Induced lactation and engorgement.

I'm in the process of inducing lactation and I'm doing it without drugs. I find that my breast get engorged but produce nothing. I end up doing hand expression to get a few drops of clear fluid to get relief and my pump, I think makes it worse. I am going to try the lowest setting which seems to make it a little better. My question is I keep hitting this wall with engorgement, can you make a suggestion on what I should do?

Answer from the lactation consultant
Sounds like you are having a problem with letdown. If pumping and hand expression do not work, then I would suggest having your oxytocin levels checked. I have had one client in the past that we had to give oxytocin shots to help with letdown.
Another suggestion is to use a soft shell on your pump. Assuming you are using a good double electric pump (Medela/Ameda/lansinoh are the only brands I recommend) and if so they all make soft flanges as an optional attachment for the pumps.
Send me your pump brand and I can tell you the part number to order.
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC