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EPers: hand expression over using pump?

vintagemommyvintagemommy member
in Breastfeeding
I have been using a pump for the past 7.5 months.  The past month or so it seems like the pump isn't working as efficient and I can pump faster by hand expression.  One day last week I forgot all my pump parts at home and had to pump twice by hand at work.  I realized it takes less time to do that. My hand may get a little sore, but I can pump 6-7 oz in 12 min or less. Normally I would pump at least 20 min and then have to finish with hand expression to get the rest out.  Has this happened to anyone else? I'm almost thinking about stopping with the pump.
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Re: EPers: hand expression over using pump?

  • mamababyrnmamababyrn member
    I also am more effective with hand expression. I usually pump while doing compressions and then finish with just hand expression. The only reason hand expression is not faster for me is because I can only do 1 side at a time. My hands also get way to tired for me to fully hand express every time.
    Hannah born 4/5/11
    TTC #2 since 1/14
    Miscarriage d/t blighted ovum 8/14
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  • haziedazehaziedaze member
    I was mostly pumping when little one was in the NICU and did find that hand expression helped a lot. I never solely hand expressed but always finished this way at home. Sometimes I get 1-2x the amount the pump gets and I feel able to avoid blocked ducts this way. Do what works!
    BFP#1 9/14/10 (EDD 5/21/11); no fetal pole 6w6d, 7w4d, d&c 10/8
    BFP#2 3/16/11, beta 138; 4/12 Baby/HB DS born 9/10/11 at 29w4d due to partial abruption and PTL
    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    BFP#3 8/19/13 Another boy! 17P, modified bedrest and Nifedipine helped us have a termie! DS2 born 4/19/14 at 38w5d.
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  • madelinemurski606madelinemurski606
    I haven't ever been able to get much hand expressing. Wish I could though, it would be wonderful to forget a part or the pump all together and not panic.
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  • OUKapOUKap member
    I tried hand expressing to get rid of a clogged duct. I was surprised how much I was getting and how easy it was.
    DS 7/6/09
    DD 9/4/11
    EDD 9/1/15
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  • katxattackkatxattack
    I suck at hand expression. I do some while pumping, but it never seems to be all that lucrative for me. Maybe I am doing it wrong.  I wonder if it has something to do with breast size. I am on the small side, only bigger due to all this mayhem!
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  • mamababyrnmamababyrn member

    imagekatxattack:
    I suck at hand expression. I do some while pumping, but it never seems to be all that lucrative for me. Maybe I am doing it wrong.  I wonder if it has something to do with breast size. I am on the small side, only bigger due to all this mayhem!

    I am smaller chested (well, I was anyway). I think it has a lot to do with breast density. My right breast is much more dense and is much more difficult to hand express. My left side is much easier. 

    Hannah born 4/5/11
    TTC #2 since 1/14
    Miscarriage d/t blighted ovum 8/14
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  • katxattackkatxattack

    hmmm... maybe thats true. I have super dense boobs. (I know, TMI) So much so that I thought I had lumps when I was 15. A trip to the doctor (thinking I had cancer) cleared that up for me. Just dense and kind lumpy. Ha!

    oh my gosh *light bulb just went off* ... I wonder if this is why I have a terrible time with clogs???? Hmmmm..... I'll have to ask the LC next time there is one on here!

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  • katxattackkatxattack
    not a caffine drinker, really. Occasionally, but not enough to cause problems.
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