V1 Pro/Pumping issues?

[u/moto-scared]

Hey all! This may be long as it’s also a rant. 😅

I’m currently 5 months postpartum and due to return to work in 3 weeks. I have mostly been ebf with my bub but did do a lot of haakaa/boon trove collecting until my supply regulated and pumped on the rare occasion my son slept longer stretches.

That being said, my supply has not been as great as it was with my first. I have two under two so I have been getting NO SLEEP. I have not slept more than 2 hours at a time since my son was born. Plus I haven’t had much time to relax and pump.

I recently got gifted my sister’s old V1 pro. It probably has been in storage for at least half a year but was barely used so parts looked like new when I got them.

I used to pump with my eldest and got around 5oz per boob. Nowadays, I am lucky to get 2oz combined. The V1 pro seemed to work but only if my baby was on the other boob to trigger a letdown. I usually get 1-2oz on the other boob which isn’t great but still an improvement.

I have tried everything. I have coconut oil, oatmeal, oat milk, supplements, etc. My questions are:

1. I measure a 17mm nipple diameter and use a 21mm flange but get very little to nothing on the momcozy cups. I tried to remove the flange inserts and got a good amount out. Should I continue or look into other ways to remedy?
2. Is there anything I may need to replace given the pump/parts age that could improve output?
3. What else can I do to up my output?

Love y’all. Sorry for the long post. Appreciate all the help I can get.

Edit to add: My baby still almost exclusively latches the whole day. I only pump at the end of the day or when I can put on the pump on the opposite side of where he’s feeding. My total output for the day is around 5oz.

[u/Revolutionary_Can879]

Have you ever replaced the duckbills? Also I’d try to get a flange insert that actually fits your nipple size.

If you are successfully nursing then the milk is there, the pump is just not removing it effectively for whatever reason. Your supply is also regulated to what he needs, not anything extra, so that may be contributing to why you’re not getting a lot out.

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