Manual Expressing Of Breast Milk

It is good for every breastfeeding mother to know how to express her breasts by hand. Once you master the technique of manual squeezing, you will find it really a useful skill.

The trick is to press the milk ducts behind the nipple. If you press only the nipple you will not get milk and you will probably hurt it.

Many women express breast milk to reduce breast pressure and store it for future use.

More information can be found in the topic: "Expressing and storing breast milk".

For some, manual pumping is a more convenient alternative than pumps. The process can be done anywhere and without special tools and devices. It also helps the breasts produce more milk.

How to prepare and get started?

• Wash your hands. If you prefer to wash with cold water, then let your hands warm up afterwards. Cold hands can prolong the squeezing process.
• Put a damp, warm towel on your chest. Although this is not mandatory, placing a warm towel on the breast for about 2 minutes can make it easier to express milk.
• A suitable wide container is needed, which must be washed and sterilized well.
• Settle in a comfortable place in a warm room where you will not be interrupted.
• Take the vessel, place it under the breast and start massaging the breast.

1. Place your little finger under the breast, against your ribs, and spread your other fingers slightly to support the breast. The thumb should be above the nipple about 2-3 cm back from the base. Adjust the girth, if necessary, so that the fingers below and above the nipple are opposite, forming a C-shape around the breast.

2. Gently squeeze your thumb and first finger under the breast, then release by keeping your fingers evenly apart. Avoid squeezing or stretching the skin over the areola, as it will make it difficult to express breast milk.

3. Repeat pressing and releasing again and again, creating a rhythm. Maintain the rhythm and you will see drops of colostrum or milk that appear from the nipple. Be patient, as this may take a minute or two before the milk appears.

4. Continue squeezing and releasing until the milk begins to flow. It takes practice and time to achieve this.

If you continue to notice only drops or the flow of milk slows down, correct your position by slightly twisting your arm around the breast. Continue until the milk stops or you feel relief (if your breasts are tight).

Every woman's breasts are different. It is up to you to find the best position to help you express the most milk.

Marmet technique

Marmet's manual breastfeeding technique is a great alternative to pumps and is designed for long-term pumping. It was developed by Chele Marmet, head of the La Leche League and a breastfeeding consultant, director of the Breastfeeding Institute in West Los Angeles, USA. This is the most cost-effective way to express breast milk.

Massage the milk cells and ducts, starting at the top of the chest and pressing against the chest wall. Continue by slowly moving your fingers and pressing in a circular motion. Then shake your breasts slightly while leaning forward so that the milk flow reflex can be aided by gravity.

The technique is usually used by mothers who express breast milk instead of breastfeeding directly or need to increase and maintain lactation. It is necessary to express until the flow of milk slows down. The reflex is supported by massage, patting and shaking. As it can be done on both breasts at the same time.

To start the technique itself, you need to wash your hands thoroughly and get a clean container.

Here are the steps of squeezing:

1. Use your thumb, forefinger and middle finger by placing them around the areola about an inch from the nipple. Your fingers should be positioned to form a C-shape, or if you want to use a clock as an orientation, they should be at 12 and 6 o'clock.

2. Then press the breast against the chest wall. If the breasts are larger, it is good to lift the breast first and then press it to the chest.

3. Rotate your fingers forward to empty the milk ducts. This should activate the milk flow reflex.

4. Repeat the process several times until the milk from the tubules is expressed. Then turn your fingers in another direction - if we have to use the clock again as an example, then keep your fingers in position 11:00 and 5:00; 01:00 and 07:00; 03:00 and 09:00 and repeat the steps listed above until you express the milk again.

The whole procedure will probably take about 20-30 minutes. It is good to squeeze each breast for about 5-7 minutes, then massage, pat and shake the breast. Repeat squeezing for 3-5 minutes and massage again, pat, shaking. Finish squeezing for 2-3 minutes.

Avoid these movements!

• Squeezing the breast as this can cause bruising.
• Pulling the nipple. This can cause tissue damage.
• Sliding your fingers on the skin as it can cause injuries.

Even if you do not plan to use the Marmet technique as the main method of squeezing, it is important to get acquainted with it and know how to use it. You may need to use it to relieve chest tightness or entice a sick or sleepy child to suckle by expressing some milk. The technique can also be used for direct injection of milk into the eye (which is practiced quite often in conjunctivitis) or simply as a nipple care to rub the skin in the area.