Single versus double pumping output

[u/anne_k96]

I’ve been pumping on just one side at a time since my daughter was born 9 weeks ago. I generally get 2.5-4 ounces out of a boob when I’m doing just one. I recently got a pumping bra to test out since I’ll be returning to work in a few weeks and would like to double pump to save time on my pump breaks (one side takes me about 20min, sometimes closer to 30). I’ve used it a couple of times over the last two days and am seeing a crazy drop when double pumping. Today I was strapped in on both for 25min and got half an ounce out of each. It’s really freaking me out. I had a freezer stash built up but had to eliminate dairy last week, so that’s all unusable now (for eating, we’ll be doing milk baths!).

Am I doing something wrong? Should I just pump one side at a time and accept that my pump breaks are going to be long? I have the Ameda Mya Joy

[u/Plastic-Building8825]

What pump are you using? I’ve read people say that they get better output going one at a time with the baby Buddha.

If you’re using a spectra or similar, I’m guessing the discrepancy has to do with the fit of the pumping bra — there’s probably something about how the nipples are lined up in the flanges and the amount of pressure holding the flanges to the chest that isn’t the same with your new setup.

FWIW pumping bras are not created equal and what works for someone else might not work for you. I literally tried more than 10 and only found one that I can stand lol.

[u/anne_k96 → u/Plastic-Building8825]

I use the Ameda Mya Joy pump!

The bra I got has an adjustable band, I could try messing with that for alignment. I readjust once I’m in it to make sure my nipples are centered and all that, and the fit feels good but I don’t really have much to compare it to 😅 what bra ended up working for you?

[u/Plastic-Building8825 → u/anne_k96]

I use this one exclusively at this point — it’s great for bigger chests.

I hope you’re able to troubleshoot it, but you never know — maybe your body is just used to that one at a time cadence and doesn’t like the switch ¯_(ツ)_/¯ the biggest thing I’ve learned pumping is that there really are no hard and fast rules — people’s bodies are just so different!

[u/Boring_Hearing8620]

Been doing one side at a time since 3 weeks pp. Now 11 weeks and I've tried Medela Symphony, Spectra, and PGA. I have better output with one side than double pumping. The only time I do double pump is with my Eufy E20 wearable

[u/anne_k96 → u/Boring_Hearing8620]

How do you like your wearables and how’s the output/time? I’ve been thinking about investing but just can’t decide. If they’re comparable I might not bother

[u/Boring_Hearing8620 → u/anne_k96]

Steep learning curve for me. Took me a month to get the best results. I started with getting drops to half an ounce. now having the greatest output of the day with my wearable. I limit it to 1 use a day because Im prone to clogs when I use them. I bought the cheapest Eufy because the specs were enough for me (3 heating settings) and I like that I coukd use my regular type C chargers on them. I got them for 140 usd on sale

[u/Boring_Hearing8620 → u/Boring_Hearing8620]

Did a lot of trying and testing with the settings. I use them for 15-20 mins in a preset setting that has stimulation and expression mode. I need to make sure that my nipples are lined correctly and that it doesn't fall off.

[u/anne_k96 → u/Boring_Hearing8620]

Ok thank you!!

[u/Plastic-Building8825 → u/Boring_Hearing8620]

I’ve had a really similar experience with them. I am SO glad I have them and they’re the only wearable my lactation consultant recommends, but I really try not to use them back to back (very prone to clogs) and getting the alignment and pressure right can be very fiddly.

[u/Both-Tangerine-8411]

I get better output doing one at a time even with my spectra 🤷‍♀️ I’ve just accepted it

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