Pumping - San Francisco,CA

I also have the Medela pump and it worked great for me but if you don't want to drop that amount of money on a pump, especially if you don't plan on using it all the time, maybe rent one from the hospital you gave birth at. I know Kaiser rents them out on a weekly basis ( I can't rembember the cost) but they have really nice pumps that work very well so call the lactation center where you gave birth and see if they have that option. Also, if you know a another mom that has a good pump, maybe she will let you borrow hers. Just buy the parts you need. Good luck and have a nice dinner out.

I would try the medela pump. i know they are expensive but i had the same problem with other pumps. I know there are certain places who rent the pump itself and you just pay for the attachments. I ended up buying one in hopes to use it for my next child but it worked great! GOod luck

Just wanted to point out that most folks recommend NOT buying a used pump, since you can't sterilize all of the parts that touch the milk and breastmilk can carry diseases.

So if you're looking for a different pump, spend the extra to get a new one, not a used one!

H.

i agree that its probably the pump - especially since you say it feel so weak despite being on the highest speed. I use the Medela one also - and yes, I know its expensive.... but I got mine brand new on Craigslist. If you think about it though, for about $200 to feed your baby, it's really not THAT expensive compared to how much you'd have to spend buying formula every month.

Also keep in mind, there's a pattern in 'let down' with pumping. You won't get a lot initially out (just drops) and then as your breasts become aware its time to feed (or pump!) the milk will start shooting out. At least with the Medela pump, I know that it will start off with longer, deeper suctions to 'draw out' the milk, and then it gradually changes to a shorter speed suction when the milk is ready to go.

If youre unsure about the pump, another option is to rent one just to see. That would help resolve your doubts about whether or not it is the pump.

The best way I found to get the most milk out when you pump is to pump on one side while you nurse on the other. The baby can help with the "let down" better than a pump alone. I always got WAY more milk when I did it this way vs. pumping alone. Good luck and enjoy your night out! :O)

I agree it could be your pump. Some pumps work better for different women than others. You could try breast massage and warm compresses before pumping. Both of those things should get the oxytocin flowing. Also, pumping after the first morning feed often yields more milk. You might also try hand expression. Often this is actually more effective than pumping. The kelly mom website has an info page on pumping and hand expressing: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bf-links-pumps.html

Good luck!

If you don't even feel any suction, you might want to try some differently sized parts for your pump. I haven't heard anything about the Playtex electric pump or if they have differently sized shields. I know Medela makes different sizes. You could try Craigslist for a used pump (it's only the motor that's new, all other parts you can buy new). good luck, keep trying different things, you'll get there!

You might want to invest in a more expensive, and more effective, pump. The cheaper pumps don't have suction enough to effectively express your breastmilk out.

Good luck!

Jen

its probably the pump. I started to pump when my baby was 4 days old, and got at lease 1 oz each side at the first pump. I have a Amelda Purely yours pump from Kaiser. I paid $175 (for the electric double) but its well worth it! A lot of people use the Medela pump you can get at Target and I’ve heard its very good (but it was more $$ then I could afford I think is $250 for the double). However, the lactation consultant said both the Amelda and Medela are similar. That may be the reason your not pumping enough! Im having a hard time right now with keeping up with my little boy- he eats a lot now! I think I need to drink more water and try some Fenugreek capsules. Good luck and Good job for being a good Mommy that wants the best for her baby!

No, it's an automatic let down built into your body. =) Haven't you ever been out somewhere and someone else's kid cries and suddenly your chest is wet? Our bodies are geared to feed when a baby cries. Just pump as much as you can, feed your baby just before you leave (this will help with leaks too!) and don't worry too much if you have to use formula this time. Oh, and have fun at your party. =) A happy mommy is a good mommy!

Check with your local maternity ward and/or Le Leache league. Many places rent pumps so you can see if your pump is the problem. Morning is also usually the best time to pump.

You might try pumping after a shower so that you feel a little more relaxed. I know that when you first start to pump, it can be a little strange. Also, keep your self hydrated. If you are feeding with no problems then you will be able to pump the same way. I bet you are unknowingly just a little more tense than when you have your baby nursing.

I have a hard time getting enough out when I pump. Some tricks I learned. Pump after each feeding. Pump a little longer after there is no more milk coming out (help increase supply). Add more water to your day even if it feels you are drinking more than you can handle. One mom told me she has the most milk at the second feeding of the morning. I thought it sounded pretty strange but I am finding that also. My supply is really low in the evenings so I have been pumping durring the day to try and increase supply and have a bottle to feed him as a top off before bed. Other ways to help supply is brewers yeast, some tea sorry I can't remember the name, and actually rest. Oh and when you do use your pump, if you are not getting anything out, try hand expressing. If you get a lot that way, then a different pump might make the difference. Good luck!

It's probably the pump. I used a cheap one my brother gave me and got nothing, so my husband went out and bought a Medela - it's a lot more expensive but it was a HUGE difference. If you're serious about breastfeeding for a long time, try to get a decent pump (Medela is arguably the best) - borrow or buy used. Also, massage your breasts from the base to the tip when you're pumping - it makes a big difference in getting more milk out. I wouldn't stress too much about your milk supply in the 6 hours you'll be away from your baby - I hope you can relax and enjoy the time, and just supplement with formula - it's only 1 day!

you could try pampers.com, they are very resourseful or whattoexpect.com. I had a similar issue and read that sometimes you have to trick your body into producing milk. I know it probably sounds crazy but it might work for you, such as a recording of your baby crying to stimulate production. Good Luck!!

I believe it may be your pump. If you're truly getting more from your own let down- I experience a let down with the pump- just as I do with nursing.

I too have a Medela (single electric- SWING). It works fairly well, but I wish I had gotten the double since each side takes 5-10 minutes and 10-20 extra minutes are hard to find in a day. I've heard GREAT THINGS about the double.

One breast produces way more than the other I've pumped as much as 5 to 6 ounces from the right and only about 3 and 1/2 ounces tops from the left. I mention this so you don't get discouraged- We all differ in the amount we produce and how.

If I were you I'd definitely try aa different pump. You can buy used ones on e-bay etc. (just replace the hoses and the parts that touch you and baby's milk- or sterilize really well (bottles).

Good Luck and congratulations on your new baby.

Greetings C., Having been a wet nurse and the mother of 5 (although we adopted her as a teen), I can suggest a couple of things that worked for me and the mothers that I worked with.
1. get some Sweedish Milking cups. They fit right into your bra and will catch all the leking milk and then you can put itinto a thermos.
2. take a really warm to hot shower, so that your milk lets down and then pump. Your body is relaxed and it naturally flows.
3. try a heating pad or one of those that you heat in the mircowave to place on your breasts and that will do the same as a warm shower.
4. Since I was a wet nurse I can suggest that you can have a friend that nurses help out for the time you are gone or have her save milk for you s well. At this young age you are still developing with your nursing so please do not be alarmed by this, it is natural. Take care and enjoy your adventure into parenthood. It is the greatest work that you will ever do. Contact me if I can be of anymore help. Nana Glenda

keep at it but if there's any way to reinvest in the medela electric pump then go for that/// more will come though!