I can't get the milk out! Help?

[HoneyTree]

I'm trying to build my supply to feed my sister's baby, who arrives in April, but I'm having a hard time emptying the breast with the pump.

I bought a new pump for the task--an Ameda Purely Yours. (When I asked a lactation consultant if I'd be better off getting a personal pump or renting a hospital grade, she said that since my supply was already established, it was just a matter of preference, so I spent the money on something I could use in the future.) But I just feel like I should be able to get more milk out. My breast still feels full after 20 minutes, even with the suction all the way to the top and following the instructions to a T. My flow peaks at about 5 minutes, then sometimes again at about ten, and then nearly stops.

I am eating oatmeal for breakfast, drinking water and WishGarden's Lactation Tea (about which I've heard great things, but !), relaxing while pumping, and doing breast massage. I haven't tried the warm compresses yet.

It *feels* like something mechanical, like the milk is there, I'm just not convincing it to come out.

Do you have any ideas or suggestions? TIA!

[larzanna]

I don't pump very often, but what i have found is that if i am thinking about it/watching it i have a harder time letting down, and don't get very much.
If i DON'T think about it....play on facebook or e-mail or whatever while pumping it seems to work better for me, maybe because i am more relaxed.

Other than that, i think its just practice to get your body to "like" the pump.

[boobs4milk]

i've got an ameda and i've noticed that i have to ignore the suggestions to change the cycle speeds to simulate rapid suck and slower suck. also, i never could get the thing to suction good enough on double pumping. i use my medela attachments on it because the ameda ones were difficult to use and i got better results from the other attachments. i had to use a larger flange in order to fully drain the breast.

[PGTlatte]

I would recommend ordering the custom flange kit for the Ameda. It has horns that can make it either smaller or bigger than the standard horn. You can try both other sizes and see if one helps. Getting the perfect size flange can make a huge difference for comfort and the right feeling of stimulation for a letdown. Your flesh should not be sucked down into the tube part and rubbing on the sides.

If you are having difficulty getting letdown going with the pump, try massaging your nipples with olive oil for a couple of minutes before you pump. Also run the horns under hot water (if you are at home) to warm them and lubricate the inside of them with olive oil too. Then do start pumping at the highest cycle speed. Use whatever suction setting is enough for you to have the sensation of sucking. Then read or think about something else and relax and don't think about the pump. Have something warm to drink while you pump.

Also if you are not already using a hands free device it can help you with relaxing to not have to sit there and hold horns to your chest. I used the Easy Expressions bustier and it was great. There are others as well.

[Mosaic]

The other gals have given you great advice, which I second. I also got the silicon comfort inserts for my ameda, which made it MUCH more comfortable. I also had to work a lot with the speed and strength settings to find something comfortable... initially I think I tried to PULL the milk out of my breasts rather than COAX it out, and when I changed my perspective, I had much better results. I also think that hands-free is the way to go, and I used the cheapo method from Kellymom successfully.

Also, keep in mind that any pump, even a great one, won't empty your breasts like a baby can. It's not unusual to feel like there's still milk in there, but you should be able to notice a distinct difference between before- and after-pumping fullness.

It's great of you to do this for your sister!!

[PGTlatte]

Was it these ?

http://www.amedaonline.com/amfl1.html

I never tried them but it's cool they are available now !

Originally Posted by Mosaic

The other gals have given you great advice, which I second. I also got the silicon comfort inserts for my ameda, which made it MUCH more comfortable.

[hotharmony]

How much milk are you getting? According to KellyMom and to my personal experience the average mom able to pump around 1/2 to 2 ounces total (for both breasts) per pumping session. A pumping session should be around 15-25 minutes.

I would suggest looking over the pumping information here.

Also this video helped me tremendously in upping the amount of milk I was able to pump for my baby.

[Mosaic]

Originally Posted by llp34

Was it these ?

http://www.amedaonline.com/amfl1.html

I never tried them but it's cool they are available now !

Yup, that's it! I got them free when I ordered my pump (4 years ago now, so I doubt that deal is available any more)! But the softer material feels so much better than those cold, hard horns!

[HoneyTree]

Thanks, all, for the ideas.

I do have the larger flanges for the Ameda, but not the silicone inserts. I haven't tried to larger ones yet because I can't really tell if I need them. I didn't know it would make a difference in my output. I'll have to try and find some pictures and videos of what the nipple and areola should look like while pumping.

I am getting about 1.5 to 2 oz. per pumping session, and I do two to three per day. I know that's typical, but I didn't understand why I still felt somewhat full. I am definitely feeling a difference before and after, though, so maybe I am right where I need to be. I'm only on day 4 or so of doing this, so I still might have some physical adjustments to make.

Thanks for the idea of "coaxing" out the milk. I notice a HUGE difference when I can relax and just kind of be in the moment but not obsessing about it. It feels like a game my boobs are playing with me--If you get upset about it, we'll just quit!!!

[HoneyTree]

Originally Posted by hotharmony

video helped me tremendously in upping the amount of milk I was able to pump for my baby.

This video is great! Thanks for the link.