let down/ pumping

dfleclerc

Does anyone else not feel a let down? I haven't felt one and I've been ebf for almost six weeks now and just pumped for the first time and didn't feel one either. Just curious because i only got an ounce and a half of milk and that seems really low. The manual said to wait for your let down before pumping.

sammiesjd414

I don't feel one either. When I pump I just let the pump change phases on it's own. I then pay attention to what is coming out. When it stops I sometimes push the letdown button to see if I can get things going again (which makes it go back to the original phase), which helps sometimes. If it doesn't that is when I stop.

 

I also didn't get much when I first started pumping, but it eventually increased. I would see if you are comfortable with a slightly faster speed. But even if you are not, your amount could pick up over time. 

lady_tytah

the only way i feel a let down is when i let my boobs get super full and then its only in my left boob. when i pump my right side i always feel the let down in my left. i just start pumping and dont bother waiting.

klmcguire

That amount is not bad. The normal average is 1-3oz. I feel a letdown most of the time but sometimes I don't. Just pay attention to what is moving out, but don't stress over it that will cause you not together as much!

sdlaura

I never got more than that when I first started pumping.  I also don't feel a let down.  Now I typically get 3-4 oz if I pump to replace a feeding, but only 1-2 when I pump after a feeding.

latnprincess

My let downs feel like someone is squeezing my boobs. I guess its cause the ducts fill with milk, but that's how it feels.  Also they feel hard. 

When I am pumping I don't feel the same thing.  I just feel a warmth and then I see milk just squirting out like crazy.  But I don't wait for a let down to pump.  The pump causes my let down with the sucking.  It supposed to mimick a baby with the fast initial suck and then the slower deeper sucks.  If you push the button with the little drops it'll slow down if its a fast suck.  If its already a slow suck and you push it, it'll go back to a fast suck so you can try for a 2nd let down. 

yvdukana

I never feel a letdown either. That amount is fine to pump, I've never gotten more than 2 oz, even when replacing a feeding, yet we do weighed feeds every Tuesday and I know he's getting 3 oz from my breasts consistently every week. Also, I have an Ameda pump, so I have no clue about the "letdown" button with drops, my pump only has a suction dial and a speed dial,I was taught by my LC to put the suction up as high as comfortable, then turn the speed all the way up to the highest it goes, this imitates the baby's fast suck and triggers letdown, then once the milk starts flowing, turn the dial back to about half speed to imitate the slower milk drawing sucks.