I don't understand---Question re: pumping

ShellShockedMama

When I try to pump, hardly anything comes out yet when I hand express milk squirts out everywhere. What am I doing wrong? I've tried all different times of day (which maybe that's the problem?) and it's the same thing. I'll get maybe an ounce TOTAL. Yet when I hand express it's obvious there's tons in there b/c it comes out with force.

mchell9

Hmmmm- could it be the pump?

ezbakejess

What pump are you using?

Are your shields the right size? Some people hate them, but I really like the soft shields (I have a PISA). They seem to "stick" a little better and it feels like I get better suction, and I get more milk.

ShellShockedMama

it's a medela---something. I have no idea. It was $279, that's all I know, haha. 

I looked for different shields at the store and didn't see any, so I guess I have to go online? 

mchell9

Def could be shield size.  How long are you pumping for?

skibrook82

ShellShockedMama:

it's a medela---something. I have no idea. It was $279, that's all I know, haha. 

I looked for different shields at the store and didn't see any, so I guess I have to go online? 

You can get them online and BRU sells them too. How long are you pumping? If you have the PISA do you have the suction button turned up enough? But def try a different size shield. When you pump, are you pumping after a feeding or in place of one, bc if it's after a feeding 1 oz is a normal amount. You can also try and massage your bb as you pump to get some more milk out too

KelleyBean

Also the massage action from hand expressing may be helping you to get more milk that way. It sounds kinda crazy but can you try massaging the breast right before you pump to see if that helps?

smileychic10986

KelleyBean:

Also the massage action from hand expressing may be helping you to get more milk that way. It sounds kinda crazy but can you try massaging the breast right before you pump to see if that helps?

When I used to pump I had to do this, and hold warm washcloths on first to get anything out when I would pump.

hopingwaiting

I tried pumping for the first time the other day and had the same issue!  I think it is common at first since pump is so different than baby and your body isn't used to responding to it.  And make sure your shields are not too small and compressing ducts.  I'm hoping I have better luck next time.

erpetdoc

FYI ... the soft shields, which I too like better, only come in 24 mm size, or medium. I realized that medium was too small, and had to switch to a large (27 mm)... but the entire shield is hard plastic now.

ShellShockedMama

I usually go for 15 minutes each side, but only get milk for the first few minutes. I have the suction set to the highest level it would go. Im definitely going to try massage and bigger shields.

I really want to get a stash going 

SallyCampos22

Target carries the shields as well, just saw them the other night.

*shortie

I had this same problem, and constuled a lactation consultant and did a lot of research. I'll be writing a post about this later for my blog, but here's a coles note version!

* * * 

FLANGE SIZE can effect your pumping. Medela pumps come with standard 24mm flanges. If your flange is too small, it can cause discomfort, nipple damage, and reduce your milk output.  If your flange is too big (much more rare), the suction created may not be adequate and reduce your milk output.

 HOW TO TELL IF YOUR FLANGE IS TOO SMALL:

(Check your size while pumping, as your nipple will swell)

- pumping hurts, even at low suction

- a large amount of areolar tissue is pulled into the flange tube

- the sides of the tube rub against your nipple 

- your breast tissue overhangs the rim of the flange (flange rim does not sit flush against your skin) 

- there are small flecks of skin left in a ring inside the tube (if this is the case, go up two flange sizes)

 You may need different size of flanges for each breast.  For example, I wear a 27mm on my left and a 30mm on my right.  

If your problem is incorrectly fitted flanges, you can expect an increase in milk output. I went from producing 0.5 -1.5 oz total from both breasts per 15 minute session, to producing 4+ oz from both breasts per session.

 

 * * *

THE BIGGEST REASON IS... 

 LET DOWN. If you are not letting down when you pump, you will have a significantly lower volume of milk produced.  Your baby knows how to stimulate letdown, but it make take a while for your body to relax and let down with a pump in the same way.  If you are not relaxed when pumping, you will not letdown.  No letdown = scanty milk output.

HOW TO TELL: If you see "drops" of milk slowly coming out of your nipples while pumping, you are not letting down.  When you let down, you will squirt/spray milk, and often you can hear it inside the flange tube - it sounds kind of like a fizzing/sizzling sound.  Your milk will form pools of milk inside the tube that are often a little distance away from the end of your nipple, instead of coming out as little drops right from the tip.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE LET DOWN:

- make sure you're comfortable and have everything you need nearby and have sufficient privacy 

- do relaxation techniques (breathing, visualization)

- listen to meditation tracks or relaxing music

- look at a picture of your child

- imagine nursing your child

- use the two-phase expression mode on modern medela electric pumps 

- visualize water gushing, jugs of milk spilling

- smell an article of clothing of your child's (not something stinky)

- nipple stimulation before beginning to pump

- massage your breasts towards the nipple in a circular motion

- lean forward and gently shake your breasts

- the last three can be done in the middle of a pumping session to encourage multiple letdown reflexes 

* * *

I hope this helps!  

 

ShellShockedMama

shortie that is VERY helpful, thanks so much!!

jnealet

You might want to try turning you suction down.  I know it sounds counter-active but I always shot myself in the foot when I turned the pump suction all the way up.  I got more when I turned it down a little.

MsZoeB

Are you only pumping one side at a time? If you are pumping in place of a feeding then I would try and pump both at once, you get better suction.

Also, before I returned to work I felt like it took me a few days in order to make a bottle. I was so nervous but once I got to work and started pumping on a regular basis things got better. 

I think that you and your body need to learn the pump just like you learned nursing. Keep up with it things will get flowing soon. Oh and you might still hand express after pumping this will help encourage production.