Manual pump time

[packerup]

i just bought a manual pump the other day--mostly as a back-up, but haven't used it yet. I used the medela PISA every day of my maternity leave in the morning and right before bed. Today was my first day back to work, and I pumped (PISA) in the car to work and then 3 times at work. It sucked up a lot of my time at work, although I did figure out a bit of a routine already. I pump at least 20 minutes, usually 25, since milk is still spraying at 20. Since that's with the double electric, which is a pain to haul around, it would be nice to try the manual. How long should I pump each time, and do I just do one side each time, or both? Or should the manual just be used for times when I'm short on time but should express some milk? Another concern with it is that I won't be able to do anything while pumping; I like the hands-free so I can sit at my desk and get some work done or eat my lunch. Suggestions there? TIA!

[noname]

I just used the manual for times when I was out and didn't have my PISA with me. I usually only pumped one side with it for maybe 15 minutes, because my hand would get tired. Honestly I don't think I physically could have done much longer. Also, I usually had to use both hands- one hand to hold the flange in the correct position and the other to pump. Maybe I'm just not coordinated, but I would lose suction/break the seal with the breast if I didn't hold it in place. So for me, I couldn't really do anything else while pumping manually. I know the big electric pump is bulky and a pain, but it really did make things much easier for me when pumping at work- quick and hands free.

[saraml13]

The manual is a lot quicker to set up, but it has drawbacks as you've noted: cramping hands, can't multitask, can only pump one side at a time. I use my manual when it really wouldn't be convenient to use the PISA, like at the airport while traveling or MOTN to relieve a little engorgement. For everyday at work, I stick to my PISA.

In terms of how long to pump, it depends on if you're trying to do a full session or just relieve some engorgement. With the manual, I find that I get the first couple ounces more quickly than I do with the PISA. With the PISA, I typically pump ~20 minutes and get a 2nd letdown, but I can't manually pump for 20 minutes on each side. I usually stop after milk stops flowing the first time, typically around 5-7 minutes.

[robi1]

I loved my manual pump, but only ever used it to relieve engorgement or to pump a single bottle here and there. I'd just pump until I had a bottle of milk, then stop, or until I was comfortable, and then stop. If I actually needed to empty my breasts or get a lot of milk on a regular basis, I wouldn't have used the manual pump.

[ladytiffany24]

Speaking of manual pumps...what is the best one out there? Looking to buy one.

[theresat858]

I basically exclusively use the manual pump at work now. I tried it one day at a conference, and discovered it is faster and easier for me. I have a Medela harmony and the Lansinoh one. Both work but I prefer the harmony (it is also cheaper on amazon).

I pump until I get ~4 ounces total.

ETA: That usually takes 5-10 minutes.

[noname]

Feb 10, 2015 14:04:12 GMT -5 ladytiffany24 said:

Speaking of manual pumps...what is the best one out there? Looking to buy one.

I have the Medela Harmony and love it. Most of the parts (flange, valves, membranes, bottles) are interchangeable with the PISA so that's a nice perk if you have another Medela pump.

[puffandstuff]

I have the Medela harmony. I only use it on weekends if I'm away from LO. I only pump one breast each session for about 10 minutes and I easily get 5 ounces. I've tried wearing my handsfree bra to free up one hand and it didn't work out well.

[ellabee]

I have the medela one too. It's been great for me and as pp mentioned it's nice that the parts are interchangeable with the PISA.

During the week, I leave my PISA at work so it's one less thing to carry in and out each day. I use my manual to pump 1 side in the morning before work, since I'm very full and DD doesn't need to take both sides. It takes me <10 minutes to pump until I have about a full bottle.

I agree that for multi-tasking, its easier to use the double electric at work, but I love taking my manual out and about with me. I use the Kiinde Twist system and whenever I'm going to be out for a pumping session I just throw the manual + storage bag in a wetbag or lunch cooler (depending on how long I'll be away from refrigeration). I've used my manual at several all day events (i.e. conference or work trip), in airports and stadiums.

I will say that my hand does get tired if I have to pump both sides with the manual, and I can get a bit lazy and stop before I know I'm completely empty, probably because I find it a bit more cumbersome to do breast compressions too. But, it's so convenient and has saved me a bunch of times.

[tomorrowisanotherday]

I love my Medela Harmony! It was inexpensive on Amazon and it is easy to use (quick set up and clean up). However I am a SAHM, so I only use it a few times a week to make bottles for when DH and I want to leave LO with grandparents. I pump until I make a bottle, probably 15 minutes or less.