Expressing milk by hand?

Question

I want to learn to express breast milk by hand. I have found pictures on the web showing how to do it, but I cant get the hang of it. Does anyone have any tips, advice, or know of a website that helped you learn.

Answer 1

Have you tried applying some heat to your breasts first?

Also, do breast massage in small circles from the outside of your breast in towards the nipple before you start trying to hand express. (Kind of like a breast exam.)

Try nursing first and then hand expressing after the feeding. This might help you get the hang of it, since you will have already had a letdown for the baby.

Place thumb and index finger on either side of the nipple, about 3 to 5 cm (1-2 inches) back from the nipple.
Press gently inward toward the rib cage.
Roll fingers together in a slight downward motion.
Repeat all around the nipple if desired.

http://www.lactationinstitute.org/MANUALEX.html

Answer 2

The best way for me was to press firmly at the top of my breast while holding the underside. I smoothed my top hand down and when I got to the end I had a steady stream. I could have done target practice. Good luck... You can always check the la leche company. They sometimes have good info.

Answer 3

I would run my fingers down into the nipple, then firmly pinch the nipple. If I was engorged it was way easier to get some out, but if you're not engorged it will take some time and patience. My midwife showed me how...it's kinda hard to explain in writing. Hope someone has some links for you...