Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply compression while pumping

Howdy all. I'm on pumping day 4 after 4 months on the regular protocol. My partner and I are expecting twins at the end of December/early January. I've rented a Medela Symphony and got drops right away. In fact, I was admonished by Lenore to not squeeze out drops while I was on the protocol.
The problems:
a. it takes AGES to let down. 4 to 5 minutes. I shake and jiggle before hand. I have my standard routine (water, same place, relax, et al).
b. I can feel the milk in there, a bit of tightness, but it won't come out. So, I compress my breasts just behind my areola and get milk out.
c. My nipples are tender and I've followed all suggestions. I read back to the beginning of the message board before posting. They only feel better when I get milk flow.

The question:
Should I stop compressing my breasts while pumping? Is it hampering something? I get more milk out with compressions. I get even more milk with hand expression, but my breasts are too heavy to do that regularly. I left my pump at home today and I'm suffering for it with hand expression every 2 hours.

Thanks,
Crys

Dear CSH,

4-5 minutes to let down to a pump is WONDERFUL. It usually took me at least 15 minutes. You're doing GREAT.

The tickle, jiggle, shake thing is best done after about 10 minutes of pumping and then resume. And after you've pumped for about 20 mintues, if you can finish off with hand expression it would help a great deal.

Keep up the great job you're doing!

Best,