BF and pumping question - huh?

moped wrote: So i have the Medela PIS - dual thingy. I am finding that I have to use both at the same time and not just one side....is that right? When I only use one side it doesn't seem to get any out, when i use both at the same time it fills bottles in no time flat! The problem is she is favouring one side to the other so i have to pump the side she isn't really interested in until the engorgement goes down. So am I using this thing right or is that how the pump is?????

Ideas? Thoughts?

Danalana replied: I'm obviously not there yet, but I think that's right. From the illustrations I have seen on the product, you use both at once. That's what I will be getting! I hope it works out for you!

luvmykids replied: You're doing it right. You can change the amount of suction, but I don't remember if you can do it independantly where one side has it stronger than the other. But I think if you just keep doing it you should adjust and the side that is engorging should slow down it's production.

I remember having to manually relieve one side in the shower too. GL!

Danalana replied:
Hmmmm...I'm definitely going to have questions about that!

maestra replied: You can just pump one side, but you have to put the cap on the outlet for the tubing for the other side. It's hard to describe- when you are looking at the faceplate of the pump, you should see the two holes that you attach the tubes to- if you are not using one of the tubes, you have to put the yellow cap over the side you won't be using, otherwise, there will be no suction. Are you doing that?

If so, I'm not sure why you aren't getting any when pumping only on one side.

Boo&BugsMom replied:
That's what I was going to say. Make sure the cap is placed over where the hose (the one not being used) is suppose to go, then the suction will become stronger on the one side you are pumping.

bawoodsmall replied: IMO it was just as well to do both because even if I only got an ounce on one side since I was working full time that was an ounce more kwim. It was like gold. Are you doing the start with the diff side thing to help her not favor one side? I dont know if it helps all that much but just a thought. Good luck. Hope everything goes well for you. Have a Merry Christmas...it has to be know that you have her here to enjoy finally.

boyohboyohboy replied: i always just did both sides, and even though he favored one side to other, it just works itself out...
i also just kept switching sides...i put on a braclet so that even though i was tired at night, when he was done i switch it to the arm i was to start at the next time he got up...i knew i wouldnt remember when the time came, so that helped.

amynicole21 replied:
This.

Also, you may have a harder time getting a let down when you do just one side... it's just more difficult to trigger your body to let down. Just make sure you are totally relaxed... it takes some practice.

moped replied: Cool - i will try the cap - i did not realize that!

maestra replied:
Let us know if it helps!

moped replied: Yep it worked - thank you so much!!!!

Got a bottle on the one side in less than 5 minutes!

Whew that feels better

What would I do without you guys?

maestra replied: I'm so glad that was it! I hope it's all going well.......I remember those first few weeks when going from one to two! I'm glad she's a good sleeper! (And a cutie to boot- from those pictures we saw!)

luvmykids replied:
I wish I'd known that