Hellobee Boards

@kjpugs: what do you mean you're not sure if you're doing it right? Is milk coming out? I know if you're super engorged it can be hard for babies to latch and transfer milk.

I don't have any suggestions for the pump but have you tried hand expressing? I never had any luck with a pump but I can get 2-3 ounces hand expressing!

Hang in there mama, you're doing great!

Oh, and I am tired, but no real good excuse for not starting things off with "congratulations!" Excited that your daughter is here!

@kjpugs: Yes, there should be a seal, and you should be able to see your nipple being drawn into the flange. I normally firmly press the flange to my breast (I try to center my nipple as best I can) then start the suction. I hold the flange there the entire time (you can't just let go unless you have a hands free pumping bra). I don't press down hard, but I normally do apply slight pressure as I am pumping to maintain the seal. I hope this makes sense--I would post a video of me doing it if that were at all appropriate!

@kjpugs: I have that pump too. I've found sometimes the pump suction is really weak, and the silicone diaphragms would scrunch up but not expand again (for whatever reason). I have to then unsnap the white caps and fiddle with it to get suction.

First though, you should check to make sure there's no tear/crack in the tubes, the valves (even a tiny tear makes a huge diff), and the pump connector.

@kjpugs: Oh and I forgot to mention you should totally call Ameda if you still have trouble. They were super helpful when I called and were willing to send replacement parts free of charge. They replaced my entire pump when there was an issue.

Ok I just took these pics of how it should be assembled if the LC did it correctly. Hope these make sense!

@kjpugs: don't beat yourself up I had a total meltdown, crying for 24 hours straight when I was asked to supplement and looking back, I wish I gave myself a break. Of course you want your LO to thrive, and you're in pain, but you're doing everything you're supposed to!
First I'd see if DH or someone could go to a pharmacy and get you a cheap manual pump (under $30). It'll help relieve the engorgement while you fiddle with your electric. I also wish I bought a manual pump. I had a few issues with my electric that made me panic and had I had a manual just to get by, I would've felt so much better.

I second the YouTube videos! They helped me with everything from the Ergo to the pump to swaddling.

But most importantly, be good to yourself. You're doing a great job. (And if it makes you feel better, I'd say 9 out of 10 moms have the 'I'm failing' breakdown in the beginning. I promise you'll look back and want to give yourself and hug.)

@kjpugs: I'm so sorry it isn't going how you planned. That can be so hard. I'm only pumping and got my first bit of milk this afternoon but to be fair I was told by my OB and ped to sleep all night and not pump to recover from a traumatic csection. My pump is set up like lawbees. I rented a hospital grade one for my situation. It was $70 for the month and insurance is covering it. My whole nipple is sucked way in so if check your tubing and make sure everything is put together tight. Hang in there mama!

First and foremost, congrats!

I had the same issues when LO was born. He had a terrible latch and, despite using shields, he lost over 10% of his body weight. We did weighted feeds and he also was not transferring.

It turned out that LO had a tongue tie and a lip tie. My pedi didn't think he had one but our LC suspected it. I took him to an ENT and he had to have both clipped. He transfers much, much better now. I still have to supplement (because I work) but our nursing relationship is so much better. Those first several weeks are brutal. I almost gave up on BFing completely. I promise it gets better though!

As for the pump, I have both the Ameda and a Medela. I don't think the suction is as good on the Ameda. I have to press it against my breasts, much like @lawbee11 described. It should start drawing out milk pretty much immediately. If you are engorged though, it will be more difficult.

I suggest taking a hot shower and massaging your breasts first. If that is not possible, try a hot compress before you pump. If DH is around to help you have him continue the hot compresses as you pump. You need to get the engorgement down to prevent mastitis.

It takes a while for your supply to build up so don't be discouraged by a low output in the beginning. I started off barely pumping an ounce between both breasts (and sometimes not even that much). My left boob is super lazy so there were times I would get nothing out of it. Even now, it produces about 1/3 of what the right produces.

BFing is single handedly the most difficult thing I have ever done. Please don't be too hard on yourself!

@kjpugs: Yay!! That's awesome

@kjpugs: call ameda if you think somethig is up with the pump. They will overnight you a new one or new parts.i EP with that pump and love it and they have awesome customer service Congrats !!

So glad things are looking up! The first few days are so incredibly hard and it's never how you pictured it would be. Congratulations and *hugs!* I hope that tomorrow is a better day.

You're doing a great job Mama! Don't worry about the supplementing, you are doing what's best for both of you. E is such a beautiful little girl and she is so lucky to have you as her mother!

@kjpugs: woohoo!