Replacement manual, or get an electric pump?

[AcademicNerd]

Since having my Little Man three weeks ago, I have discovered that I have very productive breasts, and often have to pump in the night.

Thankfully we had already bought a Mam manual pump, so I started using it right away. Not the greatest product in the world (a little drippy, caused some wrist/hand pain), but usable.

I went to sterilise the pump pieces tonight, using one of those microwavable steam bags just like I've done before (and not putting the handle bit in the bag). But when I assembled the pump, I noticed some bubbling in the plastic where the assembled pump attaches to the handle. In short, there is no suction and the pump is ineffective.

This is a bit of a problem, as I can feel myself on the way on engorgement as we speak. Will have to manually express for now, and hope he's really hungry.

My future options are as such:

1. get a replacement part for the pump, or try to refund it
2. rent the Medela Symphony pump from Mothercare
3. purchase a lower-grade electric pump from Medela such as the Swing or the Mini Electric

I'm definitely going to try option 1, but am stuck as to the merits of option 2 vs 3. Does anyone have any thoughts/comments?

Are you purely pumping because of discomfort?

If try and reduce your pumping , as the more you pump the more you will produce. I'd simply hand express a very small amount just to reduce your discomfort. Or give your DC a feed. How long does your DC sleep for at night? If your waking up to pump I'd just try and give them a 'dream feed' instead.

I agree that you should probably stop expressing as it will only encourage milk production. Can you try feeding your baby instead?

Have you looked into a Haakaa type silicone pump, you can get them on Amazon for about 15 pounds? I use it on one side while DD is feeding on the other. I don't normally leak when feeding with the other breast but with the Haakaa I can get a reasonable amount off. Not everyone can get them to work but given you have loads of milk I'd have thought there's a good chance it would work for you?

I've used the Nuby electric pump and found it brilliant. I've not had the issue with over supply that you are having - I never get engorged - but I can still get between 4 and 6 oz out in 15 minutes. It's not the quietest pump, but it is efficient.