Hand (manual) expression of breast milk
Massage your breast to help your milk "let down," using one of the following techniques:
- With both hands, slide your hands from your chest toward your nipple, but not touching your nipple.
- With your fingertips, massage in a circular motion all around your breast.
To express milk:
- Grasp the dark circle around the nipple (areola) with your thumb above and one or two fingers below. Push in toward your chest wall, then squeeze gently, slowly rolling your fingers toward your nipple but not onto your nipple.
- Rotate your fingers around the breast and repeat the process to drain the entire breast. Collect your breast milk in a clean container. Refrigerate or freeze the milk if you are not going to use it immediately.
Illustrations copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | May 4, 2009 |
| Last Updated: May 4, 2009 | ||
| Medical Review: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
© 1995-2009, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.