I want to make a quick post to provide an update and express gratitude.

Background: * 50 years with a hysterectomy * Mother of 3. Last breastfed 19 years ago. * Solo journey - 4th attempt since 2019 * Was on the NG protocol for 6 months. Stopped BC on Oct 7th.

Week 1: Pumped an average of 9 times a day. By day 3 got duct fluid. By day 7 got 1 solid drop of milk. Pumps gets nothing out

Week 2/Week 3: Pumped an average of 7 times a day. Seeing milk drops emerge from multiple ducts but only with hand expression.

Nipples experiencing slight discomfort and milk sticking to flange under boob and not tunnel.

Week 4: Business trip. Barely able to pump 3 times a day. Quick bathroom expression once a day.

Volume: 0.4 mL for the day

Week 5ish: Through interaction on one of many posts, u/SqueakyLion2 gets me to focus on flange sizing. I was in a 21mm.

After extensive experimenting, I am 15mm on the left and 13mm on the right. Maymom inserts to the rescue.

Volume: 0.8 mL for the day by end of week

Week 6-Week 7 I run into u/MilkyTwilightNeeds. From her I got clues into the "pre pump prep" ritual along with references to 2 videos on how someone was doing manual expression. Also, she introduced me to the Liquid Flange Kit from pumpables.

Of course, I ordered 1 kit thinking there were in the package. I had the flange paired with a Spectra SG. Really liked the pump but it was too heavy when I lugged it to Belgium for a biz trip.

Volume: 1.2 mL for the day

Week 8 (December) I agonize about buying a new pump. My mood is down. I want to make a teaspoon of milk dammit. My whole week was a drag. I was grading final exams for univ prof side hustle gig. My son loses his job and suddenly I am covering his car payment. Life decides to life some more - my bed breaks, my cat chews through pump tubing, etc..

Volume 1.5 mL for the day (somehow)

Week 9 Pump buying retail therapy with leftover FSA funds. I get the Pumpables SuperGenie after going through many reviews.

Volume still 1.5 mL and I feel sooooo stuck but I was erratic with schedule.

Week 10 Fall instantly in love with the new pump. My boobs cry in relief! It is much smaller and more lightweight than the Spectra SG. Will definitely bring it along on my upcoming biz trips.

It actually pulls milk out! At least for my 1st two pumps.

Volume: 1.8 mL

Week 11/Week 12 I am focusing on hydration, nutrition and massage. Watching "every" video on hand expression. Starting to shift my sleep hours to get back to overnight pumping.

I realize while I am expressing post pumping, I wasn't doing it for long enough.

Volume: still 1.7-1.9 mL depending on the day.

Week 13 (now) It is not even 3 pm and I am already at 1.89 mL for the day!

Mini brag gif: https://imgur.com/a/oiaXTMp

Thank you again Squeaky and Twilight