Things I'd look into:
1. The pump you're using-- what kind is it? You might want to consider contacting your local hospital about renting a high-grade electric pump, to try for a month, if the pump you're using is a manual or less-expensive electric pump. A cheaper pump can also contribute to sore nipples, too, because the suction action on those pumps is less similar to the natural milking action of baby's mouth. I found I could pump a lot more with a hospital-grade pump, and it was totally worth the cost. It's way cheaper than formula, in the long term.
2. The pump you're using-- is it possible you need a different size flange, to suit the size of your breasts and nipples? If the pump was previously used, you may need to replace the soft silicone parts, as they wear out and as they wear out, you get less suction. It's also possible that playing around with the speed of pumping and the amount of suction could produce the magic combination that works for you.
3. Are you finding it hard to get letdown for the pump? Letdown is such a psychological thing. I found this very challenging. I was able to pump for DD1, but couldn't for my twins, and I never did figure out why, except that with the twins the stakes were higher, and so I was more tense about it. It can help to put very warm compresses on your breasts for about ten minutes before pumping-- cloth bags of rice can be put in the microwave to warm (not too hot!) or you can buy those ones they sell at baby stores. Then you gently massage your breasts, pushing gently towards the nipple. Sometimes this can help milk flow.
4. Stress and anxiety can seriously inhibit letdown. If you're worried about producing enough, and you're pumping while anxiously watching the ounce lines, this can really hold the milk back. Have you tried pumping while doing something distracting and relaxing, like reading a magazine, watching TV, or listening to music? Make sure you're physically comfortable while pumping, that you feel private if that's important to you, that you don't need to use the bathroom, and that you have a drink right before you sit down to pump.
5. Practice really does help. The more you pump, the more your body will learn to respond to the pump, and the more easily milk will let down when you sit down to pump. It helps to have a pumping routine-- always pump at the same times each day, in the same place, and with a similar routine. If you're watching or reading or listening to something one day and the milk lets down successfully, try watching or reading or listening to the same thing the next time. The letdown reflex is cued by psychological as well as physical cues, and you can condition it to happen by developing oddball routines like this.
Good luck. I'm sure others here will have even more ideas. I sure hope you find something that works for you.
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