Hello all, I was talking to a colleague recently, sharing this story, and we wondered if anyone on this list might also find it interesting/helpful. It was my first time working with a mom who was using the new Freestyle pump. Baby nursing well, mom with full supply, readying to return to work soon, trying the pump for the first time. I think it was the Soft-Fit shields that made the difference, but this is the first time I have ever noticed that when a mom held the pump flanges firmly against her breasts ( which happened to be quite soft and elastic) she had no pain, but was also cutting off her entire flow. I thought something was wrong with the pump maybe, or the flanges too small, and couldn't figure out why she could not get any milk out but a few drops. I saw that her breast was not moving at all, not noting it getting pulled against the flange then released, nor was the nipple moving much, if at all. The pump sounded normal and seemed to be working. Then after about 10 minutes, and having it up to 9, which she said was comfortable, she suddenly said "OW" and I turned it down to 4, and milk came spraying out, and she got a full feed's worth in 5-7 minutes. I think what happened is that her hands got tired of the position, relaxed how she was pushing so hard against her skin, and the lighter pressure actually allowed the milk to flow. Usually people pushing that hard are not comfortable, or have deep indentations on their skin, something that would clue us as to why no milk was coming out. My guess is that the softer shields ( most moms I know use the hard ones) and her very soft, elastic breast tissue kind of let her push really hard without pain, but so hard that she blocked her own ducts. Just something I had not seen before to this degree. Thought I would share. Peace, Judy, now mom of a 22 year old and 17 year old as of yesterday...:) Judy LeVan Fram, PT, IBCLC, LLLL Brooklyn, NY, USA **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002) *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome