Getting no milk with PIS!

[ambitiousmommy]

I just don't understand it. I have a Medela PIS and I am basically trying to exclusively pump after 2 months of trying to fiercely breastfeed through postpartum depression. I needed sleep and all I could do was give up night feedings... well one thing led to another and now my supply has been dwindling. So I've been using the pump to try to maintain/build my supply and get nothing. If I use the ISIS or hand express, I can get a couple of ounces each session but with the PIS, nothing. I am going to the hospital to rent a Lactina tomorrow but I'm wondering - if I have no luck with the PIS, will the Lactina be the same deal? I'm wondering if an PYs would be better for me. I had no luck with the Lactina with my first daughter really either. I'm taking Fenugreek, drinking lots of fluids. I have Reglan but don't dare take it because of my PPD now.

Should I try another pump? Which one?

[CathMac]

There is a trouble shooting exercise you can do to see if that will improve suction. You can call Medela Customer Service and they will walk you through it but it goes something like this. 1) Lay pump on its back, 2) Unsnap the face plate 3) Turn pump on (setting 1 on a PIS?) 4) Watch diaphragm "breathe" and turn off when it is all the way in 5) Listen for 3 distinct clicks (I think this is the sound of all 3 "connections" snapping into place 6) Use pump to see if performance has improved.

Also, check the number of repetitions per minute. If I remember correctly it should be somewhere between the mid 50s and 60 reps per minute. If it is significantly below 50 you could have a problem.

An LC might have the necessary equipment to test it for suction. I don't know if they would charge you for a consultation.

Also, check your small silicone parts. Very small microtears can compromise suction. They are cheap enough that some women keep extras on hand and change them every couple of months or at least once a month. You might want to try that after doing the face plate trouble shooting exercise.

If the pump is under a year old and you have proof of purchase you may be able to get a replacement motor from Medela after having Customer Service trouble shoot the pump with you.

Good luck. ~Cath

[Swirly]

I used my PIS for about 8 months full time, and when my breasts started to resist the pump (output decreased) I did have a lot of luck restoring supply with the Lactina. Do try the suggestions offered by Cath too though, b/c t might save you the money of renting the other pump.

[mama_bee]

not saying this is the case but my personal experience was that with the PIS i could get 1/2-1 ounce per breast, per session -- i switched to the PY and got 3-4 ounces per breast. i'm convinced some pumps just don't work for some people. don't know how true it is but it seemed to be the case for me.

[BlueIrises]

I have the PIS advance and I have a very difficult time getting my milk out with it...45 min-1 h and I get maybe 2 oz total...and I have oversupply issues and overactive letdown so my milk should be flowing...

[jessekc]

I used the ISIS then switched to the PIS when I came back to work full time and for the first few weeks I would get almost nothing from the PIS, it's like my body had to adjust or something.