Another pumping question (expressing by hand)

[halfpint]

This is interesting - I just saw some posts on my local BFing FB page about getting more with a manual pump. I remember using my Harmony in the early days and getting like 5 oz from one side, but I assumed it was just because that was back when I was engorged and my supply hadn't regulated. I'm going to try my Harmony today and see what happens!

[CloudBee]

Yep. For months I was able to get more with a manual. If I had the time I would have used the manual exclusively the entire time I BF'd. But with time constraints I went with the electric much of the time from 4 months onward.

My pedi is also a certified LC. She says some get a better rhythm with the manual, and it's not uncommon to have equal or better performance with one.

[halfpint]

Ok, way more efficient so far - I just go an ounce from one side in two minutes. I usually get a total of 3 ounces from both sides with 20-30 minutes on the electric pump. I'm going to try the electric for a bit, and then finish with the manual and see what that gets me.

[mcfelix]

I discovered that I get more with a manual pump, so I've been exclusively been using the harmony. I had a medela double electric from insurance and rented a hospital grade pump but the manual is best for me. I joke that I'm going to get carpal tunnel from using the manual pump so much!!

[kangaroo11]

I never did well with a manual, but did get a decent amount by hand. It just takes a long time!

[soozy87]

How do you collect them milk if you pump by hand? Or maybe that should go in the dumb questions thread.

[slipsey]

I keep my Harmony next to my bed, because I still sometimes wake up in the night engorged. I am able to quickly get 2-3 ounces. It is quite efficient, it is still more "work" than the electric though.

[mcfelix]

Jan 2, 2014 16:00:50 GMT -5 soozy87 said:

How do you collect them milk if you pump by hand? Or maybe that should go in the dumb questions thread.

When I hand express, I express into the manual pump breast shield, connected to a bottle. You could express directly into a bottle - I've done that with medela bottles.