Breast Pump Tune-up?

[Curlita]

I'm cross-posting this over in the breast-feeding/pumping forum also, but thought someone here might have some ideas. I'm also waiting for a call back from the lactation specialists at the hospital where I'm scheduled to deliver.

I have a Medela Pump In Style from last time around and it performed VERY well. I used it in the beginning to relieve engorgement and build up a supply of milk for the freezer, and then I used it daily for 3-4 days a week when I went back to work, up until Dylan was about 13 months when we weaned. I remember that the suction was starting to get a bit weak towards the end, and I think I might have dropped the motor housing at some point (ooops).

I plugged it in today to try it out, but I really couldn't tell much. It didn't seem to have much suction on the low setting, better on the high setting, but it's hard to remember what a good pump *should* feel like when it's been almost two years since I really used one.

So any thoughts? I don't know if I can buy a new motor, and I need to call Medela to see if they can do any kind of maintenance, but I know that the warranty is out on it.

[Isaac'sMa]

I know that my local LC (at the Lactation Station ) will do a diagnostic test for free if you bought your pump there including checking the suction, motor etc. You might want to ask the LCs at the hospital if they know of a similar service in your area. I'm sure if you call Medela they'll be happy to help you too, but they might charge you an arm and a leg plus you'd probably have to pay shipping...

[scheelimama]

I guess I should check mine. I have no intention of pumping, as I had to do too much of it with the first two. But you never know how nursing will go, I should probably be prepared. I have a Medela PIS that's probably 4 years old now and hasn't been used in over 2 years.

[Curlita]

UPDATE... because I know you are all on tenterhooks regarding my breastpump drama!!

And because it might help someone else.

I called the lactation folks at the hospital and they said, basically, "Yup, it might be dead, tough luck cookie." They left a message, so I didn't get a chance to talk with them much more than that about it.

I also called Medela and they recommended the following:
--make sure I have new or clean membranes and valves. The membranes in particular are important to remove at each cleaning (something I never did, although I do have new ones) because breastmilk can make them stick. The membranes and valves are the main component that create suction. She explained how to wash the valves in boiling water for 10 minutes, but I sorta glossed over that since I have new valves.
--remove the cover from the motor and make sure that the diaphragm underneath doesn't have any tears or holes.
--remove the breast shield and test on a fleshy, non-breast area like the upper arm or leg.

So my game plan at this point (because I SO DO NOT want to spend another $200 on a breast pump) is to test it again and unless it's obviously not going to work, just wait and see. I can always try out a hospital pump and do a little compare and contrast. I feel okay about postponing this one until November.

They also said that a pump can last as long as ten years if it is properly cared for (ie you don't drop kick it?) and stored well.

[mittendrin]

Thanks for posting all this. I just recently bought a PIS on Craigs List and haven't tried it yet. You gave me valuable info!

[Isaac'sMa]

Originally Posted by Curlita

UPDATE... because I know you are all on tenterhooks regarding my breastpump drama!!

I actually was...which just goes to show you what a dork I am! I need a life

[scheelimama]

Thanks Erica. I have to get mine out and check it out now.

[Curlita]

More info...

I posted this query at the BF board and got some extensive additional information from another mama. Here is the link to that post: http://www.mothering.com/discussions...05&postcount=3

[Dee-Groovy]

Thanks for the info! I just got one from ebay and didn't know how to test it & get it ready for use.