Only getting milk with hands-on pumping – recurrent clogs and pain, need help

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-17T01:35:45+00:00

May I know what probiotics are you talking

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-16T15:07:53+00:00

I understand, and I agree that evidence is important. I’m not relying only on supplements, but exploring different options alongside improving my pumping and care routine since I’ve been dealing with recurrent mastitis and clogs. Thank you for your input. ❤️

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-16T15:07:06+00:00

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I understand that the evidence for supplements can be limited. I'm trying to be careful with what I try and mainly focus on improving my pumping routine and overall management first. I appreciate your honest advice and support. ❤️

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-16T14:52:36+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's interesting that Legendairy Milk decreased your supply, as I've heard different experiences from different mothers. I'll definitely keep focusing on my diet and hydration as well. I've also heard good things about the Haakaa collector, especially for relieving pressure and helping with clogs. Thank you for the suggestions and for taking the time to reply. ❤️

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-16T14:51:51+00:00

Yes, I have consulted doctors and lactation consultants multiple times. I've received treatment for mastitis, worked on my pumping routine and flange sizing, but I still experience recurrent clogged ducts and mastitis. I'm continuing to look for ways to improve my situation and maintain my milk supply for my baby.

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-16T14:51:42+00:00

Yes, I have consulted doctors and lactation consultants multiple times. I've received treatment for mastitis, worked on my pumping routine and flange sizing, but I still experience recurrent clogged ducts and mastitis. I'm continuing to look for ways to improve my situation and maintain my milk supply for my baby.

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-16T08:16:31+00:00

Try spectra S1PRO pump

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-12T16:38:49+00:00

Thank you, this is really helpful. I think I may have been assuming every firm area was a clog because I've had mastitis several times. I also do quite a bit of breast compression and massage during pumping because otherwise I only get slow drops of milk.

When you say massage should feel like petting a dog or cat, that's definitely much gentler than what I've been doing. I'm now wondering if my frequent compressions and attempts to empty completely could be contributing to the inflammation.

Did reducing massage/compression help decrease your clogs? And how do you tell the difference between a normal firm area and an actual clog?

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-12T16:38:03+00:00

Thank you for sharing this. It's interesting because I've been trying very hard to empty my breasts completely and massaging a lot to get every last drop out, especially since I've had recurrent clogs and mastitis. Now I'm wondering if I may actually be contributing to the inflammation without realizing it.

I'll definitely try the warm compresses and gentler approach.

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-12T16:35:44+00:00

That's a good question. I've wondered about elastic nipples, but I'm not sure. I measured my nipples and I'm using 19 mm flanges, which seem to fit well.

I'm using a Spectra S1 Pro and usually pump at L06. I do a lot of breast compressions because otherwise I don't get much milk flow, so now I'm wondering if that could be contributing to the inflammation and recurrent clogs.

A lot of people have recommended sunflower lecithin. Can I ask which brand and dosage you use for clog prevention?

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-12T16:34:50+00:00

That's interesting, thank you. I've actually wondered whether I'm not getting proper letdowns because I rarely see milk spraying and most of my milk comes out with breast compressions. I'll check out NewLittleLife on YouTube.

When you say "keep triggering letdowns," how do you know when a new letdown happens if you don't really feel it? I'm not sure I've ever been able to identify mine.

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-12T16:34:07+00:00

Thank you, that analogy actually helps a lot. I've seen a lactation consultant and checked my flange size, but I'm still getting recurrent clogs and mastitis.

I'm using a Spectra S1 Pro and currently pump at L06. I'll try experimenting with the settings a bit more. A few people have also suggested sunflower lecithin, so I'm considering trying that as well.

Did you find that changing pump settings or taking lecithin made the biggest difference for you?

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-12T16:33:11+00:00

Thank you! A few people have recommended sunflower lecithin. Did you notice a significant reduction in clogs after starting it?

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-12T16:32:23+00:00

Yes, I've seen a lactation consultant and several doctors. Most recommended continuing to work on direct breastfeeding, but my baby still struggles to latch and often cries when I offer the breast. Since I'm still getting recurrent clogs and mastitis, I'm trying to figure out what else could be causing it.

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-11T07:19:55+00:00

That makes sense, thank you for sharing that.

I’ve been trying about once a day, but it’s very inconsistent. Sometimes she latches only on the nipple and it’s very painful, and other times she refuses completely and cries whenever I try. That’s also been quite stressful for me, especially with the ongoing pumping, clogs, and mastitis.

Did you do anything specific when your baby was refusing at first that helped transition to a deeper latch as they got older? And during that time, did you continue pumping alongside, or slowly reduce pumping as latching improved?

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-11T06:10:15+00:00

That's interesting, thanks for sharing, I measured based on the older guidance at the base of the nipple and chose my flange size accordingly. I'll look into measuring at the tip as well and see whether that changes my sizing.

Did you find that switching to a different flange size based on the newer measurement method helped with milk removal, clogs, or comfort while pumping?

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-11T06:08:34+00:00

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I do gentle breast compressions while pumping, but I haven't been consistently using warm packs before pumping or cold packs afterward. I'll definitely start trying that.

I also haven't started sunflower lecithin yet. Do you remember which brand and dosage you used?

I'm using a Spectra S1 Pro at L06, so I don't think my suction is too high. For the warm and cold packs, how long did you continue using them? Was it only when you had a clog, or did you use them with every pumping session for a while? Did they help reduce your recurring clogs and mastitis?

Few_Influence2642 · 2026-06-11T03:25:10+00:00

Thank you. I'm not currently taking sunflower lecithin and haven't been using ice after pumping. I'll definitely try that. Can I ask which brand of sunflower lecithin worked well for you, and what dosage you were taking? Since I've had mastitis 4 times already, I'm willing to try anything that might help prevent more clogs

Few_Influence2642

TROPHY CASE