Pump failure?

giglamesh

I've been back at work a month now and pumping multiple times. Recently, I feel like its taking way longer to get what I used to. It seems like my pump just isn't working as well. Any thoughts?

CLLDLL

I agree with Theresa, check your memebranes and/or valves depending on what type of pump you have.  Those need to be changed every 1-3 months if you are pumping 2-3 times a day. 

Also how old is your LO?  I noticed around 6 months and again around 9 months I started not responding to the pump quite as easily/quickly as I used to.  I had to add in breast massage/compressions to get more milk and a faster letdown.  It also helped me to look at a picture of my LO and do something relaxing while pumping instead of working or thinking about work. 

giglamesh

I've tried replacing membranes but not valves! So, I'll try that. Thank you!

And LO is 4 months now but I've definitely been stressed while pumping lately and trying to work while pumping so ill cut that out for sure.

I also noticed that if one of my boobs is too full, it's almost harder to get the milk out. Weird

mamasoup030

I've found that if I pay attention to how much milk is collecting, especially if I feel it isn't enough, it dosent flow as freely. If I pick up my phone and fiddle around or watch tv or do just about anything else, the milk comes. Try not to watch the amount while pumping. And my pump broke, you should hear a difference in the motor if it truly is a pump problem. But as discussed above, it usually is the membranes.

CarolinaGirl2014

What pump do you have?

I go through phases like that- I actually wear a nursing cover while I pump and empty much better that way.