To loosen breast milk, especially if you're experiencing engorgement, focus on stimulating milk flow and relieving pressure.
Here's how:
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Warmth: Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your breasts for 10-20 minutes before feeding or expressing. A warm shower can also help.
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Massage: Gently massage your breasts before and during feedings or pumping. Use a circular motion, moving from your chest wall towards the nipple. This helps break up any hardened areas.
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Hand Expression/Pumping: If your breasts are very hard and making it difficult for your baby to latch, hand express or pump a small amount of milk before nursing. Just enough to soften the areola.
These techniques help to relieve engorgement and encourage milk flow, making it easier for your baby to nurse effectively.
