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August 2012 Moms
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Expert pumpers, I need your help!

piphigirlpiphigirl member
in August 2012 Moms

I have pumped and supplemented with formula since the kiddo was three weeks old, and she's ten weeks now.

 

Here's my problem:  I pump regularly.  My boobs feel full and will even leak, but when I pump, very little comes out.  I am talking an ounce in 20 minutes.  They used to spray into the pump, and now they barely leak.  However, if I even just barely hand express, they spray quite a bit.  Even after pumping for 20 minutes, with almost nothing coming out the last 15, I can hand express a much heavier spray than the pump was producing.

 

What's the deal? 

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Re: Expert pumpers, I need your help!

  • rp-chicago-momrp-chicago-mom member
    Are the parts all secure? Do you need to replace those white flappy things? They wear out easily and can affect the suction.
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    Then and now. How did my boy get so big? 

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  • ironadxnironadxn member
    Definitely make sure all of the parts are put together correctly. My pump at least, a simplisse, is very temperamental and won't suction properly if the pieces aren't put together exactly and placed just right on my breast. Also, to help the pump, I will do a quick massage before I pump to get my milk flowing.
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  • shakinrosshakinros member
    Do you have a Medela pump? If so, replace the membranes. I don't understand how they can make such a difference but apparently they are key!
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  • bigbootyjudibigbootyjudi member
    imageshakinros:
    Do you have a Medela pump? If so, replace the membranes. I don't understand how they can make such a difference but apparently they are key!

    This and make sure you're using the right flanges. Try going up to 27mm. When I was using 24mm, I got maybe 2oz from each...with 27mm, I get 6 and 4oz.
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  • latnprincesslatnprincess member
    I second replacing the membranes, making sure the flange size is correct, and massage.  Also maybe try something warm on your breasts before or during? like a heating pad or something.  

                Mom of 2 monkeys and 1 on the way!
           Christian12/06, Liam 08/12, Monkey #3 10/10 

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  • DerpityDogDerpityDog
    I'll also add to include breast compressions while pumping to help squeeze that milk out.
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  • latnprincesslatnprincess member

    imageDerpityDog:
    I'll also add to include breast compressions while pumping to help squeeze that milk out.

    Yup.  I do this too and get an extra oz out of each at least. I just start massaging on all sides

                Mom of 2 monkeys and 1 on the way!
           Christian12/06, Liam 08/12, Monkey #3 10/10 

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  • piphigirlpiphigirl member
    Y'all are wonderful!  I ordered 27mm flanges and new membranes today, so maybe that will help increase yield.  I do compressions/massage while pumping and that does help.
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  • BabyDouglas2012BabyDouglas2012 member
    how do you replace flanges? I dont even know what those are! I have the little white part...but what other part is replaceable?  I have the medella pump...
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