Question for pumpers

[Deleted]

So I went to pump my good boob today as it normally gives me 5 oz. After 3 I stopped having any output. It still felt super full but when I was pumping nothing was coming out. It doesn't hurt or feel tender/sore so I'm not sure what the problem could be. Anyone have something like that happen ?

Thanks

[elaina22]

Maybe change the white membranes. This helped me!

[vk]

Some days I get a good output some days it isn't as much. I always massage my boobs during pumping as well. Also, I switch out the membranes, too.

[kalemonster]

Jan 29, 2015 7:44:14 GMT -5 vk said:

Some days I get a good output some days it isn't as much. I always massage my boobs during pumping as well. Also, I switch out the membranes, too.

How often do you switch out the membranes? Mine look fine, but I've been using the same ones since November (I use my pump at least 3x/day during the work week, and 1x/day on the weekends).

[skylark002]

I just changed my membranes a week ago. I'm not sure if it really made a difference.

[vk]

Jan 29, 2015 8:24:33 GMT -5 kalemonster said:

Jan 29, 2015 7:44:14 GMT -5 vk said:

Some days I get a good output some days it isn't as much. I always massage my boobs during pumping as well. Also, I switch out the membranes, too.

How often do you switch out the membranes? Mine look fine, but I've been using the same ones since November (I use my pump at least 3x/day during the work week, and 1x/day on the weekends).

I have 3 sets of pump parts so I rotate them all the time. Mostly because I am lazy and don't like washing them every day. I haven't had to discard any yet, but I don't use the same ones every day. Sometimes if the membrane part is still a little damp from washing it doesn't suck right so I just have to take it off and wipe it down and it works better.

[weeklyplanner]

Check for a plugged duct. I had one and it never hurt. Same thing was happening though. I'd pump and get less output and the boob didn't feel drained.

[Deleted]

Jan 29, 2015 8:33:46 GMT -5 weeklyplanner said:

Check for a plugged duct. I had one and it never hurt. Same thing was happening though. I'd pump and get less output and the boob didn't feel drained.

Sorry to sound stupid but how do I check ? It doesn't feel like anything is plugged. I think I have in the past and it hurt until I massaged/drained it via LO and pumping but I have nothing. I'll try switching out the membranes and see if it helps. Not sure why they stop being effective

[weeklyplanner]

Jan 29, 2015 9:10:02 GMT -5 sweeetp812 said:

Jan 29, 2015 8:33:46 GMT -5 weeklyplanner said:

Check for a plugged duct. I had one and it never hurt. Same thing was happening though. I'd pump and get less output and the boob didn't feel drained.

Sorry to sound stupid but how do I check ? It doesn't feel like anything is plugged. I think I have in the past and it hurt until I massaged/drained it via LO and pumping but I have nothing. I'll try switching out the membranes and see if it helps. Not sure why they stop being effective

Ok, this is probably going to sound weird. But, for like a month I couldn't figure out why my one boob wasn't getting empty/soft after a feeding or a pump. So, I basically milked myself in the shower and noticed that no milk was coming out of the top part of my nipple. I found what I think is called a milk bleb (?) which was as small as a grain of salt, so I had never noticed it before. Hot water soaks and (TMI)I popped it and the milk started flowing again. Before I spent all his time inspecting my boob, thought BF had just made my boobs two totally different sizes/textures. FTM moment? Ha!

[jlynn62511]

This happened to me the other day. I noticed during the next pump session, I got more from that side. I think I was clogged. I took a shower right before the next pump so I think that helped.

[inaya]

Like PPs have said, try replacing the membranes. You can also try warm compresses or a shower right before you pump, massaging while you pump, hand expressing afterwards if you need to express more milk, and check your nipple for any weird spots. You might be able to feel a plug with your fingers if you press around feeling for one, but not always.

[bobloblaw]

Jan 29, 2015 10:49:05 GMT -5 inaya said:

You might be able to feel a plug with your fingers if you press around feeling for one, but not always.

It sounds strange but my plugs tend to feel like a firm olive in my breast tissue. 

I use my Therapearls warm with every pump now... it is an extra step but I get so much more output, even when it's the end of the day. It also lessens my chance of clogged ducts since pumping seems to lead to them for me.

One of my friends recommends turning the suction dial up as high as you can stand it for a few minutes to get a clog out. I can't get myself to do it but a few of my other friends have thanked her for that tidbit.