Breast Compressions & Switch Nursing: Helping Your Baby Get More Milk 🐻✨

Breast Compressions & Switch Nursing: Helping Your Baby Get More Milk 🐻✨

Sometimes babies need a little extra encouragement to keep feeding actively, especially if they’re sleepy, fussy, or just a bit slow at the breast 😴. That’s where breast compressions and switch nursing come in! These simple techniques can help your baby get more milk, which can be useful if they’re slow to gain weight or seem frustrated by a slower flow.

🖐️ What Are Breast Compressions?

Breast compressions are like a little nudge to get the milk flowing when your baby is sucking but not swallowing much. Here’s how to do it:

- Hold your breast with your whole hand, either over the top or underneath with your thumb on top.

- Gently squeeze (not too hard, no pain!) to push milk towards the nipple.

- Your baby should start swallowing after a few moments. Hold the squeeze until they slow down, then let go. (don't let your fingers slide over the skin)

- Move your hand slightly and repeat as needed.

- When this stops working, switch to the other breast!

This can be especially useful if your baby tends to doze off mid-feed 😴.

This Video from Kent Community HealthCare NHS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkwmWkuThe4

🔄 What Is Switch Nursing?

Switch nursing is like a little game of “musical breasts” 🎶. It keeps your baby engaged and makes the most of your natural letdowns. Here’s how:

1. When your baby’s sucking slows down, gently break the latch by slipping a finger into the corner of their mouth.

2. Offer the other breast, they’ll usually start sucking more vigorously as milk starts flowing again.

3. When they slow down again, switch back to the first breast.

4. Repeat until your baby seems full and happy!

Switch nursing can also help boost your milk supply by encouraging more frequent milk removal. More milk out = more milk made! ✨

🏆 The Best of Both Worlds

You can use breast compressions and switch nursing together hese little tricks can be lifesavers in the early weeks as you both figure out the whole feeding thing.

This video from Lucy Webber IBCLC can help you recognise when baby is actively swallowing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI-O2Sm7p24

If you’re worried about milk supply or feeding, don’t stress alone, reach out for support.

Marion Frey-AlQurashi

Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner & Certified Lactation Specialist