Failing to hand express

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I'm 37 weeks pregnant, and baby has some health problems so will be whipped off to special care after a c section.

I'm trying to hand express some colostrum before baby arrives, so they have it in the neonatal unit ready to give. But I'm having no luck at all.

I'm sure I've been leaking a bit (when dd cuddles and applies pressure, and I get crusty bits). But not a drop when trying to express.

I failed to hand express with dd, but managed just fine with a pump.

Any tips?

I found you have to squeeze harder than is comfortable and apply pressure for longer on each squeeze than you would think.

If you can get someone with training to sit with you like a midwife or baby cafe supporter they can help with your technique, or in my case I asked them to do it for me so I knew what it should feel like (I was being far too gentle!)

Ah, that makes sense! I'll try again tomorrow and will squeeze harder.