Pumping Qs

[genet313]

So, what am I doing wrong here.

I've got a Medela PISA.  Size 27 flanges (my nursing boobs are 34Gs).    I'm over 30 minutes pumping and the milk is still coming.  It's not like I'm pumping a ton, either, just 3 ounces per boob, but it's still going.  If I do breast compression I get even more.  

Is there some way to speed this up?  Bigger flanges?  A better pump? (I'd jump on the Spectra train but I just shelled out for a second PISA to keep one at home and one at work, so don't want to do that if I don't have to)  I don't have the dial turned up much, maybe 1/4 of the way, but that's what's comfortable for me.   Higher speed?

[Ashley&Scott]

Are you pumping to replace a feed, trying to build a stash? When I was pumping at work I just cut off the time at a certain point, even though there was technically milk still flowing.


ETA: Breast compressions will help get more milk out. Personally I wouldn't turn up the pump to a point that's beyond your comfort. 

[linz]

Turn the speed up. When I'm at work for some reason it takes forever for me to empty so I turn it up to the point where it is almost uncomfortable. That feeling goes away pretty fast but it's able to pull milk out more.

-Also this is my biggest issue with the PISA. It does seem to take longer to empty rather then the hospital grade pumps but once you figure out what speed works for you it gets better.

[genet313]

Jul 7, 2015 8:42:40 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Are you pumping to replace a feed, trying to build a stash? When I was pumping at work I just cut off the time at a certain point, even though there was technically milk still flowing.

Bit of both:  Right now I'm at work trying to replace a feed and noticing it.  But when I pump at night (which is a combo of trying to maintain my stash/replace a feed since I don't pump enough during the workday), I also notice it, but not as often.

[Ashley&Scott]

genet313 I'm assuming you'll pump again later today? I would try to do compressions while pumping to see if that helps. I might turn the power up slightly, but not significantly & definitely turn it back down if it is at all painful. Does your pump have a letdown button? If so you could always push that when the flow slows down & see if you can trigger another let down.

[dottyblue]

I would make sure you are using a pumping bra/band (Simple Wishes is the best, or use a tight sports bra). That will naturally compress your breasts while the pump is working and you will get more milk. I could usually get an additional 1 oz pumping with the Simple Wishes on versus just holding the pump in place with my hands.

Also, are you positive you are using the right size flange? The flange size doesn't matter with your actual breast size, only with nipple size. I was only a 36C when I started pumping and I needed a 27mm flange because I have freakishly huge nipples. Make sure your nipples aren't rubbing against the sides of the flange while you are pumping BUT also make sure you don't have huge gaps. www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/right-size-of-breastshield.html

[curbsideprophet]

Have you looked at a diagram that explains flange fit? You might need a different size but I would not assume larger. You could also have an LC check out the fit.

I would try to turn up the speed a little bit to see if that helps.

[genet313]

Jul 7, 2015 9:27:45 GMT -5 minniemouse said:

How old are the membranes? Do they need to be replaced?

I didn't think so, but I'll check.  I'm planning to change them 1x/month.  I pump on this pump 3x/day for 4 days a week.  Not frequently enough?

[genet313]

Jul 7, 2015 9:31:40 GMT -5 dottyblue said:

I would make sure you are using a pumping bra/band (Simple Wishes is the best, or use a tight sports bra). That will naturally compress your breasts while the pump is working and you will get more milk. I could usually get an additional 1 oz pumping with the Simple Wishes on versus just holding the pump in place with my hands.

Also, are you positive you are using the right size flange? The flange size doesn't matter with your actual breast size, only with nipple size. I was only a 36C when I started pumping and I needed a 27mm flange because I have freakishly huge nipples. Make sure your nipples aren't rubbing against the sides of the flange while you are pumping BUT also make sure you don't have huge gaps. www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/right-size-of-breastshield.html

Oh, good call.  I am using Simple Wishes, but haven't washed it in a month so it's prob stretched out.  I'll try throwing it in the dryer.

No I'm not positive.  I'll check this out thanks.

[Deleted]

I've looked at a ton of those charts and still couldn't figure out what the right flange was. I just experimented with different sizes.

[linz]

Jul 7, 2015 12:00:24 GMT -5 @pnkybrwstr said:

Can I butt in here w/ a question? I'm having a hard time determining if I have the right flange fit. None of the pictures from the medela link look like my boob in the flange.

Is any part of my nipple supposed to be touching the plastic? Pumping doesn't hurt, but it is slightly uncomfortable (at any speed on my PISA). When I pump, my nipple and some areola seem to get pulled pretty far into the flange. Is there a foolproof way to figure out if I have the right size?

This sounds like me also. My nipples rub on the side of the flange when they are being pulled but they don't hurt like they're being squished. They also stretch pretty far. But I started pumping right off the bat since I had NICU babies and the nurse at the hospital said I was doing it right.

[linz]

I've also never tried a different size flange. I use the 24 I think?

[Deleted]

Flange size is kind of trial and error; I didn't figure it out until kid #2, but smaller flanges helped me a lot.

ETA: I used these, work with Medela fine: www.amazon.com/Ameda-Flexshield-Aereola-Stimulator-Pk/dp/B00JRYEV1E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1436289851&sr=8-4&keywords=ameda+inserts&pebp=1436289892185&perid=1M3Y9Y94K7JYVS290WR7

[Ashley&Scott]

It's been quite a while since I pumped so I can't remember the specifics of how my flanges fit. I did have my LC at the hospital tell me what size to use. I will say that applying nipple butter or lanolin before pumping made all the difference when it came to comfort.

[Deleted]

Jul 7, 2015 12:30:53 GMT -5 @pnkybrwstr said:

Jul 7, 2015 12:19:54 GMT -5 linz said:

This sounds like me also. My nipples rub on the side of the flange when they are being pulled but they don't hurt like they're being squished. They also stretch pretty far. But I started pumping right off the bat since I had NICU babies and the nurse at the hospital said I was doing it right.

Hmm, so my nipple isn't touching at all, only areola touches the sides.  Does this sound maybe a little too big?  I've been using the ones that come w/ the pump.

I would guess you'd be more comfy one size smaller. My output also improved. 

[obladi]

I know everyone is different but if you only have it turned a quarter of the way up maybe you need to go higher? I usually have mine almost all the way up. I finally got a spectra 2 because the suction is much better then the PISA. Maybe I am a freak though. I also get more using a pumping bra and I do compressions while I pump.

[genet313]

Jul 7, 2015 12:00:24 GMT -5 @pnkybrwstr said:

Can I butt in here w/ a question? I'm having a hard time determining if I have the right flange fit. None of the pictures from the medela link look like my boob in the flange.

Is any part of my nipple supposed to be touching the plastic? Pumping doesn't hurt, but it is slightly uncomfortable (at any speed on my PISA). When I pump, my nipple and some areola seem to get pulled pretty far into the flange. Is there a foolproof way to figure out if I have the right size?

I obviously have no answers, but I just wanted to say my "fit" is similar.  The areola gets pulled far in, but I'd say a good 1/2" of actual nipple doesn't touch the plastic.   I use the 27 size and it feels like it would barely fit onto my boob if I sized down.     How can this be so difficult? 

[Deleted]

I don't really think that the smaller flanges are smaller outside of the tube part. I liked the ameda inserts because they were soft instead of hard, too. It didn't matter if less of my boob overall was in the flange.