Hand Expression of Milk

Over the course of my career I have been privileged to observe hundreds of mothers happily breastfeeding their infants AFTER having had early and/or significant challenges with breastfeeding. In other words, breastfeeding doesn’t always get off to an easy start. However, with expert clinical assistance, time, patience and determination, most breastfeeding issues can be resolved. In the interim, expression of mother’s milk may be necessary to ensure a baby’s receipt of breast milk. When a baby is unable to or has trouble with attachment (or latching), it’s highly recommended that the mother begin pumping with a hospital-grade electric pump as soon as possible after birth. Pumping technology has advanced to the point that mothers can maintain a milk supply for months and even years. However, manual (hand) expression is still considered to be the most effective means of expressing colostrum, mother’s very important first milk. Hand expression of milk may also be helpful later when managing breast engorgement (another discussion for another day). Using the thumb and index finger in a systematic method of breast compression, we are often able to collect significant amounts of this thick, rich colostral milk for our babies. Spoons, syringes, feeding tubes or even tiny cups may be used for feeding this liquid gold to our little ones. I have included this link for step-by-step instruction of hand expression of colostrum, which you may find extremely helpful:

Hand Expression Video - Stanford University

Whether or not hand expression becomes necessary in the early days of breastfeeding, I recommend that all breastfeeding mothers develop the propensity to perform this handy maneuver. You never know when your breasts will express their need for some relief! Happy expressing!