XP: Pumping Issues

ClaireOtoms

I have both the Ameda Purely Yours and a Medela manual pump.  Most of the time when I try to pump with either, I cannot get more than 1 or 2 oz in 20-30 minutes of pumping. 

I really doubt it is a supply issue, because if I chuck the pump and express manually, the milk just sprays and sprays everywhere, and I have been struggling with oversupply and overactive letdown since day one.  

I have tried pumping before feedings, after feedings, in between feedings.  Even if I am completely engorged I cannot get more than a few oz at a time.  What am I doing wrong?  

elviebird

I have the PY too.  I've noticed if I'm really engorged, I have a hard time getting things flowing.  It's like I have a clog that needs to be worked out.  Are your flanges the correct size?  I had to order larger ones.  Or it could be you're stressed... I always get more milk and faster if I'm really relaxed and not really paying attention to the pump.  Massaging my breasts helps too.  I always start on the lowest suction setting, wait for letdown, and then turn it up a notch.  Once I get comfortable and don't really feel the tugging anymore, I'll turn it up again.

thankthesox

I use a different pump but I would try:

- make sure the flange is the right size and has a good seal.  i once thought my pump was broken and it turned out a piece of my nursing bra was sticking up on the bottom preventing the flange from laying flat against my skin = no suction

- are you massaging?  it makes a huge difference for me so if you're not, try massaging and squeezing in from the outside ring of the breasts.

- is it turned up high enough? not sure how the manual one works but with the pump i have a few times i've left it on the lower setting and after 20 minutes realized i never turned it up and as soon as i did things started flowing like crazy.

bellelamb

The flanges being the wrong size is the most common cause of a pump not doing its job.  Also I have a hard time getting a let down for the pump with out a blanket that smells like my baby or being able to see him.

MelissaMiso

I have a Medela hand pump and notice that my flow slows down if I am pressing too much into my boob with the pump. In just the right position (enough to make a seal but not pushing into the breast tissue) I am able to get a much quicker flow. Good luck!

ClaireOtoms

MelissaMiso:

I have a Medela hand pump and notice that my flow slows down if I am pressing too much into my boob with the pump. In just the right position (enough to make a seal but not pushing into the breast tissue) I am able to get a much quicker flow. Good luck!

This actually might be part of the problem now that I think about it.  Thanks, I'll give it a try!

easjer05

ClaireOtoms:

I have both the Ameda Purely Yours and a Medela manual pump.  Most of the time when I try to pump with either, I cannot get more than 1 or 2 oz in 20-30 minutes of pumping. 

I really doubt it is a supply issue, because if I chuck the pump and express manually, the milk just sprays and sprays everywhere, and I have been struggling with oversupply and overactive letdown since day one.  

I have tried pumping before feedings, after feedings, in between feedings.  Even if I am completely engorged I cannot get more than a few oz at a time.  What am I doing wrong?  

Normal output is 1/2 to 2 ounces per session, particularly if you are also breastfeeding.  If you continue consistently pumping, you will increase your supply and pumped output, but it's not a quick process.  It can take 2 or 3 days to see any change.  I pump exclusively, and it's always been a gradual increase - so much so that I can't see a huge difference from day to day, but when I compare between weeks, I can see that I average 5 oz per session now, whereas two weeks ago, I was averaging 3 oz per session.

Just keep it up, while also checking the other things mentioned.  And keep in mind that some women simply do not respond as well to the pump - but you are in totally normal output ranges.