Re: Pump selection
Ok now I'm frustrated... I really appreciate the advice, and I took it. I went out over the weekend and rented a Medela Symphony and bought all the parts that go with it.
I was really excited to see my pump output jump up... but it actually went down!! Is it supposed to "suck" harder? Because honestly, it has the same pulling power (or less) than my well-used Medela Freestyle. Not that cranking up the power is always a good idea since sometimes I think it just pulls all the blood into the ends of my nipples and actually stops the flow (they literally turn blue!). Also, I feel like I'm not letting down as well for the Symphony. ??
With the Freestyle, I would get up to 2oz from my right, and maybe 1oz from my left on average. Over 4 pump sessions, I'd get barely 9oz to send with my DD to daycare the next day. The irony is that she doesn't nurse very much during the day when we're together (still nurses 2x per night, and plenty in the AM and PM), but I just feel pressure to send her to Daycare with at least 1oz per hour of absence. What do you guys think? Is it possible my 10 month old (very big for her age and great with solids) just doesn't really need that much while I'm gone??
Right now I'm trying to build up my stash for a planned absence though, so I was hoping to get some extra during the day. (adding extra sessions in the evening too)
With the Symphony, I barely get 1oz from my right and not even a half from my left per session.. and that's with lots of intense "massage" and breast compressions (which i also did, but was not so dependent on for the Freestlye).
The Symphony is quieter and smoother, but the Freestyle is hands free!!
Also, I'm sick, so that may be impacting my supply in general. But I've been drinking tons of water and tea...
So I go back to my first question - what is the difference supposed to be? Strength of sucking power? Because if that's it I just wasted almost $300!
Sorry - you ladies know how it is- sometimes you just gotta vent!
Mom to daughter C (10/30/11) delivered by midwives in unmedicated birth. EBF after breast augmentation, CD, baby wearing, part time co-sleeping, WOHM.
SAVED by LLL meeting in week one. (no milk for first SEVEN days!)
Weaned DD at 20 months.
Next one due in Feburary 2014!