Breastfeeding Basics: Hand Expression
What is Hand Expression?
Hand expression is simply using your hands/fingers in a certain manner to massage the breast in a way that stimulates the release of your milk. This does not have to be a process comparable to pumping- the goal is not to provide ounces upon ounces of breastmilk to fill your freezer.
Why Hand Express?
Some may say “why hand express when I can use a pump that would be way more efficient and get way more for my baby?” Well, as stated before, hand expression isn’t a substitute for pumping. Rather, it is a valuable tool to be used in conjunction with pumping and nursing. Hand expression can be used prenatally to collect colostrum for feedings after birth. (NOTE- please speak with your healthcare provider regarding the appropriateness of this during your pregnancy.) After birth, hand expression can be used to provide more colostrum to your baby and encourage your milk supply. Continued hand expression may also increase your milk supply. It can also be a valuable technique to relieve engorgement, which can in turn help facilitate a better latch. I have fond memories of my infants waking in the night only to be angered by engorged breasts. How dare I offer them such a thing?! I frequently would hand express for a minute just enough to relieve the unacceptable appearance of my engorged breast to my darling milk connoisseurs.
Hand expression may be one of those things you feel you may never need, after all your baby nurses efficiently and you have a pump for when you’re away, right? It may seem like a tool you may not utilize often, if at all, but it is a valuable tool for all mamas to familiarize themselves with. You never know what situations may arise throughout your breastfeeding journey and when it may become useful.
How to Hand Express:
Make sure you have a clean container to collect the milk. To begin, you should start with a larger container or bowl, then move to smaller containers or bottles as you become more familiar and comfortable with the process.
Wash your hands. Yep, I’m stating this as its own step because we could all probably stand to wash our hands more, right?
Find a way to relax your body to promote the flow of hormones. Some women may find it helpful to try hot showers/baths, relaxing music or sounds, or just finding a quiet place with no distractions. Once you’ve found what works for you, begin with a light breast massage starting from the top of your breast, working around and down to your nipples, stretching them gently to release hormones that will trigger the Milk Ejection Reflex (MER.)
Cup your hand around your breast, placing the thumb and forefinger directly behind your areola in a “C” shape. Pull your hand back toward your chest, then gently compress your thumb and forefinger together. When doing this, you want to be sure your fingers are not sliding along your breast and areola, but remain in the same position behind the areola, not squeezing the nipple. Continue this pull back and compress motion in a rhythmic manner similar to that of your baby suckling.
When milk begins to flow, try your darndest to get it in your container. This may take some practice and some getting used to. For some, milk can spray in different directions and for others, just a slow dribble. As you become familiar you will find what positions and setup work best for you. Or, utilize towels/receiving blankets to soak it up until you are more comfortable with using a container.
Continue compression movements in the same place until the flow of milk slows, then move your fingers around the breast until you feel you’ve reached what you can, you’ve reached your limit, or you’ve found relief. Then repeat with the other breast.
Alaina Leimbach, CLC
Hand expression is also a great way to collect the little bit of breastmilk we ask you to send for your beautiful, custom, breastmilk jewelry to commemorate your time breastfeeding. We have a large collection to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you love!
Here’s a picture we found from Motherhood Blooms Lactation™ that may be helpful!
SOURCE Motherhood Blooms Lactation™