Can you use a double breast pump on one breast only?...

[PalomaBlanca]

Probably a moronic question really but can you do this without sending the machine up the wall? i.e. can you close off one tube or only connect one? I am dithering between the Ardo Calypso and the Ameda Lactaline. I already have a Medela Swing but never being able to get the tube totally clean has made me think of getting another one. I tend to pump whilst BF so would generally only need one pump but thinking would be handy to have a double one in case I ever get organised and do pump at some other time other than when feeding. Thanks!

Yes you can. I used the Medela freestyle.

Yes, there should be a connector that allows you to connect two pump sets or one. Not sure why you are cleaning the tubing though, only the part that come into contact with the milk need cleaning. If you get moisture in the tubes this can affect the suction or grow bacteria. You should also be able to order replacement tubes.

You can with the lactaline.

I had a double avent isis iq and you could just use one side if you wanted. It didn't make the whole machine explode or anything!

I have the ameda lactaline, yes you can disconnect one side so as to pump on one breast only. Good pump and one of the few that is a closed system so is ok to buy second hand or sell on.

thanks everyone. Re cleaning the tube, if I am being cack-handed with the Medela (trying to balance DH on one boob and the pump on the other) then I usually manage to stuff it up and get milk backwashing up the tube. I have been sucking sterilising lotion and water through it afterwards and waving it around to try to dry but there are always a few drops of water left. Will see how I get on with Ameda I think

oops, DS not DH.......

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That's why I hate medelas. You can block off one tube on the lactaline so it works as a single pump.