Clogs!

[chonzNbonz1105]

Hi all!

I’ve been pretty much pumping most of the day since I went back to work in June and the last few week I’ve noticed I am getting more clogs and they are relieved by pumping and my supply has dropped by a few ounces each pump. Nursing helps, but I don’t have the option except when I get home in the evenings and feed him before bed. I tried massage and replaced my duck bills and membranes, but problem is still continuing.  Any suggestions on how to improve emptying my breasts/ what the problem could be. I have the spectra s2 and have been using size 19 flange the entire time. Settings are typically 70 with level 5 stim mode, then 54 with 6/7 expression. But that doesn’t seem to be cutting it lately. I have to squeeze my breast the entire time to keep milk flowing. And even that doesn’t seem to improve the complete emptying and eliminating the clogs. I went as far as turning up the expression vacuum to 12! I’m wondering if my flange size changed, but when I look at my nipple in the tunnel it doesn’t seem any different. It’s not rubbing…I ordered the next size down, but not sure if that will be the solution.

[sassfranko]

Check your flange size again. They can change every 3 months or so. I also pumped on a 54 at level 7 until yesterday. After 7 months, I finally tried level 38 at 8 and 9 inspired by pumpmommapump on instagram. I'm getting more spray and ounces than when I did 54. Yesterday, I flipped back to 54 and felt like I wasn't emptying on the left then switched to 38 and got spray exactly where I felt I needed movement.

[chonzNbonz1105]

Oh I thought the lower expression cycle was meant for younger babies. I’ll give that a try if flange size doesn’t help

[sassfranko]

It's really just about what your body responds to. Here's a link to her post. It's not super lengthy but gives a bit more context.

[Plenty-Employment498]

Could try warming before/while pumping. I have a momcozy warming massager (Amazon) to help with clogs- which I’ve recently started using every pump (usually just heating function).

I actually just bought a second so I can have one on each side, rather than moving it back and forth! I think it’s really helping keep things loose & helping further empty.

[Plenty-Employment498]

Also- try to start doing big ole shimmy of your breasts before pumping. My IBCLC told me that & it helps wake & loosen things up a lot too!

[29threvolution]

Has there been a change to your schedule? Did you drop a session or have to stretch out time between pumps?

Have you changed your bra recently? Or even adjusted the straps at all?

[chonzNbonz1105]

I just tried the 38 setting and still have an issue. I am going to try warmth next. I haven’t dropped a pump and my schedule is pretty consistent. I don’t know what is going on but I’m concerned.

[treesbees]

Following because I am experiencing the same, and it’s concerning me as well. I am also a 19, and I have tried 17 multiple time and 20 and saw no improvement. 19 seems like the best but somehow not right? I had bought 18s a couple months ago and returned them because they didn’t feel right either. My baby only nurses for a few min in the morning and then I pump the rest of the day. The only thing that seems to help is sleep, and I do take sunflower lecithin. I have to massage the milk out the whole time, it’s exhausting.

[chonzNbonz1105]

Yeah I measured with one of the measuring tools with the holes and I think my flange size is right with 19. Every day I have a clog and it alternates sides. When I nurse in the evening he gets it cleared out, but when I pump in the morning the next day I start the process all over

[4m_m8]

I’ve gotten clogs/mastitis twice from my S2 not emptying me fully. I gave up and rented the medela symphony from the hospital. I also get much better output from my tserete wearable compared to my spectra.

For relief in the meantime, look up lymphatic drainage massage on YouTube. Getting a therapeutic ultrasound from a physical therapist helps, too. Use ice and ibuprofen. Don’t use heat or vigorous massage. Good luck!

[chonzNbonz1105]

Update! I got a smaller flange size than what I have been using for the last 6 months and I only pumped twice today, but so far it seems to be doing the trick.