
Please watch this fabulous video with your partner on how to hand express your colostrum and milk. https://vimeo.com/65196007
Everyone is different & there are variations on this technique. Find what works for you.
Why learn how to hand express breastmilk?
Studies show that hand expression is often more effective for milk extraction in the early postpartum days, especially when colostrum is thick and breasts are engorged. 1 In the first few days, when colostrum volume is low, pumping may waste precious drops that could be expressed into a spoon. This method can enhance milk's caloric content 2 and yield more milk when used alongside pumping. 3 It is also more reliable during power outages, natural disasters, and is quieter for privacy. Importantly, hand expression can boost the nursing parent's confidence in breastfeeding. 4 Experimenting with hand expression can be empowering, particularly during pregnancy when there’s no immediate need to provide milk for the baby. Please check with your birth provider before practicing hand expression to ensure you are not at increased risk for preterm labor (nipple stimulation may induce contractions and labor).
1 Ohyama M, Watabe H, Hayasaka Y. Manual expression and electric breast pumping in the first 48 h after delivery. Pediatr Int. 2010 Feb;52(1):39-43.
2 Morton, J., et al. “Combining hand techniques with electric pumping increases the caloric content of milk in mothers of preterm infants.” Journal of Perinatology 32.10 (2012): 791-796.
3 Morton J, Hall JY, Wong RJ, Thairu L, Benitz WE, Rhine WD. Combining hand techniques with electric pumping increases milk production in mothers of preterm infants. Journal of Perinatology 29.11 (2009): 757-764.
4 Forster DA, McEgan K, Ford R, Moorhead A, Opie G, Walker S, McNamara C. Diabetes and antenatal milk expressing: a pilot project to inform the development of a randomised controlled trial. Midwifery. 2011 Apr;27(2):209-14.
5 Flaherman VJ, Gay B, Scott C, Avins A, Lee KA, Newman TB. Randomised trial comparing hand expression with breast pumping for mothers of term newborns feeding poorly. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2012;97:F18-23.
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