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It will get in there when there's enough and it's totally normally for it to take awhile. How much time are you pumping for right now?

The hospital should have a lactation nurse to come by and help you! Ask your baby's nurse to call them or place a consult order asap! Your milk has probably not come in yet, thats why you're not getting much out. The most important thing is to keep pumping! often! Every 2-3 hours. Every 3-4 hours at night time. The first few weeks of pumping exclusively (especially if you cannot hold your baby) is the most important for establishing your milk supply.

Try doing some breast massage/compression while pumping. This is easiest to do when pumping one breast at a time. Or get a cheap sports bra and cut small holes where your nipples are to make a hands free pumping bra.

Take deep breaths and relax as much as you can while you pump. Pump in the same room as your baby or at least look at photos of LO while pumping.

I no longer pump/breastfeed, but when I did, I always found massaging/compressing the breast helped me to get more out while pumping. Once your milk is in, it will definitely fill that bottle. Keep up the good work, mama. Sending you a hug

Agree with @ElbieKay's hand expression idea, and here is a video about it:
http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html

Info about exclusive pumping from kelly mom:
http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/maintainsupply-pump/

@jhd: Oh dear! Next time you are at the hospital, maybe check if there is a different lactation nurse you can see. I hope they have more then one.

Be cautious about pumping more then 15-20 minutes, don't want you to end up with super sore nipples. Try putting lanolin (or olive oil or coconut oil) on your nipples before you pump each time to protect them.

Do they have a hospital grade pump you can use while you are in the NICU? If so use it, they are way better then personal pumps.

hugs! are you able to feed a few drops from a plastic spoon? we had to do that our first day.

@jhd: tell everyone to just shut the hell up! Or cry in front of them... That should work too :). But seriously, ask to talk to the charge nurse. You can explain how you are feeling and she can pass it on to others.

When we were in the nicu, I was able to pump a fair amount, but I knew several moms that couldn't. Don't let that make you feel bad, you are in a crappy situation. Your boobs know the difference between a baby and a pump, it isn't your fault that you aren't getting much. I would definitely try to talk to another LC, and see if there is anything else that might help.

I hate that they are making you feel bad, whether or not you pump tons of milk you are doing great. I know how hard it is to not have your son with you and every moment you are with him and every moment that you are trying to make things better for him, you are succeeding at something very, very hard.

Try a hot shower and then pump.

The 20 minute is not a hard fast rule. Maybe try 15 and if nothing is coming, stop, unhook, get a drink and then hook up for another 15.

You could also try power pumping today which is basically non stop pumping. Like 20 minutes pump, 20 minutes off. And keep repeating for a few hours. The extra demand may stimulate supply.

I know they gave you different size flanges but a really high percent of women fit the standard. Maybe try the other size again. Of they don't fit right it won't pull the milk out.

Can you increase the suction power at all?

I know you said hand expression isn't working but massages during pumping really helps.

@jhd: are you pumping into a bottle or a colostrum collection cup? I pumped into a little colostrum collection cup when my daughter was born and even if it only had a few drops I could get those few ml into a syringe. From your description it sounds like you might be pumping into a regular sized 4 - 6 ounce bottle (great for mature milk but not for the very beginning when volume is lower).

@jhd: You're doing a great job! I have heard that looking at pictures, video, or audio can help with pumping. Drink lots of fluids, and you can try warm compresses (lansinoh has therapearl 3 in 1 something) that can help, and as hard as it is, when you're pumping, try to think happy baby thoughts and don't think about how much milk you're pumping. There are also lactation cookies and tea that can help your supply. It sounds like your baby is blessed to have a devoted mom like you!

you are doing so great!! congratulations!

just wanted to encourage you that the milk will come in eventually :). I had two typical births and both times it took around 3 weeks for my milk to come in. Frustrating, but eventually it did work :). It's great that you are already seeing an increase! can't wait to hear more!