Pump troubles

NenaMarie84

I use a Medela swing pump and the last two days, only on one boob, it backs up and I have to pull the air tube out or the milk will go up in it. The milk is staying in the connector and backing up. Any idea why this could be happening? It works fine on the left side and when I put it on the right it does this. I have to keep disconnected and when I do the milk drains out and I reconnect and keep pumping. Super annoying, but I'm pump dumb and can't figure it out.

blue_elle

So the same flange and all works fine on your right boob but not on your left? Am I reading that correctly?

ETA: reverse that ^

Roses87

Huh? That's strange. Sorry I am no help.

NenaMarie84

blue_elle said:

So the same flange and all works fine on your right boob but not on your left? Am I reading that correctly?

ETA: reverse that ^

Yup. I don't get it either. Been pumping for months and it just started happening.

Laurenlavay

Have you tried new parts?

NenaMarie84

@Laurenlavay‌ It just started happening, so no. If it works properly on one side you wouldn't think it'd be the parts. May have to try that though.

Laurenlavay

You could also try calling Medela customer service to see if they can help you trouble shoot. I've heard good things about them. Good luck!!

blue_elle

@NenaMarie84‌ I'm stumped. My troubleshooting mindset says if it works on one, and nothing changes about the parts, it's something about that boob. But I don't get how anything about your boob or how it's sitting on the boob could affect the milk flowing into the bottle like that. Let us know if you figure it out.

NenaMarie84

It's still hit or miss. Some pumps it's fine, others, I have to disconnect frequently. What's the lifespan of a pump itself? I know the parts can be replaced often but just curious how long the machine itself is good for.