4 answers

Breast Pumps - Island Lake,IL

hi..
I am BF my 17 week daughter.No other foods have been introduced. I have a medela pump, borrowed from my sister inlaw so I don't have a manual for it. I have been using it for some time now,lately I have not been able to get much milk out. I thought it was me being stressed but today I feel wonderful, have no stress and only got one ounce. I fed my daugter at 430 and again at 730 am, but at 730 she only ate off of one side so I expected to at least get two onces when I pumped. Do pumps go bad? It is electric, no batteries. Similar to the pump in stlye but must be older model.

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You should get the suction on your pump checked it sounds like - there could be a leak in the air hose or as the other poster mentioned it could be low on batteries if you're running on batteries. The other thing about pumping is that it does, as you mention, require the right mind set. I think of it sort of like masturbation - you need to be "in the mood" for it to work ie to get a good letdown. If you don't get a good letdown you can pump and pump and you still won't get much at all. I have a few other posts where I mention what worked for me to achieve this. so I won't repeat here. Also make sure you're well hydrated and eat plenty.

1 mom found this helpful

R.:

pumps do go bad.... only hospital grade pumps are made for longer endurance and multi users.

you may be able to get someone to check the suction on the pump for you - some lactation consultants have gauges.

Warmly,

P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

What kind of medela? i have the pump n style advanced and it is awesome! Do you plug it in or use batteries? maybe it needs new batteries. Mine has a letdown button, and it works like this..I pump for about 4-5 minutes and then it switches to letdown mode for about 15 minutes. I usually can get 5-6 ounces in just 20 minutes during the day. Good luck and you can call medela to ask.

It sounds like you just need new parts. I am using my pump in style that I bought three years ago for the second time. I also found that when I got the larger breast sheild size, it made a huge difference - this matters not for breast size but for nipple size. Good luck!

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