Hi Hopeful,
I'm new too (2nd week!) but hopefully i can answer your questions. The cups will stick due to the suction. To get suction, the cups have to be flat against your skin, no gaps, then begin pumping. They will not stick if there is any air escaping from the sides of the domes, so make sure you have the domes properly placed on your chest. In dong pump & release, again you have to have proper suction. no air escapes unless you yourself are allowing that by using the manual air release button on the side. You pump up wait for however long you want, then release with the button on the side. If air is escaping, then the domes are not properly placed. To get suction, try leaning forward just a bit so your breast tissue is maximized then put the domes on, then with one hand hold the domes in place, and pump with the other hand to achieve suction. good luck. hope this helps!