Am sharing this to help others who are confused about hand expression as much as I was ...

This is my fourth time inducing, so far three months in. The first few times I was stumbling around trying to find the right flange size, along with trying different pumps and other fun stuff. Back then I only got about an ounce with using meds because I was impatient and wanted milk asap and was enjoying the sensations of the pump.

This time around it took a little bit to find the right flange size, but even then after three months of a strict schedule (no meds, only supplements and stimulation) I couldn't get anything with the pump at all, even though I could get a little after a couple of weeks from hand expression - though I was still learning how to do it & now know I was doing it wrong as I ended up causing nipple pain.

It took me a bit to come across a few vids showing proper hand expression, but after getting the technique down that worked for my breasts, I was able to express a little clear liquid within a couple sessions on the same day that turned to white a couple days later. And am getting something every session, though still very little.

Sorry I didn't keep the links of the couple vids I found. However, the ones I found that made the most sense were ones from different countries where they were teaching new Moms.

For me ... larger breasted (41DD or XXL) ... I have found the technique that has worked for me is this ... Place your fingers in a "C" around your nipple, placing them 2 to 3 finger spans away from your nipple (top and bottom). Push into your breast, making it look like the shape of a cone. Slowly slide your fingers along your breast towards your nipple as you lightly squeeze so your fingers come together near your nipple. Don't slide your fingers over your skin, like you're rubbing it (that will end up casing friction and redness - which really hurts!). Your fingers should be passing over the inside of your breast as your finger stays in the same place on your skin as it started. When you get down to your nipple, stop about at the base of it or a little bit before the base. Hold it there for a couple seconds, then relax your fingers back into a "C" and do it over again.

Even though doing each breast separately takes more time, I have learned that each responds differently. Going at a slow pace worked best as it allowed me to get the technique down and learn the rhythm that works best for each breast. By doing this I have been able to get the results I continue to get. Once you get it down, you can figure out how to do both breasts at once - being comfortable is very important. I resting my breast on a pillow to support my hands and arms a really big help.

I would recommend learning how to hand express before learning to pump, as it allows you to learn about each breasts "personality". Plus it's good to know how to hand express if find yourself in a situation/place you can't pump.

Hope this help!

Background ... 50yrs old. Pregnant 20 years ago, only breastfed for the first two weeks after birth. Currently only using supplements (Goats rue, moringa, sunflower lecithin) and no meds/dom. My current schedule is every two hours from 6am to 10pm, and one session night session at 2am.