Pumping strength ?

[Deleted]

If I don't pump at almost full strength my nipples don't even get sucked in. What am I missing here? I wonder if that's part of the reason my output sucks.

I also have to move my boobs around a lot and reposition to keep it going. No relaxing pumping sessions for me.

[MamaMaui24]

Have you tried changing the membranes? Tried different size breast shields?

I've noticed a difference when using my medela pump in style vs. the hospital pump (lactina). You could rent a hospital pump for a bit and see how that goes.

[Deleted]

It's always been this way and the company doesnt make smaller flanges. I wondered if it was a flange thing

[Deleted]

I also have to hold them down pretty tight with my hands. None of the rubber band, resting bottles in lap business I hear about on here

[MamaMaui24]

Is it possible you need bigger flanges?

I've also read about Pumpin Pals. They fit differently than the normal shields.

[Deleted]

Bigger?? Hmm I suppose! I have raisins and use a medium if tht matters - tmi I'm sure

I SAH so I only pump once a day - sometimes less - but ive been making observations and might pump more efficiently if I'm doing something wrong.

[AmyRI]

Sounds like a suction problem with the pump itself.

I have to do compressions while I pump and I need the hands-free bra and almost always put extra pressure on with my hands myself to help with output.

I love the pumpin' pals shields. Those things are seriously comfortable, and they are bigger around and feel like they stay on your boob better. They didn't help with my output at all, but they did make it possible for me to pump 3+ times a day when working because my nipples were too small for the smallest flange Medela sold and my areolas were close to bleeding from all the chafing on the flange.

[MamaMaui24]

Ok, so maybe not bigger.

Call the manufacturer and see what they say. Maybe it needs a new motor.

[Deleted]

I'll try pumpin pals first - thanks!

I did call the company a few weeks ago and they listened to the motor over the phone and said it sounded fine. I know that doesn't mean anything though! I can always send it in.

[AmyRI]

Another thought - you could try buying a new set of all the connector pieces. If there's a small crack in one of the valves or connectors, it could cause a decrease in suction power while the motor is fine. But since you don't pump often, I don't know if you're interested in spending the money on a whole second set.

[Deleted]

Yeah I'm not really in a hurry to spend more money on something that's supposed to be free - ha! I had a hospital grade pump w DS and had the same issue so my guess is flange size.

[dearprudence]

What pump do you have that only has a medium sized flange and not a small one?

[Deleted]

Hygeia. Their customer service also sucks I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. My battery is also dead. See above for how often I pump. Huge side eye to them.

[Ashley&Scott]

It sounds like a breast shield sizing issue to me.

Have you had the fit checked by a LC at either of the local hospitals? It might be a hassle to lug your pump in but it should be free.

[dearprudence]

That's ridiculous! (on their part - not yours) Who starts with a medium?

The LC who ran my breastfeeding class actually recommended that pump, and DH was sold on it, but since we're dealing with my breasts I told him he didn't get a say.

Looking online, it seems like people are saying the medela flanges fit on the hygeia, so maybe you could pick up a set of small medelas.

[Ashley&Scott]

Not sure if you ended up going tonight but apparently it was cancelled

I waited around for a bit & did a feeding. DS was hungry & I felt bad since I told you I would be there. Hopefully you'll be able to come another time.