Pumping problems at 17 months

1026 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Lkg4dmcrc, Apr 14, 2009

swl73

Discussion Starter · Apr 6, 2009

Looking for advice!

I've never been a great pumper but I used to be able to get 2 oz or so at at time. (And really more like 4-5 oz when my daughter was a newborn.) She's 17 months now and I've noticed over the last few months that I get less and less when I pump. For the last week or so, I can't even get a half an ounce at a time! She still nurses well (judging by the rapid swallowing, milk on her face, and wet diapers during times when she doesn't take other liquids besides nursing) but pumping has become ridiculously ineffective.

Is this more likely due to a pump part needing to be replaced, or more likely just due to my body not responding well to the pump anymore?

Also, how long do most people continue pumping? We're not planning on weaning anytime soon, but I work part-time and I'm not sure whether I should keep trying to pump or just nurse her when I'm not working.

Thanks for any suggestions!

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pbjmama

· #2 · Apr 6, 2009

What kind of pump do you have? Was it new when you bought it? How many hours does it have on it? Have you ever replaced any parts and which ones?

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swl73

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 6, 2009

It's a Medela Pump-in-Style. I bought it new, and have replaced each of the plastic parts once or twice. I don't know what they're called, but the little white things, the yellow things they hook into, the shields, and the part that the shields go into have all been replaced. (Sorry I don't know the real names!)

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pbjmama

· #4 · Apr 6, 2009

Your descriptions were perfect

I think you should get the suction checked if there is a place around you that does it. It is a quick check and should be free. Also, replacing the white flap things (flat with bumps, fit into the yellow) might help. You may need a different size flange for maximum output. An IBCLC should be able to fit you properly.

As you pointed out some times your body doesn't respond as well after awhile but with a fair # of women that can be corrected.

It seems like alot of moms quit pumping around 12 months. Pumping is alot of work so kudos to you! Depending on your shifts and if you feel your dd needs breast milk while you are apart, how you feel about pumping, etc.

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swl73

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 7, 2009

Thanks, pbjmama. I'll look into getting the suction checked and replacing the white things. And thanks for the moral support!

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Carita

· #6 · Apr 7, 2009

i second the pp advice - and wanted to cheer you on for pumping... i stopped pumping at 18 mo, but I wish I could have made it to 2 years... by 18 mo, I think I was getting barely 3 oz in a whole day with my PIS.

on the up side - our nursing relationship is still quite strong even after not pumping that 1 bottle/day. just to put your mind at ease.

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swl73

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 8, 2009

Thanks, Carita! That does put my mind at ease. And the moral support goes a long way!

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bluehairedwoman

· #8 · Apr 9, 2009

hi, huge props for still pumping. my DD is 10 months (i'm perusing the toddler board to get advice on this very topic!) and i've noticed a sharp decline in my output over the past month.

thanks to everyone else's advice, i will be bringing my pump in to have its suction checked, and replacing tubes/valve membranes if necessary.

i'm hoping to be able to NOT start DD on cow's milk at 12 months but i fear that it may be partially necessary.

good luck to you! (to all of us.)

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swl73

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 11, 2009

I'm happy to report that I'm getting more from pumping since replacing the little white things a couple of days ago. Good luck, bluehairedwoman! Hope it gets better for you!

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PiePie

· #10 · Apr 12, 2009

yay! i stopped pumping at work at 16 mos., pumped occasionally at home until 19 mos., when my stash ran out. props for keeping up pumping so long! honestly, i think pumping past 12 mos. is EXTREMELY rare.

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bluehairedwoman

· #11 · Apr 12, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by swl73

I'm happy to report that I'm getting more from pumping since replacing the little white things a couple of days ago. Good luck, bluehairedwoman! Hope it gets better for you!

great! i will try that too. i called medela today and they were no help whatsoever. darn, i was in the baby store today and i should have bought more membranes.

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lawschoolmama

· #12 · Apr 12, 2009

I'm a proud pump-at-work mama to my 18-month-old DD

And, like you, I experienced a marked decrease in output, probably when DD was 13 months or so, I think. Before that, I'd make 3-4 oz per pumping session, and at that time, it dropped to 1-2 per session (I was pumping twice a day at work then). For me, it didn't appear to be related to pump parts or anything; and my DD, like your LO, still nursed (and is still nursing) great, seems satisfied, etc. I cut my pumping down to 1/day at that point (13 mos.), and now I continue to get about 3 oz per day--it's just via one session now, instead of two. And, it's working out great for me. One pumping session provides enough EBM to mix with DD's oatmeal in the morning, and helps me assure that my supply stay up until she's at least 2 (that's my goal!). Also, just FYI, I do supplement with whole organic cow's milk while I'm at work, because I do have long work day and don't pump enough for her for the whole day--but it's worked out well for us, and we haven't had any problems with it. Just what works for us. At any rate, I was super worried about a drop in supply when it happened to me at 13 mos., but honestly, sometimes I think your body just stops responding as well to the pump--and as long as your pump is in good shape (like PPs have said), I don't think it's something to worry about. Just keep nursing when you're with LO, that'll keep your supply up!
GL! And congrats on still pumping