Why can't I express?

[qumquat]

I clearly have tons of milk as my breasts always feel full and leak milk, but when I try to express nothing comes out. I have an electric ameda lactaline pump. I'm guessing I'm just not getting a let down but no matter how much I think of or look at dd nothing happens. I'm probably too stressed but it's hard not be be when looking at an empty bottle! Sometimes I'm so uncomfortable with engorged breasts and just desperate to express but it's hopeless. My nipples are also very cracked and thought expressing might make for less painful feeds. I did express a little in the first week but now can't do it at all.

Dd is 3 weeks old. Does anyone have any ideas that might help?

I don't have any suggestions but just wanted to say I have similar problems. My DD is 18 weeks and is gaining well, my boobs are engorged and leaking in the morning but if I attempt to pump then nothing comes out. I have a medela mini electric and got properly fitted with right size so I don't think that is the problem. My boobs clealy have performance anxiety. I've given up to be honest so I'm just breastfeeding until I go back to work in a couple of months.

Have you tried hand expressing? That might be a bit easier for you.

Expressing is a dark art, and some women never get the hang of it.

Have you tried hand expressing?

this might help you get started I found hand expressing much easier initially.

Some women are just unable to express but can feed their babies no problem. It does take a bit of practice. Looking at photos of your baby can help you relax.

Just be careful about oversupply this early in. When you express, you signal to your body to make more milk.

Thanks so much, I feel less defective now!

You could pump whilst feeding from the other side? Baby will stimulate the let down reflex that way. Maybe best for when baby is a bit older and your milk supply properly established, depends on how you think things are going in general. Think I started at about 3 weeks. Feed one side, pump the other, then switch over.