November 2017 Moms

All things pumping

Morning Ladies-

I started pumping two weeks ago.  Mostly it has been fine, but I figured I would start a thread for any questions, tips, tricks, etc.

And I figured all of you would get a laugh about my morning the other day.  I was mid-pump when the phone rang. I was my insurance company with answers to my questions on how to order pump replacement parts. I needed a pencil and paper to write down information, so I pick up my pump and and walking around the house, pump in one hand phone in the other, looking for pencil and paper. Thank goodness no neighbor was knocking on the door or looking in the window.  
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Re: All things pumping

  • Found this tip for a quick and easy DIY hands free pumping bra adaptation. Has anyone tried this?

    https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/hands-free-pumping/
  • Ahhhhh the pump. Since I have to EP I spend so much time with her. 

    I did makw a sports bra pump bra for the first day. Don’t recommend it. Your nipples won’t stay in and you have to change bras back and forth. That trick looks nice for when I’m too lazy to keep my pump bra on all day since it makes me look like a fem-bot 

    my biggest thing for time saving is keeping my parts in the fridge between pumps so you don’t have to wash them every time. 
    BFP #1: 1.22.16                 MMC: 2.29.16 ( tetrasomy 11, partial deletion 1, XXX) D&C: 3.2.16
    BFP #2: 4.14.16                 CP: 4.17.16
    BFP #3: 6.10.2016             CP: 6.17.16
    RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
    Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
    PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
    Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
    Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
    Beta #1 15   Beta #2 38    Beta #3- 71     beta #4 171   Beta # 5- 21  Natural MC 10/21
    HSG- clear
    IVF Jan 2017
    Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
    PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
    FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
    Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
    Baby BOY due 11.29.2017






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  • I have not started pumping yet since I am only 12 days postpartum (lactation consultant recommended waiting until 4 weeks to avoid over-production/ mastitis). But I did make my own hands free pumping bra for about $6. I bought a regular, cheap bra at walmart and did cut out holes (burned the edges to prevent fraying). I tested it with the flanges and it holds up pretty good!

    Here is the tutorial:

    https://prettyprovidence.com/diy-pumping-bra/
  • I highly recommend getting a set of Pumpin' Pals. These things saved me when I was pumping with my first. They are angled flanges that flare out so your nipples aren't being pulled apart. They are super cheap on Amazon and will fit into most pump parts. If it weren't for finding these things we probably would have ended up switching to formula (nursing did not work with my son, and pumping with the pump's flanges hurt so much). You can also lean back and pump using the Pumpin' Pals, making it more comfortable and easier to pump. The first week of using the new flanges, my production doubled. 
     Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

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  • @curiousfool1 doing the hair tie tip right now. It works well for when you won’t want to be constantly changing from a nursing to a pumping bra. Thanks so much!!
    BFP #1: 1.22.16                 MMC: 2.29.16 ( tetrasomy 11, partial deletion 1, XXX) D&C: 3.2.16
    BFP #2: 4.14.16                 CP: 4.17.16
    BFP #3: 6.10.2016             CP: 6.17.16
    RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
    Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
    PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
    Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
    Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
    Beta #1 15   Beta #2 38    Beta #3- 71     beta #4 171   Beta # 5- 21  Natural MC 10/21
    HSG- clear
    IVF Jan 2017
    Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
    PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
    FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
    Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
    Baby BOY due 11.29.2017






  • I've been trying to integrate pumping and introducing a bottle.  My nurse also recommend starting to pump after week 4, and I'm in week 6 pp. I've had a few engored moments,  and had to use a hot compress to try and get relief.  I'm really freaked out about going back to work and how I'm going to pump or continue partly breastfeeding.  
  • jarob747jarob747 member
    edited December 2017
    I am 3 weeks pp today, was Curious on when to start pumping. So it looks like I have 1 more week. How often are you all going to pump?  After every feeding or a few times a day?
  • NYTino24NYTino24 member
    edited December 2017
    I had to pump a few times due to engorgement and a forceful letdown. Plus I leave DH with a bottle when I'm in PT. There hasn't been any issue with oversupply or nipple confusion.

    I got these to have an extra set and I like how they are slanted so I don't have to sit all the way up: 
    Maymom Pump Parts for Medela Pump in Style Advanced Pumps; w/ Breastshields (24 mm, Can Replace Personal Fit 24 Shield and Connector), Valves, Membranes, Replacement Tubing for Pump-in-Style Advanced https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HLY21BO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G3DkAb3PJQPX3

    Pumping bra: Womens Hands Free Pumping Bra for Breastfeeding Nursing Versatile Adjustable Strap (L(Suitable for L/XL/XXL), Black(2PACK)) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076J6XQW7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_04DkAbN8H1Q2N

    Car adapter for pump: 12 Volt Car Vehicle Lighter Adapter for Medela Pump-in-style Breast Pump, Freestyle and Lactina Breastpumps - CE FCC Approved Replacement Power Adapter for Medela Part # 67153 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071923JF4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J5DkAbRNYKWW8

    Hakkaa for leakage on opposite of feeding:
    Silicone Breast Pump for Breastfeeding with Lid - 100% Food Grade BPA-Free Manual Hands Free Milk Breastpump by Ashtonbee https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IADQTX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_x6DkAb6VHKC9C

    For nipples: 
    Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter, 3 Pack - 2 Oz. (60 ml) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YPW7X6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_q7DkAb25SH3CW
    It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most...not where you live, or what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes... There's no dollar sign on a piece of mind, this I've come to know! *ZBB*

    Me: 36 DH 35 
    TTC  9/2016     BFP 12/9/16    EDD 8/21/17    NMC 1/8/16 at 7w6d
    TTC  2/2017  BFP 3/6/17   EDD 11/17/17   DS born 11/25/17 via ECS
    TTC 12/2018   BFP 6/2/19   EDD 2/12/20  NMC / BO at 7 weeks, low progesterone
    TTC 7/2019   BFP 8/21/19 EDD 4/22/20 CP at 5 weeks
    TTC 8/19    IUI #1 w/ Clomid + Ovidrel + progesterone  BFN, IUI 2 and 3 w/ Letrozole + Ovidrel + progesterone,
    IUI 4 Follistim + Ovidrel + progesterone BFP 1/9/20 EDD 9/18/20

    AMA, ITP in pregnancy, vWD type II - low Factor VIII, unexplained RPL and secondary infertility
  • Not going to lie...I have major anxiety about trying to pump....and I have no idea why. BF is going well and my nipples for the most part are starting to hurt less....other than the left side and DD struggles to latch at night for some reason. But the thought of using my pump causes anxiety and for some reason it feels like it will be difficult to do. I have no justification for this and I really just need to sit down and read the instructions/get it over with....but idk what my problem is right now. 
  • @dragonfly87-2 I am right there with you for some reason I have a little anxiety about pumping. I am like will it bring in to much milk and what if there are days I can't pump. And how offend should i pump. Just so much unknown. And also worried people will be like well you have milk just leave her here for couple hours and go do you but I am not ready to be away from her yet cause I know I will worry to much. It would be good to have some milk frozen incase I have to leave her for some reason. 
  • As an exclusive pumper, try not to worry, it’s not that bad. Just sit back, put your feet up, and use the 20 minutes to catch up on internet surfing or a Netflix show. 

    Tips:
    - always apply nipple cream BEFORE pumping 
    - have a big glass of water handy (I get thirsty as soon as i start) 
    - don’t soend the time over analyzing how much you are getting
    -breast massage during does WONDERS
    - it’s normal to feel like a cow 
    BFP #1: 1.22.16                 MMC: 2.29.16 ( tetrasomy 11, partial deletion 1, XXX) D&C: 3.2.16
    BFP #2: 4.14.16                 CP: 4.17.16
    BFP #3: 6.10.2016             CP: 6.17.16
    RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
    Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
    PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
    Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
    Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
    Beta #1 15   Beta #2 38    Beta #3- 71     beta #4 171   Beta # 5- 21  Natural MC 10/21
    HSG- clear
    IVF Jan 2017
    Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
    PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
    FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
    Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
    Baby BOY due 11.29.2017






  • I EBF but will return to work, I pump in the morning about 30 mins after he nurses and I get about 6oz, and I'll do it again before bed. I sit back in my rocker and drink my coffee. I like that I can take my pump with me. I haven't pumped from both sides at the same time.  
    I also have a forceful let down, very thankful that at 6 weeks it has finally started to lessen as well as the nausea feeling before it would happen. I had the 24 hours of engorgement as to be expected and will get a hard boob every so often so I pump for comfort. 
  • NYTino24NYTino24 member
    edited December 2017
    @dragonfly87-2 @kdw89 BF is way harder than pumping because there are so many factors outside your control with your LO. It's super easy to do assuming you have a supply. Just make sure you have the right size phalanges. Disclaimer: feeding baby and pumping separately can be very time consuming. Not saying one is better or worse than the other. Fed is best!
    It's funny how it's the little things in life that mean the most...not where you live, or what you drive, or the price tag on your clothes... There's no dollar sign on a piece of mind, this I've come to know! *ZBB*

    Me: 36 DH 35 
    TTC  9/2016     BFP 12/9/16    EDD 8/21/17    NMC 1/8/16 at 7w6d
    TTC  2/2017  BFP 3/6/17   EDD 11/17/17   DS born 11/25/17 via ECS
    TTC 12/2018   BFP 6/2/19   EDD 2/12/20  NMC / BO at 7 weeks, low progesterone
    TTC 7/2019   BFP 8/21/19 EDD 4/22/20 CP at 5 weeks
    TTC 8/19    IUI #1 w/ Clomid + Ovidrel + progesterone  BFN, IUI 2 and 3 w/ Letrozole + Ovidrel + progesterone,
    IUI 4 Follistim + Ovidrel + progesterone BFP 1/9/20 EDD 9/18/20

    AMA, ITP in pregnancy, vWD type II - low Factor VIII, unexplained RPL and secondary infertility
  • Really stupid question and I’m too lazy right now to google, but what is a let down? I’ve heard this term 
    Pregnancy Ticker
  • Let down is basically the reflex that causes milk to start flowing once baby starts a sucks or you start pumping 
    BFP #1: 1.22.16                 MMC: 2.29.16 ( tetrasomy 11, partial deletion 1, XXX) D&C: 3.2.16
    BFP #2: 4.14.16                 CP: 4.17.16
    BFP #3: 6.10.2016             CP: 6.17.16
    RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
    Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
    PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
    Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
    Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
    Beta #1 15   Beta #2 38    Beta #3- 71     beta #4 171   Beta # 5- 21  Natural MC 10/21
    HSG- clear
    IVF Jan 2017
    Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
    PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
    FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
    Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
    Baby BOY due 11.29.2017






  • Let down is basically the reflex that causes milk to start flowing once baby starts a sucks or you start pumping 
    Thank you!
    Pregnancy Ticker
  • I just washed all my pump parts and thinking about giving it a go today or tomorrow. A little nervous, but hoping it goes smoothly. 
  • jarob747jarob747 member
    edited December 2017
    How much are you ladies getting with each pumping session? I get about 2-2.5 oz each side. No more than that. 
  • Total I get 6-10 oz depending on when on the day it is 
    BFP #1: 1.22.16                 MMC: 2.29.16 ( tetrasomy 11, partial deletion 1, XXX) D&C: 3.2.16
    BFP #2: 4.14.16                 CP: 4.17.16
    BFP #3: 6.10.2016             CP: 6.17.16
    RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
    Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
    PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
    Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
    Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
    Beta #1 15   Beta #2 38    Beta #3- 71     beta #4 171   Beta # 5- 21  Natural MC 10/21
    HSG- clear
    IVF Jan 2017
    Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
    PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
    FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
    Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
    Baby BOY due 11.29.2017






  • I'm only pumping in the morning. I get about 4-4.5 on each side. I think I'm lucky though. I don't think that is the norm.

    Drink lots of water and good food like oatmeal
  • I pump for 15 minutes once a day and only get 2 oz. total.  :/ Curious what the norm is.
  • jarob747jarob747 member
    edited December 2017
     I only pump once a day for now simply because I don't have time. 
    @mabel2015-2 I think you are lucky, good for you :) I do need to drink more water, I'm really working on it. 
    @ladymeowmeow2 idk what the "norm" is, but 2-3oz each side is all I ever got with DS also :( I struggled and skimped by till a year. My body just wouldn't make any more than that . 
    It's so hard not to stress over each drop. 
  • @DungeonTrollMel you get that much with 1 pump session?  That's fantastic!
  • @jarob747 I EP so what I get is everything coming out. I have been very lucky that I’m freezing about 20-24oz a day in top of the 24 he eats. I’ve got about 240oz in the freezer already 
    BFP #1: 1.22.16                 MMC: 2.29.16 ( tetrasomy 11, partial deletion 1, XXX) D&C: 3.2.16
    BFP #2: 4.14.16                 CP: 4.17.16
    BFP #3: 6.10.2016             CP: 6.17.16
    RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
    Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
    PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
    Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
    Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
    Beta #1 15   Beta #2 38    Beta #3- 71     beta #4 171   Beta # 5- 21  Natural MC 10/21
    HSG- clear
    IVF Jan 2017
    Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
    PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
    FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
    Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
    Baby BOY due 11.29.2017






  • Really depends on if you're only pumping or doing it with breastfeeding, best time to pump is in after the morning feed. 2oz is pretty normal. We won't get out as much as our babies can. If I miss a feed I get about 10oz, after a feed I get 4-5oz.  LO only nurses from one side each time.  I chug water still, Gatorade is also good for us right now. 
  • Depends on how well i’ve hydrated and the time of the day I pump. Mornings I am able to pump between 2-3oz each side.  Afternoons or evenings I get 2-3oz total. 
  • I pump twice a day (once at night and once in the AM) to replace the bottles my DH gives to DS. I get about 8 oz total for each of those sessions. I've had major oversupply issues but things are starting to level out.
  • I stretched out one of my middle of the night pumps and just got 12oz. Kind of feeling like super Boobs over here. 



    Its sad the things that make me proud these days 
    BFP #1: 1.22.16                 MMC: 2.29.16 ( tetrasomy 11, partial deletion 1, XXX) D&C: 3.2.16
    BFP #2: 4.14.16                 CP: 4.17.16
    BFP #3: 6.10.2016             CP: 6.17.16
    RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
    Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
    PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
    Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
    Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
    Beta #1 15   Beta #2 38    Beta #3- 71     beta #4 171   Beta # 5- 21  Natural MC 10/21
    HSG- clear
    IVF Jan 2017
    Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
    PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
    FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
    Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
    Baby BOY due 11.29.2017






  • dragonfly87-2dragonfly87-2 member
    edited December 2017
    I am pumping for the first time! Took me two days to get things ready and get over the anxiety...but I did it. It is a very strange set up and sensation, lol. My question is....how long do you normally pump for? Just until there is no more milk coming out? Or a set amount of time?

    ETA: I ended up pumping for about 15 minutes until it was clear no more milk was coming out. I got about 2 oz from my right side and 1 oz from my left (which I had just fed DD on). Not sure what is considered average, but for a mid-day first time pump, I guess it's more than I initially expected. 
  • Sounds pretty average. I pump until it apparent no more milk is coming out. I have the Spectra so it takes about 10 minutes of I do each side alone.  Most pumps have adjustable settings for suction, pumping isn't suppose to hurt so no need to turn up the suction part too hard. The faster it is the more like LOs beginning yo nurse to get a let down them they slow down.  
    I've cut down on my pumping because I don't want to have too much in the freezer and have it go to waste. I have 25 bags in their now. Decided to do it today after several days off and got 5oz. 
  • I pump for about 10-15 minutes also. I nurse baby and pump. I'm glad to hear that lots of others are getting about the same out.
    I can't even begin to imagine having an oversupply issue lol
    Go super boobs!!!
    Ok so we'll hydrated??? How much water are y'all taking in? It's a challenge to drink so much water. May try to add in some Gatorade or something to increase fluids. 
  • @Dragonfly87-2 if you are pumping to replace a bottle or build up your supply / stash then I would pump until empty rather than a set amount of time. I can usually empty my breasts in about 10 minutes. Massaging throughout will also speed up the process. 
  • Not sure where to put this, but we introduced the bottle today and LO took it just fine. This is such a relief bc my older DD wouldn’t take one so I never got a break. Small victories! 
  • As an exclusive pumper for both my pregnancies I get 10oz every pump I pump about 8 times a day or sometimes less if I'm stretching it a bit. I keep around 15-18oz in the fridge and freeze anything else our deep freeze has tons of milk already stashed away. Already due to buy my third box 100count of milk storage bags. I hope all you ladies learn to love your pump if you have to it's not as bad or scary as it seems.
  • I’m aiming to drink 100+ oz of water every day, but it is a challenge. I put a Nuun vitamin tab (lemon-lime flavor) in a 32oz bottle.  I like Nuun because it is all natural, gluten and dairy free, and Whole30 compliant. Keeps me drinking. 

    I pump for 15 minutes, but if I am in the middle of a let down I’ll continue for another 5.  
  • Question about milk storage: I plan t return to work in 4 weeks part time and in 7 weeks full time. If I pumped and stored/froze milk now, would it still meet her needs?

    I read your milk changes as they grow. But is there a huge difference between now and using in one month? 
  • @dragonfly87-2 I used frozen milk for the whole first year for my DD. I would send one bottle of frozen milk with 3 bottles of fresh (from prior day pump sessions) milk so that she was getting mostly "current" milk. I would use the oldest frozen milk first and just kept rotating my stash. We are even doing that now with the bottles DH gives- he does one bottle made of frozen milk (he is still using milk from October) and one with milk from the fridge.
  • @mymulligan Thanks for the response. That makes sense. I may just pump once a day for now to build up a small supply and then just do one frozen a day when I go back to work.
  • @dragonfly87-2 Kellymom (and my LC) suggest having 3 days worth of frozen milk stashed (no more than 5 days) in case your LO needs to exclusively bottle feed for a few days. (In case you are on antibiotics or away.)
  • Just finished my first 100 count box of freezer bags so 400oz stock piled. I feel like that’s decent for 3 weeks in since it took a while for my milk to come in. 
    BFP #1: 1.22.16                 MMC: 2.29.16 ( tetrasomy 11, partial deletion 1, XXX) D&C: 3.2.16
    BFP #2: 4.14.16                 CP: 4.17.16
    BFP #3: 6.10.2016             CP: 6.17.16
    RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
    Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
    PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
    Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
    Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
    Beta #1 15   Beta #2 38    Beta #3- 71     beta #4 171   Beta # 5- 21  Natural MC 10/21
    HSG- clear
    IVF Jan 2017
    Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
    PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
    FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
    Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
    Baby BOY due 11.29.2017






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