Frustrated pumping -- little milk for a lot of effort -- is this a letdown problem? a pump problem?

"Leanne G." wrote
Unfortunately, I don't usually have
enough hands to double pump (baby doesn't like to be put down). But
tomorrow morning when Dad's around, we'll try to double-pump and see
how it goes.

I bought a 'bra' that has two holes in it at the breast so that I can insert
the horn part of the pump and do whatever with my hands. I'm sure a tight
tube top could be altered at a much lower price, but it's hard to find tube
tops in my size (size very large breasts but small back). HTH
--
Melissa (in Los Angeles)
Mum to Elizabeth 4/13/03

On 17 Jul 2003 12:13:04 -0700, (MarkG) wrote:

I've tried the usual tricks (pumping in the a.m. when I'm rock-hard,
massaging/dangling the breasts before and during pumping, looking at
a pic of my son while pumping, playing with my son while pumping,
etc). Do I need a different pump? I'm using the Medela pump-in-style,
so the only higher grade would be a hospital-grade rental. Or is this
just a letdown issue? Help!

Have you tried an Avent Isis? Even if you don't use the Isis itself, I
found its soft insert to help when I pumped with either a Lactina or the
pumps at the hospital.

Just wanted to say that I have the Softfit breastshields on the page
quoted below, and I have the insert from the Isis that I use with my
PIS, and I get more milk with the insert from the Isis. I haven't
tried the one from Ameda though.

KC


"CY" wrote in message news:ObnSa.10615$Bp2.3480@fed1read07...
Suction at maximum is not recommended if it causes pain. It may be painful
because your flanges are too small. Perhaps you could try either the Medela
Softfit flanges or the "Large" flanges and see if that helps. There is also
something similar to the Avent Isis insert that you can see on this page:
http://www.breastfeedingworld.com/Ki...%20Flanges.htm
I believe it also fits the Medela flange although I am not 100% certain.
"Leanne G." wrote in message
om...
Thanks for all the responses -- I do make sure that one side is
plugged up when I only pump one breast, and I often nurse the baby on
one side while pumping the other. Unfortunately, I don't usually have
enough hands to double pump (baby doesn't like to be put down). But
tomorrow morning when Dad's around, we'll try to double-pump and see
how it goes.

One question -- I talked to a lactation consultant today who advised
that I won't get much milk unless the suction is at its maximum after
letdown, but I can never make it go above medium without my nipple
really hurting! Any advice? She suggested lubrication w/milk or
water, but that doesn't seem to help much, and it's awfully messy!

Tx,
Leanne