A couple of years ago I did some research that included pump cycle curves
and vacuum levels.  Using the correct kit on the matching pump (Lact E or
Classic) yielded vacuum levels between 210 & 225 mmHg.  When I placed a
Medela kit on an Hollister Lact E, the vacuum levels reached 490mmHg.  Using
Hollister parts on a Medela Classic yielded vacuum of 300mmHg.  

When I did these experiments, I used a single live breast (mine) because in
order to measure vacuum levels accurately it was necessary to see the same
elasticity as a real breast, not a balloon or a stopper.  The pressure gauge
was set up as a T off of the tubing.  Furthermore, it was important that the
breast not be a working breast because milk volume would change elasticity
of the breast.  At the time, I had not fed a child in over a decade.  In 60
seconds with the mixed set up, I got 5-cc fluid and nipples that were sore
for over 3 hours.

Improper mixing of pumps and kits is a lawsuit waiting to happen.  This will
be especially true if you have a mom who does not understand that pumping
should not hurt and mom is using it for 10 - 15 minutes per breast.  If the
nurses at the hospital will not listen to you, perhaps risk management will.

llp

Linda L Pohl, IBCLC, RLC
[log in to unmask]
Phoenix (AZ, USA), Washington DC (USA), Chennai (India)
Read my adventures at www.PohlHome.com
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Marna Moore-Barr, RN, BSN,
IBCLC
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 2:12 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Breast Pump Suction levels and Kits when misused

Hello-  Does anyone have information/study on what suction levels are when 
medela and ameda pumps are used with each others pump kits?  I know that 
each company states to use with only their own respective kits.  

I have recently had 5 mom's using ameda kits with their medela machines 
(encouraged and instructed to do so by the hospital CLE's) all who had 
SEVERE nipple damage from pumping.  The readings I got were in the 240+ 
mmHg on the lowest setting with a Pump in style with an Ameda kit.  The 
opposite also seems true, the Ameda pump with a medela kit suction was very 
low, and mom's were not getting any milk with it.  I know, why not just use 
the kits that came with the machine!!  I am just hoping someone has some 
exerience/information on this-- Thanks

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