How do you squeeze your breasts to produce milk?

To manually express breast milk, you use a specific technique, not just a general squeeze. Here's how to do it:

Steps for Hand Expression

1. Prepare: Before you begin, ensure you have clean hands and a clean container to collect the milk.
2. Massage: Gently massage your breasts to encourage milk flow. This helps to stimulate the milk ducts.
3. Form a "C" shape: With one hand, support your breast. With your other hand, form a "C" shape using your forefinger and thumb.
4. Position your hand: Place your "C" shaped hand a few centimeters away from your nipple on the areola (the darker area around the nipple).
5. Squeeze and release: Gently squeeze with your finger and thumb toward your chest. Then, release.
6. Repeat the process: Continue this squeezing and releasing motion rhythmically. Avoid sliding your fingers on the skin; this can cause irritation.
7. Rotate your hand: Rotate your hand around your areola to access different ducts and ensure you express milk from the entire breast.
8. Collect the milk: The milk should flow into your container. It might come out in a stream or in droplets.

Tips for Successful Hand Expression

• Relax: Try to relax as much as possible. Stress can inhibit milk flow.
• Warmth: Warm compresses on the breast before expressing can help.
• Visualization: Looking at a picture of your baby or thinking of them can help stimulate milk flow.
• Patience: It may take a few tries to get the hang of it. Don't get discouraged.
• Consistency: Expressing regularly will help your body produce more milk.

Example

Step	Description
1. Prepare	Wash hands and gather container.
2. Massage	Gently massage the breast.
3. "C" Shape	Form a "C" with your thumb and forefinger.
4. Position	Place the hand a few centimetres behind the nipple on the areola.
5. Squeeze	Squeeze gently towards your chest with a rhythmic motion.
6. Repeat	Continue squeezing and releasing, avoiding sliding.
7. Rotate	Rotate hand around areola to express milk from the entire breast.
8. Collect	Collect the milk that flows.

By following these instructions, you can effectively hand express breast milk.