Sh*t! My pump isn't working!

eesome · November 2011

For over an hour, I have been fiddling with my Medela PISA pump, and the suction is basically non-existent! I did notice when I pumped today at work, it wasn't as strong...but now? It's not doing anything. You can hear the sound of the pumping happening, but when I place the cups on my breasts, it doesn't suction.

It's no longer covered under warranty since I bought it 4 yrs ago before I had Quentin. UGH....

I guess I will have to go to bed with uncomfortably full breasts.

ohyeahdollface · November 2011

Oh no!

Did you try to remove and put back on the front plate?

eesome · November 2011

ohyeahdollface:
Oh no!
Did you try to remove and put back on the front plate?

Yes! I was online researching, and tried everything I could find. I am waiting up for DH to get home to see if he can help.

ohyeahdollface · November 2011

Oh man.. im sorry!

eesome · November 2011

Thanks, Doll.

I don't want to wake Lydia to feed, and she normally doesn't wake until 5:30 or 6am to eat. I have no idea what I am going to do at work tomorrow. I don't want my supply to go completely away because I'm not pumping.

(sigh)....Fingers crossed DH can help!

ohyeahdollface · November 2011

Can you try to hand express a little to get comfortable until he can help?

I would die if my pump crapped out on me. I still have to pump a few times to stop from being engorged.

Mish2g · November 2011

I know you probably did this already, but...

Did you check the membranes to make sure they aren't torn? Did you check to make sure the yellow things that the membranes stick to are completely on? Are the suction cups being blocked by clothing (this is always my problem since I use a hands free bra)?

Fisherman'sWife · November 2011

Ugh that really stinks. Any way you could swing through Walmart or Walgreens in the morning before work to pick up a cheap single manual pump?

eesome · November 2011

Mish2g:
I know you probably did this already, but...
Did you check the membranes to make sure they aren't torn? Did you check to make sure the yellow things that the membranes stick to are completely on? Are the suction cups being blocked by clothing (this is always my problem since I use a hands free bra)?

Yeah, I checked those. I have brand new membranes, but I know things can still go wrong sometimes.

UPDATE: DH was able to fix it enough for one side to be really strong, and the other is still weak. So-- I will pump one side, then switch and pump the other.