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.
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