Keep getting blocked ducts after expressing

[Swannykazoo]

7 mo, EBF but had solids for around a month or so. Preparing to go back to work next week and planning to express at lunchtime for OH to feed to LO next day. Only spanner - manage to pump 50mls max with Ardo electric pump, but keeep getting blocked ducts after expressing. Was up at 4:30 this morning with a rock hard boob - took half an hour of hot flannel, electric toothbrush and hand expressing to get it sorted while the never-sleeping baby decided to sleep.
I have been doing some hand expressing after pumping, and I did get on fairly well with a manual pump but it absolutely trashes my hands
Wondering if its combination of baby starting to feed slightly less frequently against stimulating breasts to make more with pump. Should I just leave it till next week and hope it all works out? Any top tips I should be trying?

[bumpiesonamission]

Hi, it sounds like with such a small yield, your let down isn't being triggered. This will also cause blocked ducts.

Do you feel you LD go?

[Swannykazoo]

Sorry bumpies -bed called! Sounds like you could be right. I've never ever felt a let down though...Most of my pumping has been with my wee one playing in front of me so I had hoped that would help. I am aware of feeling a bit tense/ "on trial" with the pump (daft I know, 7 months EBF means my milk is fine!) I've tried covering the bottle and that has meant I get some milk rather than none.

[bumpiesonamission]

Yea, it took me a while to 'get into the flow'!!

Google kellymom and look at tips.

Ironically, I get the best let down when lo is in bed and I'm reading non baby stuff mumsnet aibu