Breastfeeding HAND EXPRESSION | How To Hand Express

Today, I’m excited to share with you all a technique called hand expression for breastfeeding. In this video, I will demonstrate how to hand express milk from your breasts, a useful skill for new moms or those looking to increase milk supply.

Before we begin, I want to emphasize the importance of good hand hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before expressing milk. This will help prevent any contamination and keep your breast milk safe for your baby.

Now, let’s get started with hand expression. The first step is to find a comfortable and relaxing place to do this, as being calm and relaxed can help stimulate milk flow. You can sit in a comfortable chair or even lie down on your bed.

Next, gently massage your breasts to stimulate milk flow. Use a gentle touch and circular motions to encourage the milk to start flowing. This can help with let-down and make it easier to express milk using your hands.

Now, cup one breast with your hand, making a “C” shape around the areola. Use your thumb on top and your fingers underneath to apply gentle pressure towards the chest wall. Make sure not to pinch or squeeze the breast too hard, as this can be uncomfortable and potentially damage the breast tissue.

Once you have a good grip, start to rhythmically compress and release the breast. You should see drops of milk start to appear at the nipple. Continue this motion, adjusting your hand position as needed to catch the milk and prevent spillage.

Remember to switch breasts and repeat the process to ensure both breasts are fully emptied. This can help prevent engorgement and maintain a good milk supply for your baby.

Hand expression can be a useful technique for expressing milk if you are away from your baby or your breast pump. It’s also a great way to relieve engorgement or increase milk supply, as the hands can sometimes be more effective at emptying the breasts than a pump.

Practice makes perfect when it comes to hand expression, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see much milk at first. Keep trying and experimenting with different hand positions and techniques to find what works best for you.

Remember to store any expressed milk in a clean container and label it with the date and time it was expressed. Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer periods of time, so make sure to follow proper storage guidelines to keep your milk safe for your baby.

In conclusion, hand expression is a valuable skill for breastfeeding moms to have in their toolkit. It can be a useful technique for expressing milk, relieving engorgement, and increasing milk supply. With practice and patience, you can master the art of hand expression and provide your baby with all the benefits of breast milk.

Thank you for watching this video on breastfeeding hand expression. I hope you found it helpful and informative. Remember, always consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding. Happy expressing!

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