Hand Expressing Technique
Preparation is key
A warm bath or shower can help you relax and stimulate milk flow.
Find a comfortable position, perhaps seated and leaning slightly forward, but see what feels best for you.
A very gentle breast massage, moving from the back of the breast toward the nipple, can help the let-down reflex.
Place your thumb above and fingers below the nipple, forming a ‘C’ shape around the breast.
Position your fingers a couple of centimetres back from the nipple, then press inward toward your chest. Squeeze fingers together and draw them forward to express milk.
Repeat rhythmically, adjusting finger placement slightly if milk isn’t flowing.
Use a clean, sterile container or cup to collect milk, especially in the early days
For small amounts of colostrum, a sterile syringe can be used to gently draw up drops of colostrum from the nipple.
Keeping collection tools sterile is crucial to ensure milk is safe for your baby and to prevent contamination, especially if your baby is preterm or has special medical needs.
Why Collect Colostrum?
Colostrum, often referred to as "liquid gold," is rich in antibodies and nutrients that help protect and nourish a newborn.
Collecting colostrum can be beneficial for:
Feeding sleepy or reluctant newborns.
Providing extra nourishment and immune support, particularly for sick or preterm babies.
Supporting mothers who may experience delays in milk coming in fully, or who need a backup source of nutrition if their baby struggles to latch.
Choosing to Feed Expressed Breastmilk
Some mothers may need or prefer to feed expressed breastmilk for various reasons, including:
Medical Needs, babies in neonatal care or with feeding difficulties can still receive breastmilk, which may be expressed and given by syringe, bottle, or feeding tube.
Temporary Latch Issues, expressing milk can provide time for mothers and babies to resolve any latch challenges, such as tongue-tie or latch discomfort, without needing formula.
Returning to Work, expressing milk allows mothers to continue providing breastmilk even if they are separated from their baby during work hours or other commitments.
Mastitis and Engorgement Relief, expressing milk can relieve engorgement and help prevent or manage blocked ducts, when baby is not relieving the symptoms.
Breastmilk contains antibodies and live cells that help protect against infections, especially important in the early weeks. Breastmilk changes to meet the baby’s nutritional needs, providing the perfect balance of fats, proteins, and vitamins, The unique natural composition of breastmilk is also very gentle on a newborn's developing digestive system and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Reduced Illness Risk, breastfed babies have a lower risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, and some chronic conditions such as asthma and obesity later in life.
Feeding breastmilk through pumping or expressing still supports bonding and emotional connection, particularly when caregivers can be part of the feeding process.
Offering expressed colostrum and encouraging skin-to-skin contact can often reduce the need for supplements.
Breast Pumps
Breast pumps come in four main types, each differing in cost, portability, and efficiency:
Manual Pump Includes lever-operated and silicone pumps , which rely on hand power and/or suction to work.
Single Electric Pump, pumps one breast at a time.
Double Electric Pump, pumps both breasts simultaneously, ideal for exclusive pumpers. Portable, hands-free, and wireless options are available, with some controlled via smartphone apps.
Hospital-Graded Pump, high-powered double electric pump for multi-user needs; often rented due to higher cost and robust motor.
Wearable Pump: A cordless, discreet pump worn inside a bra, allowing for hands-free pumping while moving around.
Look for adjustable speed and suction settings, a range of flange sizes, and reliable reviews.
Effective Pumping
Holding your baby close (skin-to-skin): Skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, which encourages milk flow and strengthens bonding, making your body more responsive to producing milk.
Breathing in your baby’s scent: Your baby's unique scent triggers oxytocin and can naturally stimulate your milk let-down, connecting you to your body's natural rhythm for milk production.
Taking deep breaths and relaxing: Relaxation reduces stress, which can inhibit oxytocin, and helps create a calm environment that makes pumping and milk flow easier.
Setting a regular pumping time: Pumping at the same time daily helps train your body to expect milk removal, supporting a consistent supply as your body adjusts to a routine, can make things easier as your body learn to make milk for those time.
Relaxation is key
Relaxing during pumping can make a big difference, as oxytocin, the hormone that supports milk flow, responds well to calm moments. Holding your baby close, feeling their skin, or even breathing in their scent can encourage this hormone, helping your milk to release naturally. Stress, on the other hand, can disrupt this process, so gentle relaxation can be a helpful way to support milk flow.
Incorporate meditation or breathing exercises to relax while pumping.
Choose a time when you feel most at ease, though this can be challenging with a newborn.
Routine
The more you pump, the more milk your body will learn to produce.
Regular pumping sessions at the same time each day can help train your body to produce milk consistently, encouraging a steady milk supply.
last but not least reach out for trained and qualify support the National Breastfeeding Helpine is open 24h 365 days 0300 100 0212
Marion Frey-Alquarshi Breastfeeding Counsellor & Certified Breastfeeding & Lactation Specialist.
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