Expressing milk by hand involves a specific technique, rather than directly "pressing" the nipples. Think of it as compression and release behind the nipple.
Here's a breakdown of the recommended hand expression technique:
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Cup your hand: Form a "C" shape with your hand, imagining you're holding a cup. This shape will position your hand correctly on your breast.
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Placement: Place your thumb and fingers on the breast, a few centimeters (approximately 1-1.5 inches) behind the base of the nipple. Avoid placing your fingers directly on the areola (the darker skin around the nipple), as this could cause discomfort.
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Compression and Release: Gently push inward towards your chest wall and then compress your thumb and fingers together. Then, release the pressure. Repeat this motion rhythmically. This squeezing action should express milk. Avoid squeezing or pulling on the nipple itself.
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Rhythmic Motion: Continue compressing and releasing to encourage milk flow. It may take a few minutes for the milk to start flowing.
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Rotation: Rotate your fingers around the breast to express milk from all the milk ducts.
Important Considerations:
- Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before expressing milk.
- Comfort: If you experience pain, adjust your hand position or consult with a lactation consultant.
- Persistence: It may take some practice to become comfortable and efficient at hand expressing.
- Purpose: Hand expression can be used to relieve engorgement, collect colostrum, or stimulate milk production.
- Avoid Pain: If you are experiencing pain, stop immediately. You may need to adjust your technique or seek advice from a lactation consultant.
- Cleanliness: Ensure any containers used to collect milk are properly sterilized.
