Hand expression can be useful if you need to collect colostrum (aka the golden milk produced in the first few days of birth) since it's more effective at extracting this precious liquid than your average pump. You might also use hand expression if your breasts are feeling uncomfortably full/hard and you want to ease a bit before latching your baby or until you can bodyfeed/pump. Some people even prefer hand expression to using a pump - bonus no electricity is needed in emergency situations. It's an important skill for those body feeding to master.
🟤 𝗖 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 breast behind the areola so that your thumb is on top and other fingers below
🟤 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 back towards your chest
🟤 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 your breast as you bring your fingers closer together. Hold.
🟤 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗮𝘁, it might take a few times until milk brings to flow. Continue until colostrum/milk is collected or the engorged feeling is lessened.
Comments