I did not EP, but just pumping 3-4 times a day on weekdays and once on weekends, I needed to change my membranes every 2-3 weeks. I was VERY sensitive to that and my output would drop noticeably until I changed them. (I had to pump for 25-30 minutes, so somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 hours total pump time.)
If you notice a supply drop, change them out and see if that helps. It's a trial and error thing to some extent. It depends on how often, how long, and at what suction level, and even how you wash them. I also got membranes to last longer if I didn't put them in the dishwasher and just hand washed with soapy water and limited sterilization. The more frequently they got sterilized, the limper they got and less useful they were.
I've only done it once in 7 months of EP. I do have 6 sets of parts so there are a lot in the rotation. I think hand washing helps them last longer. I only sterilize my parts once a week. Something that I have noticed a difference of output is making sure they are totally dry before using.
I did not EP, but just pumping 3-4 times a day on weekdays and once on weekends, I needed to change my membranes every 2-3 weeks. I was VERY sensitive to that and my output would drop noticeably until I changed them. (I had to pump for 25-30 minutes, so somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 hours total pump time.)
If you notice a supply drop, change them out and see if that helps. It's a trial and error thing to some extent. It depends on how often, how long, and at what suction level, and even how you wash them. I also got membranes to last longer if I didn't put them in the dishwasher and just hand washed with soapy water and limited sterilization. The more frequently they got sterilized, the limper they got and less useful they were.
Yeah, this is what I'm noticing. I don't EP, but I do pump at least 4 times a day, sometimes 5. I changed my membranes about two weeks ago and it already seems like my output is dropping a little again. Thankfully, my amazon order came today. Sounds like it's normal, so that's good.
I've only done it once in 7 months of EP. I do have 6 sets of parts so there are a lot in the rotation. I think hand washing helps them last longer. I only sterilize my parts once a week. Something that I have noticed a difference of output is making sure they are totally dry before using.
Hmmm. That's interesting. I usually just rinse my flanges well between use at work, so they're probably not dry. Something to pay attention to.
How do you know when they need to be changed? DW has four sets of parts in rotation, so I imagine once a month is overkill.
I've been noticing a drop in output. As soon as I change them, it goes back to normal. 3 weeks seems to be about right. I thought it was overkill, but the responses here are telling me it's probably not. I'm sure it varies though. Some women may not be as sensitive to it, I guess.
I EP and I don't understand how the membranes make a difference in output? isabel
As they get older, they become looser and you get less suction. That's the best way I can describe it. Like when they don't lay flat and stay close to that yellow piece, the suction isn't as strong.
As they get older, they become looser and you get less suction. That's the best way I can describe it. Like when they don't lay flat and stay close to that yellow piece, the suction isn't as strong.
Stupid question but wouldn't you just then turn up the suction on the pump if you wanted stronger suction?
For me, it's just not the same. I've never been able to describe it, but when the membranes are tight and working like they're supposed to, I get a better overall pull on my nipples. When I just turn the dial higher, it sucks harder, but just feels like it's tugging more, not actually getting better suction. I know that probably doesn't make all that much sense.
I EP'd and changed them monthly or so but I also had four flanges. I could tell they needed replacing when they were pulled away from the flange. However, I never really noticed a change in output after I changed them. Then again, I never kept all that careful track of how much I was pumping. I knew I got about 28-32 oz/day but that is it.