I'm baffled and need a solution here because I have milk, even though it's low supply, it's there. I need to pump frequently to increase it but here's the weird thing. I get nothing out of my breast using the pump. NOTHING. But I can take the pump off and use my hand to squeeze and literally milk comes squirting out like crazy!!! Why won't the pump extract my milk? I even tried different size flanges, I replaced the tubing, got new valves, etc... WTF????
Anyone else encounter this or have any ideas for solutions? I want to be able to pump for supply reasons but also to have some sotred milk too and it's pretty hard to squeeze my boob into a bottle when it squirts 3 different directions! LOL
Re: Odd and frustrating Pumping Problem
I've heard this before. Some people's breasts just don't respond to a pump. My LLL leader had this problem, so she just hand expressed when she could. It might help to try to catch it in a bowl rather than a bottle.
I get milk when I pump, but my baby was much better at getting my supply to go up -- that and drinking a ton of water every day.
~Started TTC 2/09. BFP #1 11/09. EDD 8/7/10. DS born 8/7/10.~
~Surprise BFP #2 5/11 while still BF'ing. Natural M/C @ 7w3d.~
~BFP #3 8/11. EDD 4/24/12. Heavy bleeding episodes from a lost twin. DD born 4/14/12.~
~Started TTC 2/13. BFP #4 3/13. EDD 11/8/13. Hoping for smooth sailing!~
I had *so* much more luck with a manual Avent breastpump. Sure, it sucks a little that you have to squeeze the handle but for some reason it worked on me way better than electric variations. Plus, it's pretty cheap to try out and if it doesn't work- no big deal. I got the Avent On-the-Go system (or something to that degree), which includes a pump, 2 5oz bottles/lids/nipples and 2 9oz (I think?) bottles/lids/nipples with two freezer packs and a case for $60.
I love it and recommend it to whoever.
Also for low supply drink tons, eat oatmeal, etc. Those worked for me.