A few months back there was active discussion in this forum regarding new
pump kits from one of our well known companies. It allows single to double
pumping with the flip of a switch. The conversations back then had to do
with very low pressures compared to the older (less convenient) kits, and
Lactnetters from various locations reported problems. The company
denied any defects, as I recall. Some people wondered if the kits that
seemed faulty were assembled incorrectly by the user. Several of you sent me
readings that you had done with your gauges that showed dramatic differences
between old style and new kits.

Well...I recently worked with a woman who came to see me with a minimal milk
supply at 12 days pp. Her baby had problems and could not nurse initially...
She had rented a full sized pump and purchased a kit when she was discharged
from the hospital at 48 hrs pp. She had pumped no more than 20 mls at a
session using the single or double kit, and was pumping ~12 times each 24
hours in an effort to increase her supply. Needless to say she was very
discouraged because she was working so hard and still had to supplement with
formula.

During our consult I had her use a pump (same brand) and a disposable kit in
my office and she was surprised by the efficiency of the pump. "Wow!" she
said "My pump doesn't feel like this -- nowhere near." A light bulb came on
in my brain when I recalled all your comments on Lactnet! When I questioned
her I realized she had one of the switchable kits at home. I gave her a new
kit (old style) from my stock and her milk supply increased dramatically
(to full supply) during the next few days.

Anyone who remembers this discussion might want to be wary of this potential
etiology for women who are pumping without getting results. This kit was
purchased from a station with big volume sales, so it wasn't a kit that has
been lying around since last year.

Margery Wilson, IBCLC