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There are many times when you might need to express breastmilk. Some examples include:
- your breasts are severely engorged
- your baby is temporarily unable to feed
- your nipples are very sore
- to stimulate milk production
Consider practicing hand expression even if you don't feel the immediate need to. You will then be prepared for any unexpected problems. Many mothers manually express milk instead of pumping when at work. Some mothers find it easier and more "productive" than a pump, while others find that the mechanical action of a pump is more effective.
If you express from both breasts simultaneously, you might find that you can express more. It will be quicker too.Though it is best to have a nurse, La Leche League leader or lactation consultant show you how to hand express milk, the following information might help if no other help is available. If this causes pain or is not producing milk, then stop and get help in person.
How to express your milk by hand:
- Use a very clean container, a plastic or metal is best because the fat of breastmilk can cling to the sides of a glass container. Your baby needs the high fat content of the milk.
- Wash your hands and get comfortable. You should lean slightly forwards. You can sit in a chair with the container on your lap, or lean over a sink or countertop over your container. A wide mouthed container like a bowl will work best for this.
- Gently massage your breast from the base of the breast towards the nipple to stimulate your let down reflex. Stimulate your nipple with your thumb and index finger. Applying warm compresses or taking a hot bath or shower might help the milk let down.
- Place the thumb above and the index and middle fingers below the areola.
- Press your fingers back towards your chest then compress your breast between your fingers, and release, pushing towards the nipple to mimic the motion and rhythm of your baby's suck. Repeat continuously.
- Avoid pulling or squeezing too hard and be patient, it might take awhile to get going.
- When the flow of milk slows down, move your fingers around the areola onto different areas of the breast and start expressing again so that all your milk stores are emptied.
- Repeat this procedure until both breasts are soft and you feel that you have emptied them as much as possible.
- Store the expressed milk in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator.
For more information see:
Pumping and Storage of Breastmilk
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