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Breastfeeding
anniemh20
member
Pump Question...
anniemh20
member
My pump came from a close friend, it is a Pump in Style... Not sure what model, or the year. I have been using it since I returned to work, and have barely been eaking out 2 oz at a pumping session. The pump was her sisters before hers
Should I buy a new pump? Would it make a big difference? I really want to BF as long as possible, but I am worried I will spend the money on a new one and it wont really help
My 1st little miracle JAC born 4/8/09- 
Working on Miracle #2
When the world says "give up."
Hope whispers"Try one more time"
Working on Miracle #2
When the world says "give up."
Hope whispers"Try one more time"This discussion has been closed.
Re: Pump Question...
That's a tough question. The pump motor may be worn out, or you may have a problem with the parts (e.g., a loose membrane), or maybe your supply has dipped.
I wouldn't want to buy a new pump either, just to see if it works better. Can you see a LC about hooking you up to a hospital grade pump, like the Symphony? That might tell you whether the pump motor is the problem.
FWIW, I bought a Medela Harmony manual last week. (Stupid me, I had left my PISA at home accidentally.) I got more milk from manual pumping than I did from my electric. I don't know if I was having an over-producing day, or if my PISA motor is kicking the bucket.
*** It's no help to you, but this may be good advice for other women considering borrowing a pump. It may seem like a cost savings in the short run, but if you plan to pump long-term, you can run into issues like this. Plus, if your friend expects you to return the pump in the same condition in which it was loaned, you might have to shell out for a new replacement anyway.
When considering cost per use, pumps really aren't that expensive. If you buy a new PISA at an online medical supply place, it costs $225. I pump 3-4 times a day, 5 times a week. If I continue BFing to my goal of 18 months, my PISA averages $0.15 per use. That's significantly cheaper than most of DS's toys, clothes, and other equipment, and it has a significant, long-term impact on his health and development. ***
My nascent blog
It sounds like suction might be the problem, especially since you're the third mom to use this pump. Many breastfeeding support centers, lactation shops, etc. have a machine that can test the suction on your pump. (LLL could probably recommend a shop or two in your area if there are any.) I would call around to see if you can find one that does, have them test for that first and then see about buying a new pump. If you're getting only 2 oz per session and you think your LO is drinking more than that at a feeding, you're not going to be keeping up your supply.
You can buy a new Lansinoh double-electric online for about $150. It's a near hospital grade pump like the PIS, PISA, and Ameda Purely Yours. Just something to consider.