks. Inspect the breast shield and milk collection bottle closely for any hairline cracks, especially around the rim or base. Cracked parts need to be replaced.

If your suction has dropped or disappeared, please do not assume the pump is broken - it almost never is. Work through these checks first:

1. Check your silicone diaphragm. This is the most common cause of suction loss. After regular use and washing, the diaphragm softens and changes shape, losing its seal. If you have been pumping for 3 months or more, try replacing it with a new one before anything else.
2. Check your duckbill valve. If it is not closing properly when at rest, it will not create a seal. Replace with your spare.
3. Re-check your assembly. Take the pump fully apart, check every component, and reassemble carefully. Even a tiny misalignment can affect suction.
4. Check for cracks. A hairline crack in the breast shield or bottle can break the vacuum. Inspect both closely.

Lower output compared to another pump is almost always a flange sizing issue. The most important thing to check is whether you are using the correct flange size - even a few millimetres can make a significant difference to output.

Also check your nipple placement. Your nipple must be centred in the breast shield tunnel at the start of each session. Use the positioning technique in the Assembly section above.

It can also take a few sessions for your body to respond to a new pump. Give it 3 to 5 sessions before drawing conclusions, and try different modes and intensity levels to find what works best for your body.

The breast shield and milk bottle are made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic. Under correct cleaning and use, they should not crack. The most common causes of cracking are:

1. Using a microwave steam steriliser (these are not suitable for Gem parts)
2. Using Milton or other chemical sterilising solutions
3. Sterilising more than once per day
4. Sterilising with soap residue still on the parts - always rinse thoroughly first
5. Water with very high mineral content in a steam steriliser

If your parts have cracked, please email Jess at info@gembreastpump.co.za with a photo and she will arrange replacements. Please also check your sterilising method - see the Cleaning & Care section below for the recommended process.

After each pumping session:

1. Disassemble all parts.
2. Rinse each part under warm water immediately to remove milk residue.
3. Wash with mild dish soap and warm water.
4. Rinse thoroughly - make sure no soap residue remains on any part.
5. Allow all parts to air dry completely on a clean surface before reassembling.

Sterilise once per day. This is sufficient - sterilising multiple times per day is not necessary and can shorten the lifespan of your parts.

Recommended sterilising methods:

1. Boiling water - place parts in boiling water for no longer than 5 minutes. Remove promptly and allow to air dry.
2. Standalone steam steriliser or UV steriliser - set to no higher than 109°C.

Yes. Between pumping sessions during the same day, you can rinse the parts and store them in a sealed, sterile bag in the fridge. Sterilise them at the end of the day as part of your regular cleaning routine.

If you choose to store parts in the fridge, we recommend rinsing them under warm water rather than using wet wipes, as some wipes contain ingredients that can affect the plastic over time.

Some Gem parts are consumables - they are made from food-grade silicone and soften and change shape with regular use over time. This is completely normal and does not mean anything is wrong with your pump. Here is when to replace them:

1. Duckbill valve and o-ring seal - every 1 to 3 months depending on how frequently you pump
2. Silicone diaphragm - every 3 to 5 months
3. Breast shield and milk collection bottle - these are not consumables and should not need replacing under normal use and correct cleaning. If they crack, please contact us.

Yes - all replacement parts are stocked locally in Johannesburg and available in our online store. We stock:

1. Silicone diaphragms
2. Duckbill valves and o-ring seals
3. Silicone flange inserts (18mm, 20mm, 22mm)
4. Breast shields (24mm)
5. Milk collection bottles with lids
6. Charging cables

Browse replacement parts →

Use the original Gem USB-C charging cable connected to a standard wall plug adapter rated 5V/1A or 5V/2A - the kind used with a smartphone.

Gem takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge and provides approximately 2.5 hours of pumping time per charge (depending on mode and intensity).

First, check the following:

1. Are you using the original Gem cable? A standard phone cable may not fit or charge correctly.
2. Is your adapter plugged directly into a wall socket (not a laptop or multi-USB adapter)?
3. Try a different wall socket to rule out a power point issue.

Most charging issues are resolved by switching to the correct cable and a direct wall adapter. If your pump still will not charge after checking all of the above, please email info@gembreastpump.co.za with a photo of your charging setup and Jess will help you.

Yes. Gem is eligible for medical aid reimbursement through most South African medical aid schemes that include a breast pump benefit. Many of our customers have claimed back part or all of the purchase price.

The amount you can claim depends on your specific plan and benefit level. We recommend checking with your medical aid directly to confirm your cover before purchasing.

We make the claiming process as simple as possible:

1. Purchase your Gem pump through our website.
2. Email us at info@gembreastpump.co.za requesting a tax invoice with all the details needed for a medical aid claim.
3. We will send you an invoice with our practice details, product description, and all required information.
4. Submit this invoice to your medical aid scheme.

If you are unsure about your benefit or how to submit the claim, email Jess and she will personally walk you through the process. We have helped many customers claim successfully and are happy to assist.

Shipping on all Gem pump purchases is free. Delivery is via The Courier Guy to your chosen address and takes 2 to 4 working days.

For accessories and spare parts ordered separately:

1. Standard shipping (2 to 3 working days) - R75
2. Overnight shipping (1 to 2 working days) - R145

You will receive an email confirmation once your order has been placed. Once your order is dispatched with the courier, we will send you the tracking number so you can follow your delivery on The Courier Guy's website.

Yes - you can cancel your order at any time before it has been dispatched with the courier. Email info@gembreastpump.co.za as soon as possible if you need to cancel.

If your order has already been dispatched, you may return it in accordance with our Returns Policy.

Yes, in accordance with our Returns Policy. Because of the personal-use nature of breast pumps, we encourage all customers to reach out to us before initiating a return - in almost every case, we have been able to resolve the underlying issue (sizing, assembly, or a parts replacement) and keep your breastfeeding journey going.

If you have an unused, unopened pump and would like to return it, please email info@gembreastpump.co.za. We can arrange a courier collection (R119 deducted from your refund) or you are welcome to drop the pump off at our Parktown office for a full refund.

Please see our full Returns Policy for complete details.

The Gem pump hub (motor unit) is covered by a 6-month warranty against manufacturing defects. If your pump hub develops a fault within this period, we will replace it at no charge.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by incorrect use, incorrect cleaning or sterilising (including use of microwave sterilisers or chemical sterilisers), or normal wear of consumable parts (duckbill valves, o-ring seals, diaphragms).

Please see our full Warranty Policy for complete details. If you believe your pump is faulty, email Jess at info@gembreastpump.co.za - she will assess and resolve it quickly.