Tami:  It sound as though this pump may not be right for this mom. One
size does not fit all for pumps and moms.  The other major reasons for
mastitis in this mom could include: extreme fatigue, not enough fluids,
constricting bra, poor sanitation/hygiene (at the hospital or at home),
etc.  AND, in terms of working through this, I believe that deep massage
WHILE pumping is absolutely necessary for moms who get plugged ducts.  This
requires a bit of coordination if she's double pumping.  One way is for her
to pump with the recepticles on a table in front of her.  Or, she could try
single pumping and using deep, compression to work the milk down from all
the ducts radially.  This compression/massage method works very well for
most moms, but especially for those with large breasts.  Please warn her
not to pinch the nipple or areola, but start way up under the arm and work
her way down.  Moms have also found that performing this with calendula or
arnica oil (not on the nipple or areola, but the breast) helps reduce
friction and both have healing properties.  Lecithin is also helpful for
chronic plugged ducts as it is an emulsifier. 'Hope this helps.
Happy Spring!

: )Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC  email: [log in to unmask]   : )
: )HSR & Health Educational Consultant        voice/fax: 541 753 7340    : )
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