Can't express! Advice and Pump recommendation needed :-)

[Lisamj]

Hi all,
I've never been able to express that much using my Medela mini electric pump (will get maybe 1oz) but in the last fews days it's even less....the thing is, my boob still fills fairly full despite having the pump on there for 20/30 mins sometimes, so it's like it's just not working right. Also, when pumping it takes what seems like ages for the let down reflex to kick in - I'm assuming the let down reflex is the point when you feel the slight tingling and then the milk flows more?

Is it worth trying a different pump? I've seen the tommee tippee hand pump - are hand pumps better?

Thanks for any advice!

Lisa

 

[charlie84]

I have the tommee tippee manual pump and it works well for me.
But some women just arent able to express alot, have you tried expressing after baby has had a feed i find it easier then. And first thing of a morning as this is when i am fullest.

 

[MummyJess]

I've always got on well with the Avent manual pump. It worked quickly and easily so long as I was nice and full and was fairly comfortable. I've heard it helps let down if you have your baby near you when you express. Also helps if you are comfortable and relaxed, although I guess that goes without saying.

I expressed with my oldest for 6 months, but it did get much harder towards the end and it was a relief when i made the decision to let her have formula when I wasn't there. I did a little expressing with my 2nd, but didn't have as much time and stopped a lot quicker, although I kept breastfeeding. I didn't express at all with my youngest, except when I was away on a hen weekend and needed to maintain my supply. She just had formula when I was at work and was breastfed otherwise. I stopped breastfeeding her at around 11 months.

Sorry to leave such a long post, just to say don't feel guilty if you can't keep expressing but certainly give a manual one a try first.

 

[ASD123456]

I don't get on with the Medeala Mini either I can only get about 1oz using it. I love the Avent Manual though and can get around 2-4oz in about 10 minutes. I think it may be the let down cushion that works for me. I've just bought the electric one, the Isis Uno IQ or something and it is great- it can be converted into the maual pump using the spare parts that come with it, it's not cheap but worth it IMO.

Hope that helps