supply

[kjgarcia2]

I have an Ameda Purely Yours dual electric pump. I am going out of town next month and wanted to get a supply built up since the baby (9 mo old) is not going with me on this trip. I am not able to get much out by pumping maybe 1/2 oz each time. Even when she has missed a feeding and I pump I am not getting much. This morning I pumped before feeding her and only got 2 oz. In these times I have pumped for as long as 30 minutes and my milk never lets down. When I nurse my milk normally lets down fairly quickly. Do you have any suggestions or is it possible that I am just slowly decreasing my supply...

[KerrySmithIBCLC]

To me it sounds more a matter of not being able to let down easily for the pump (very common!) rather than a supply problem. Is your baby gaining weight appropriately?

I'm not as familiar with the Ameda pumps as I am with Medela, but a common question to ask if your pumping output has decreased is do you need to replace any parts or valves on the pump? Certain parts on breastpumps do get worn out over time and it's recommended to replace those parts every 3-4 months of regular use. I"m not sure if Ameda has similar membranes as the Medela pumps.

Here is a wonderful article on pumping which addresses normal decreased pumping output over time, and things you can do to help maximize the amount of milk you're able to pump:

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html

The biggest thing I've found to aid in letdown is warm compresses on the breasts before pumping, and massaging the breasts before pumping, as well as stopping halfway through the pumping session to massage them again. Also, breast compression while pumping really helps get more milk.

I hope this is helpful!