I am having trouble using the Medela PIS. I have played with all of the settings and nothing is seeming to work for me. I know I don't need to relax or look at a pic of the baby b.c directly after I try to pump with the PIS, I can pick up my manual medela pump and get 5 or more ounces out.


If this is one of the best electric pumps out there, why am I having so much trouble? I regret spending $300 on this pump and accessories when the cheapo manual medela they gave me in the hospital works sooo much better!

Is it possible that electric pumps not work for everyone? What am I doing wrong?

TIA!

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have you checked your membranes? one of mine tore the first day (i was using a ameda purely yours) and I got only 1/4oz out...once I replaced it I got 4oz!

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Yep, I've done everything I can think of!

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i was like that at first with the medela pis i have to keep "resetting" it so its constantly on the fast setting

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Michelle (25) and Brad (28)

HOST OF TTC 2+ YEARS
HOST OF Alternative/Herbal/Non-Traditional

How old are the tubing and the membranes? They can get microscopic tears, which would drastically decrease your output.
I know of a couple moms who had more luck with manual pumps then electric; but, it is generally not the case.

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I was going to suggest replacing the white membranes as well. I'm not sure what else it could be. Sorry you're not having any luck. That reminds me, I probably need to replace my membranes too. I hope you find something. I love my PIS.

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I replaced all parts. membranes and tubing...even had a consultation and they couldn't figure out why it would not work for me. I got frustrated and sold it!

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When mine stopped working for me I called the customer service line. aside from the lady being a real B!tch to me and talking to me like I was a 2yr old, she did help me.

She told me to fill a cup up with warm to hot water, then stick the tubing inside the cup, position the pump over the sink and then turn the pump on so it would suck the water up through the hose. The water will go through the hose and out the bottom of the pump through the little hole that's down there.

Apparently if milk gets in through the hose it can gunk up the suction and they designed the pump for when things like that happen, so by "flushing" the system out with warm/hot water it will usually "fix" the problem.

Like you I was PO'd. I wondered why I had spent so much money on a device that didn't last but a few months. I was EPing and NEEDED teh pump. I found it idiotic that they'd replace it but I of course would have to send it to them first befor they'd replace it if there was something truly wrong with it. I'm like "Well WTH do I do for 6 weeks without my pump? I can't afford another one, and then I'd be stuck with 2 pumps because I'd be FORCED to buy a 2nd pump . . .etc etc etc"

Their policy certainly doesn't include EP moms.

So I am sorry you sold your pump. It really is a great device. I've only used Medela, and aside from that same frustrating experience which I figured out with the customer service help, I haven't had problems.

Good Luck with your new pump.

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