Expressing Breastmilk
Expressing breastmilk is the process of squeezing milk out of the breast to be stored to feed baby at a later time. This is a wonderful way to provide nourishment to your child without having to directly breastfeed. It is an important part of the breastfeeding journey and can provide many benefits for both mom and baby. Expressing breastmilk allows you to store and feed your baby breastmilk from a bottle, which is convenient for parents who need to return to work, travel, or just need a break from feeding. It can also increase your milk supply, provide comfort and relief to baby, and can help you bond with your baby. Please keep reading for details on the following topics:
Hand expressing breast milk
Reasons why breast milk is expressed
Advantages of hand expressing
Disadvantages of hand expressing
HOW TO HAND EXPRESS BREAST MILK
It is wise to pump during the times that baby would normally eat
Wash the hands with soap and water before beginning to pump
Ensure that the pumping parts and bottles are washed and sterilized
Try to get the milk flowing by
Thinking about the baby
Applying a warm, moist cloth to the breasts
Gently massaging breasts
Gently rubbing the nipples
Visualizing the milk flowing down
Sitting quietly and thinking of a relaxing setting
Listening to soothing music
Support the breast with one hand whilst holding the nipple in a C hold position with the thumb and index finger
Thrust back the fingers in the direction of the chest
Squeeze the breast between the thumb and index finger, with a rolling motion, as the fingers are being slid towards the nipple
Release the pressure and repeat various times in the order; thrust back, squeeze, roll and release
Be sure to aim the nipple inside the collection bottle or container so that milk can collect
The milk initial begins flowing as drops followed by a spray
When the flow slows, change the position of the thumb and index finger to another area and repeat the rhythm; thrust back, squeeze, roll and release
When finished with the first breast, switch to the next breast until the milk flow stops
When the breasts are completely drained
Secure the expressed milk
Wash and dry hands after completion
ADVANTAGES OF HAND EXPRESSING BREAST MILK
Natural and cost effective
No equipment needed
Quiet
Always available
Can be more comfortable and effective than a breast pump
Convenient for persons who dislike the feeling or sound of the machine used to pump the breast
DISADVANTAGES OF HAND EXPRESSING BREAST MILK
Requires practice
Time consuming
Does not work for everyone
REASONS WHY BREAST MILK IS EXPRESSED
Mother is away from baby
The breasts feel engorged
Baby is unable to latch or suck well
To boost the milk supply
Will be assisted by someone with feeding baby