*disclaimer- I was given the go ahead to manually pump/hand express by my dr already.

Has anyone pumped/hand expressed in late pregnancy before? Did you have to “build up” your supply? I leak a little bit and when I try to hand express or pump some out I get barely a few droplets on a spoon. I’m 36 weeks pregnant, no I don’t get contractions while I do it and I know if I do I should stop.

Any tips on doing this? My first baby was in the NICU and they fed her sugar water and formula immediately which I was not made aware and it ruined breastfeeding for us so it’s important for me to have at least a small amount just in case that happens again. Thank you🥺