Hand Expression
Hand expression involves using your hands and fingers to remove milk from your breasts . It is a valuable skill that allows you to collect milk with no need for extra equipment . Hand expression can be useful in the beginning if baby is unable to breastfeed or to help relieve discomfort if your breasts are very full . Hand expression has also been shown to help boost your milk supply .
Why Hand Express
In many situations , hand expression is more effective than pumping . Use hand expression to :
• Collect colostrum in the first few days if baby is unable to breastfeed .
• Relieve pressure of engorged breasts , making latching easier for baby by softening breasts .
• Help clear a blocked duct .
• Start the flow of milk before using a pump .
• Collect additional milk after pumping .
Getting Ready
Make sure your hands and breasts are clean . Have clean supplies ready , including a vessel to collect milk and a cloth for cleanup . Get comfortable and relaxed . Gentle massage of the breasts can help encourage the flow of milk .
Hand Positioning
Preview
When to Express or Pump
When and how often you express milk depends on your needs and your reasons for expressing . Any time you plan to be away from baby , consider how many feedings you will miss and ensure you have more than enough milk stored to meet their needs . Develop a routine , such as expressing after a feeding or while baby is
feeding on the opposite breast . Decide on a feeding method to use while apart ( bottle , cup , etc .). Have baby ’ s caregiver practice feeding baby . While apart , express milk as often as baby normally feeds ( typically every two to three hours for an infant ) to maintain your supply .
Place your thumb and index finger on opposite sides of your breast , and form a “ C ” with your hand . Your fingers should be near the edge of the areola ( darker pigment around the nipple ), although the most effective hand placement will vary from person to person , depending on breast structure and size of the areola .
Technique
Push your thumb and fingers back toward your chest , and then gently roll them forward together . Do not slide your hand , as this isn ’ t effective and will make you sore . Once the flow of milk stops , adjust your hand position or move your fingers forward or backward to release milk from other areas . To get the most milk , use your other hand to gently massage your breast as you express . It might take time for your milk to flow . Stay relaxed and look at a picture or video of your baby to stimulate your breasts . Be patient as you learn what works .
Breastfeeding Your Baby 17