Re: the OBGYN who was having trouble pumping after a 2 week vacation:

When I have a mom who is having trouble expressing milk with an electric
pump, especially after having ben successful in the past, I check the pump
operation first.  Perhaps during the vacation, the mother washed the tubing
and the gortex filters for the Universal kit are damp.  In my experience,
even a litle moisture can affect the suction levels.  I have also had several
moms have difficulty with the redesigned horizontal yellow valve. Especially
after repeated use, I have found the valves can slowly loosen and decrease
the suction.  In this case, the valves can be replaced with the old vertical
valves.  In one case I had, a combination of both moisture and loose valves
can caused the pump to loose all of its suction, even though it looked as
though it is was operating well.
.
If the pump seems to operating well, I would suggest the mom try pumping on
one side while nursing on the other for a few sessions to recondition her
letdown reflex to the pump.  Remind her that emotions can affect our hormones
(and vice versa!) and that once she is resettled back at work, her pumping
may improve.

Ro K. Andersen, IBCLC
Winchester, MA