Struggling to express more than a dribble

[beginnersluck]

My DS is nearly 5mths and I try to express every now and then, so that DP can give a bottle at night and allow me a few hours sleep.

Sometimes I can express without problem, but other times I can't get more than a teaspoonfull!

As I can get some, I figure it isn't a problem of let down?
I don't think it is a lack of supply either, as if I try to express manually there is milk there (I just can't express efficiently enough to do it by hand) and DS never has a problem feeding either.

I'm using a medela electric pump.

Anyone got any ideas for how I get the milk out when this happens?

I believe sometimes the key is to really think about your ds, or to start to feed him with your other breast to really get the flow going. Perhaps be near him or hold him at the same time?

I'm rubbish at expressing too and find the only way
to do it is in the morning with ds2 (was same with ds1!) on one side and the pump on the other. Can only get 1-2oz at a time though.

Do you always express at the same time every day? I find it impossible to get anything in the evenings, but get most out if I pump when I get up in the morning. And sometimes one boob gives me loads and the other very little (and not always the same way around!).

Like iheartpasties says, think about your baby / look at a photo or at him (I imagine I am feeding DS and think about how it feels). Try massaging the breast or doing breast compressions - I tend to get more out after that. Try and relax your shoulders.

And this morning's discovery (am pumping right now ) is to ignore the pump (ah the beauty of the electric pump ) - suddenly the milk starts to flow!

Hope you find something that works for you

I've found that covering the pump completely with a blanket helps. I've noticed that sometimes I don't get anything for a bit, but then it starts flowing again. If I can't see, I only stop when it becomes uncomfortable or I run out of time, rather than worry about how much I'm getting.

Massage your boobs with flat fingers in a circular motion moving towards the nipple (but not dragging over the skin, if you see what I mean) a bit like a breast exam. Do that for a couple of mins.

Then stroke your boobs with fingertips, again towards the nipple.

Then lean forwards and literally shake your boobs (gently) so gravity can aid your let down.

You may need to repeat this a few times each pumping/expressing session. If you want to give manual expression another go, google the Marmet technique - there are also videos on YouTube. The massage/stroke/shake process is the beginning of Marmet technique.

Looking at pics of baby, covering the pump, sitting back relaxing & being distracted are all good suggestions, as is expressing in the morning (this rather depends on the number of night feeds you do!) Try a warm flannel on your boobs too.