Mastering Hand Expression for Breastfeeding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hand expression is a simple technique that can be used to express breast milk. This technique can be particularly useful for mothers who are struggling to pump enough milk with a breast pump or who need to relieve engorgement quickly. Here are the steps for hand expression:

1. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

2. Find a comfortable and quiet place to sit or stand. You may want to lean forward slightly to help with your aim into a large bowl.

3. Cup your breast with your fingers, placing your thumb above and your fingers well behind the nipple, often 2cm is a good starting place.

4. Pull back to your chest wall while gently compressing your breast using your fingers and thumb, starting from the outer edges and moving inward toward the nipple. Avoid squeezing or pinching the nipple directly. Fingers shouldn’t slide on the breast but stay in the same place.

5. Repeat this motion, moving around the breast in a circular motion, until you’ve expressed all the milk you can from that breast.

6. Switch to the other breast and repeat the process. If you’re expressing milk into a container, make sure it’s clean and sterile. You can use a clean glass or plastic container with a wide mouth or a breast milk storage bag if you’re good at your aim.

Once you’ve finished expressing, store the milk in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible.

Clean your hands and any equipment you used with warm soapy water and allow them to air dry.

With a little practice, hand expression can become an easy and efficient way to express breast milk when a breast pump is not available or convenient. Remember to be gentle and patient, and to take breaks if you need to rest your hands or if your milk flow slows down. If you have any concerns or questions about hand expression or breastfeeding in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to our lactation coach Kristen Carins if you need some guidance.