XP: Anyone used a Medela Lactina pump?

schmoodle · December 2009

(oday is my first day back at work. Our "Mother's Room" at work has the Lactina pump so I bought the personal accessory kit and decided to use that pump rather than bring my own PISA, since the Lactina is a hospital grade and it's less crap to carry...

Except it barely worked on me. I usually pump with the PISA and empty both breasts in 10 minutes max (low supply)...I pumped for 25 with the Lactina and there was still a lot left, I hand expressed what I could but had to leave because my time ran out (you can schedule the Mother's Room in 30 minute increments and there was someone coming to use it right after). Am I doing it wrong? It didn't have the letdown feature the PISA has where it does mini pumps for 2 minutes until the milk comes, then switches to slower pumping...any thoughts?

hisbabybear · December 2009

i would just bring my own if it works best. It may be more to carry but you want to do what is best for you milk supply. GL!

schmoodle · December 2009

hisbabybear:
i would just bring my own if it works best. It may be more to carry but you want to do what is best for you milk supply. GL!

Yeah, I'll do that from now on but I'm worried about today. My supply is so low (5-10 oz. a day) that even one day without adequately emptying could really mess things up and I was already missing a feeding because the little guy is sick and refuse to eat this morning.

GypsyEsq · December 2009

Can you manually vary the speed to mimic the letdown function? I think Million$$$Babies used a Lactina, but I could be wrong. Maybe try the preemies or mutiples board since chances are they have more experience with a hospital grade pump? Or alternatively maybe call up your LC and ask if they have any tips? I'm sorry Schmoodle, a whole lot of not help in this reply but I'm thinking of you and wishing you a good first day back.

camrah16 · December 2009

I use one but have never used a different pump to compare to so I don't know how much help I could be. I usually adjust the dial on the yellow cylinder (don't know the technical names) I imagine this might mimic what you're looking for? I start it at the min (shorter quicker pulls) and then after letdown increase toward max for longer pulls. Have you tried herbs for your supply? I take fenugreek and blessed thistle and it has helped me. GL!

Erin5849 · December 2009

I rent a lactina select. You should be able to adjust the settings on the pump cylinder and also the frequency at which it pumps (there is a knob at the bottom). Start off at a lower pull setting (maybe at right about the middle) and turn the knob all the way to 7 (fast pulls). You can adjust it to take longer pulls after you start to let down. I also have a PISA that I keep at work (I use the lactina at home) and they both work pretty great, although the lactina seems to empty me fast and get more milk out.