Engorged breast but when I pump I only get tiny amount out. Help!

[katjadotcom]

I am working and pumping on a 2-hr schedule. The past couple days my right breast has become engorged during work and very painful and I can feel lumps. However, when I pump I get less than an ounce from that boob. Any advice? Or remedies? When I get home and have my daughter suckle on it, it always goes away.

[bebestar7]

this may not be an option at work but have you tried hot water?  I used to put some in a bowl and lean over it immersing my breast.  it helped.  A cloth with hot water might help... might be easier to do at work.  

[aricha]

Warm compresses helped me, too. I used a warm washcloth prior to nursing. Hot showers were also great. Maybe if you do a warm shower or compress at home before nursing for a couple days, baby can help empty the breast fully each evening.  

[Heba]

Perhaps try reverse pressure softening to trigger a let-down?  It is often recommended for engorgement to soften the areola enough to allow baby to latch on. but also triggers let-down which is why I'm thinking it might help to do this before pumping?

http://www.llli.org/faq/engorgement.html

[crystal_buffaloe]

Try to relax as much as you can when pumping at work -- have a picture or a screen saver of your LO to look at, maybe even bring a blanket or item of clothing of hers that she's worn that you can smell/feel. You can try single pumping (or hands free pumping) and massage your breast at the same time. A rice sock or warm washcloth might also help.

Really it sounds to me like you're just not letting down very well for the pump -- it takes some time to learn.

[justjess]

What type of pump do you have? You can buy the breast pads that you can put in the microwave for 20 seconds. I use these they are awesome. I also massage my breast while pumping. I also used visualization to help my milk let down.

[Carolina Kel]

A good preventative is to take soy lecithin capsules. It's a little insurance policy against plugged ducts that might show up with engorgement.

As for getting a good let down, I'll agree with PP's about having some photos of your munchkin, warm compresses, and also breast compression. You can also try doing a partial pump session at home on Sunday night - start with your little one and finish with the pump once you let down... 

For me, I had my husband give me a hand - literally - when my milk first came in, in order to help move the milk downwards. It hurt like crazy while he was doing it, but afterwards, sweet relief. 

Best of luck mama - keep at it! :hugs