Expert: ruth kraft - 1/19/2010

Question
I have been an exclusively pumping mom for my son who is now one month old.  I pump every 3 hours for about 15 minutes after I bottle feed him.  I usually get about 3oz off of each side.  The last few times I've gone to pump I have barely gotten 1oz off of the right side, and am now feeling very full, hard, and uncomfortable.  If I try to pump for a little longer to see if I can empty the breast anymore there is no longer a flow of milk.  What should I do?

Answer
If you have expressed, and nothing is coming but you are still feeling full, I am wondering if you have a clog somewhere... So what I reccommend is putting a warm compress on your breast before you pump for the next few times, then when you are pumping, do massage and compresses on your breast tissue. massage starting from the top of your breast tissue and the sides and works towards your nipple. If you get a read spot or part that is particularly sensitive, do that are more often.

If this doesnt work, I suggest looking into the pump itself. there must be a reason why it isnt working any longer. If the valve is weak ( which happens when there is constant use ) So you may look into that because if you wear through your valves quickly, your pump wont work effectivly.