By letting some milk out and softening your breasts, hand-expressing breastmilk may also make it easier for your baby to latch on. It may also help your baby latch on more easily. Moreover, it encourages early lactation and milk production. It is a reliable method for expressing milk in an emergency.
You can try the following tips to hand-express breast milk. However, if you want, you may consult a lactation consultant who can assist you in learning how to hand-express. With experience, expressing breast milk by hand will become simpler and quicker. You may try a few different things and see what suits you the best.
Before hand-expressing:
a. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol or thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water.
b. Collect the milk in a spotless, disposable container with a large opening.
c. To use gravity’s assistance, choose a comfortable position and lean forward slightly.
d. To encourage the secretion of milk, massage your breasts.
How to express milk by hand:
a. Place your fingers 1-2 inches behind your nipple, with your thumb above it and your fingers below it. You’ll form the letter “C” using your thumb and fingers.
b. Push your thumb and finger tips back towards your chest.
c. Gently squeeze your thumb and fingers together.
d. After releasing, press, tighten, and then release again in a rhythmic manner. Switch to the other breast after continuing until the milk stops.
Tips to facilitate milk flow:
a. Before expressing, apply a warm compress to your breast or heat it up.
b. To get milk from different ducts, move your fingers around the nipple as you circle it.
c. To encourage the flow of milk, visualize your baby or inhale their scent on their clothing.
d. Your milk may not flow as easily if you’re stressed or anxious.
e. By stretching, taking deep breaths, or asking a spouse or family member to give you a light shoulder or back massage, you may practice relaxation methods.
f. Never pull or pinch the nipple too firmly.
g. Remember that you will get better with time and practice.
