Did anybody else suddenly find they could no longer pump?

[Chloe55]

I have been able to express between 3-6oz milk most nights since dd was a newborn (she's 17wks). I had a wedding last weekend and was away from her for 22hrs so pumped (albeit prob not enough) at the wedding but since I've got home I've tried to build my supply again as am away this Saturday but mon, tues, wed I could barely get 2nd and have been pumping away for 20mins tonight and not even a drop - is this common? Is there anything I can do about it? I know they say pumping bares no relevance to how much baby takes from the breast but this has worried me-also my let down seems to kick in later than it use to and I can feel dd often getting frustrated.

[crochetcircle]

I gave up pumping at about 4 months with both dd1 and dd2 as I suddenly didn't produce as much any more and it wasn't worth it. I continued bf though both times. I don't think it's linked to how much milk you produce.

Perhaps her frustration is due to a growth spurt?

It's annoying when you've got into a good rhythm with pumping and then it all changes. I started mix feeding around this point both times so I could have some time away from baby.

[Chloe55]

Thanks crotchet, I'm hoping it's normal for this to happen and not that my milk supply has dropped. She has had formula a few times, I don't mind her having formula but was hoping that she wouldn't have to have a full day of it just in case it upsets her tummy as she's not use to it, have only pumped enough for one feed over the week and used my supply last weekend. I just presumed I'd pump enough by Saturday. Still shocked at having pumped no milk tonight

[Londonmrss]

It's it worth replacing the valve on your pump, just in case?

[Chloe55]

I have 2 London and both not doing the job, so unless the valves have gone at the same time? I can also feel the pressure on my breast and see the nipple moving so I think it's working ok.

[Londonmrss]

Just to say I did think the same. I was hiring a Medela Symphony. My husband kept telling me to replace the valve and my argument was the same as yours! Can see the boob moving, feels the same as before etc- turns out he was right. I used both sides of the pump equally so makes sense really that they might both go at a similar time. Anyway, twas just a thought.