PISA---Pretty upset and frusterated!

Happily Overwhelmed · January 2012

I posted a similar post a day or so ago on the breastfeeding board. But it's REALLY bothering me so I must vent (in hopes someone out there has answers!).

I was using the Medela manual pump. No real problems. My hand obviously got tired of doing this several times a day and with one pump and two boobs it took longer, etc.

DH and I decided I should get an electric since I've been exclusively pumping. My big hope was it would be more efficient and faster (and that my hand wouldn't get manly!). I went to the store looking to get a less expensive electric pump. The one I had gone for was sold out in stores. However with my coupon I could get the Medela Pump in Style Advanced for $190 after tax so I decided to make the splurge (I've heard nothing but great things afterall).

With my manual I was getting 4 oz combined every 4 hours or so. I have yet to hit the 2 oz (combined) mark with the PISA. The flanges are the same size, I've cleaned it good, I've switched back and forth from the "let down" mode to the quicker mode. I normally sit with the PISA for 20 minutes. I've done my best to massage my breasts with it too (which isn't something I normally have to do with the manual).

I'm so aggrivated! I feel like the threw away $190. What am I doing wrong??? Anyone else have issues like this?

emadlma · January 2012

I started out using the Medela Symphony that I rented from the hospital. Then I borrowed a friend's PISA and get about 2 oz in 5 minutes of pumping both at the same time. I don't pump very often because I feel really full in the morning if I do. You might want to contact an LC to see about supply issues. I can't imagine hand pumping for 4 hours at a time. That sounds painful.

uncharch7 · January 2012

I'd check with a LC. Maybe it's possible that you might need a different flange size due to the type of pump and suction.

Are you getting a good fit with the PISA? Like, as "tight" of a fit around your breast as with the manual? Have you adjusted the intensity? Otherwise, it might be worth your while to contact Medela; they have pretty great CS from what I've heard. Maybe it's faulty...

Happily Overwhelmed · January 2012

uncharch7:

I'd check with a LC. Maybe it's possible that you might need a different flange size due to the type of pump and suction.

Are you getting a good fit with the PISA? Like, as "tight" of a fit around your breast as with the manual? Have you adjusted the intensity? Otherwise, it might be worth your while to contact Medela; they have pretty great CS from what I've heard. Maybe it's faulty...

My LC did fit me with the flange when I was in the hospital. Would you think I would need a different size with a different Medela pump? I was fitted when I had just the medela manual. I'm not too sold my LC knows what she's doing though... Indifferent

I'm going to contact Medela.

1st response---I don't think it's a supply issue. I switched back to the manual last time I pumped and still got double what I get with the electric pump. I tend to pump about every 4 hours during the day and go 6-7 hours at night. It's not painful....

uncharch7 · January 2012

Heh, you're not alone on the questioning the LC. I'm in the same boat.

The only reason I am guessing about the flange is because when I was looking to buy replacement parts for my Harmony, a LOT of them said not for use with the PISA and vice versa. I've never used my Harmony, but I'm wondering if it's a different type of fit. Are you able to interchange the flanges between pumps?

mbf124 · January 2012

it could be that your body just needs to get used to the new pump. It took a while for me to get a decent amount with the PISA. Keep using it and I'll bet the amount you get during each session goes up.

CamJack mom · January 2012

I used the PISA and could get almost 8 oz in 7-10 minutes, but I also never had supply issues. Are you sure there are no air pockets and everything is connected correctly?

MesmrEwe · January 2012

Change the membranes...

Next, call Medela's Customer Service/LC - they were incredibly helpful when I was EP with DD...

Keep monkeying with the settings - I know I start off with low vacuum med/slow speed then move up to a higher suction and stay there. Adjust the settings until it "feels" like it did when you were manually pumping.

tosh24 · January 2012

FWIW, my body does NOT like double pumping. I would get 1-2 oz combined while pumping with the hospital's electric (did everything right, fit right, had the LC come to see me). As soon as I started pumping one side at a time (with the same pump and settings), I was getting about 3-5 oz combined every 2-3 hours.

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PISA---Pretty upset and frusterated!

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