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Breast pumps

Get breast pump advice from others here. Plus you can read our round up of the best breast pumps.

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Original poster

Can’t express anything!

12 replies

Anilorak · 22/02/2022 17:08

Hi lovely ladies.

My little boy is 16wks old and is EBF. Since day one I have struggles with expressing.. I just can’t express anything at all and it seems that it has gotten worse!

Last couple days I have started expressing after every single feed, I have porridge in the morning, drink teas that supposedly help with lactation etc but still - there is nothing and it is starting to get to me. 😞

This was today after 15min of pumping 😞

Has anyone else had this? 😞

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Wheresmycider · 22/02/2022 17:12

Have you tried pumping one side while feeding on the other? Can be tricky to manage but your body may let down more easily with baby there.

SierraHy · 22/02/2022 17:13

have you checked yourself for conditions such as PCOS?
Maybe there is a reason behind your issue, I would say do not stress yourself you are doing your best momma, and that's all of us can do.

Here is a little article I found that may be useful for you, I wish you the best of lucks but again, if it's not happening just don't stress yourself more.
www.verywellfamily.com/why-some-women-cant-breastfeed-4153606#:~:text=A%20lot%20of%20parents%20worry,true%20low%20breast%20milk%20supply.&text=Insufficient%20glandular%20tissue%20(hypoplastic%20breasts,Hypothyroidism

Give lots of love to your baby and you will be fine.
When I was born my mom was extremely sick and she could never breastfeed me, I am a completely healthy human and my relation to my mother is the best, so you and your kiddo will be fine

Twizbe · 22/02/2022 17:21

Some women just don't respond to expressing.

Baby is way better than any pump at getting milk out. If baby is feeding well and gaining weight at the breast then there's nothing wrong with your supply.

I breastfed two babies and could hardly express a thing. I got on better with Haakaa styles but even then I didn't get more than an oz or two.

My milk also didn't freeze well so I stopped trying after a while because it was pointless.

Why are you expressing? Can perhaps help with other ideas.

Original poster

Anilorak · 22/02/2022 20:17

Thank you for your replies. Thinking about ringing my HV tomorrow to see if there is anything she can help with.

We didn’t have a good start with breastfeeding and with not being able to express anything I am constantly worrying that I might not have enough milk for him. My boy is very active and happy baby but we are gaining weight veeery slowly. I was petite baby so might be just that but was wanting to top him up to help him gain some extra weight and just to give myself some more flexibility. Wold love to go hairdressers etc but realise that I cannot leave him for 3-4h without any food 😞

OP posts:

LadyHalesBroach · 22/02/2022 20:22

I’ve just sent my Elvie back. I used my old medela swing and got loads out. I even tried my Elvie on a first morning boob - absolutely full - got 10ml out after 15 mins.

So might not be you!!

JaneJeffer · 22/02/2022 20:23

I could never do it.

HogDogKetchup · 22/02/2022 20:24

I thought the elvie pumps were rubbish. I had more success with a medela swing or just a Hakka/suction cup.

edin16 · 22/02/2022 20:26

Have you tried a proper electric pump instead of the Elvie? The Elvie is great for when you have no other choice but it's not very strong suction and doesn't get as good a seal round your boobs.

SMabbutt · 22/02/2022 20:56

I had to use a pimp in hospital when I had a premature baby. He was my 3rd and I had loads of milk with my 1st 2 but couldn't express anything. Finally had success when someone else's baby started crying as I was attached and triggered letdown but was never very successful despite having so much milk baby used to choke on it. The only way I got more than a miniscule amount was to attach to the pump before latching baby on the other side, and applying light pressure on the pump side. Not being able to express doesn't always mean you have poor milk supply for breastfeeding.

Crocky · 22/02/2022 21:15

I had no issues with breastfeeding but never leaked and could never express.

Twizbe · 22/02/2022 21:15

@Anilorak

Thank you for your replies. Thinking about ringing my HV tomorrow to see if there is anything she can help with.

My son had serious weight issues so I totally understand the anxiety around weight issues.

That said, if he's following his percentile and is active and happy he's getting enough. Some babies are just petite. My son is 5 now and is still tall and skinny though he eats like a horse!

For both mine I had my first hairdressers appointment at around 6 weeks. The trick is feed before you go and pick a salon near to home so dad can bring them for a feed if needed. My hairdresser had breastfed so knew I was on a deadline for getting back so made sure I was straight in the chair and we chatted over colours before I got there.

Really try not to worry if you don't get much out. It's not an indication of supply at all.

Original poster

Anilorak · 07/03/2022 05:52

Since changing my pump to Medela I have been able to express more now 😊

Thank you for all your replies xx

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