Janet,
    I only pumped with my last three after they were well onto the
breast and close to six months or older. Granted I was not pumping on a
daily schedule, usually twice or three times a week at most and I was
pumping only for a single bottle, I did not run into any problems. I
used a manual pump. I also must say at those times, I did not know as
much as I do now and so was not aware of  letdown, softening or amounts
to be concerned if things "weren't working well." Since I really didn't
know what to expect, what I got was what I figured was normal.
    I know that this is not much help, but maybe it points to every
experience is different.

Leslie Ward
Vine Grove, KY