Appendix G

Hand Expression of Breastmilk

Gently massage both breasts by hand.
Place thumb and indes fingers about an inch above and below the areola.
On the first breast, pull the hand inward, towards the chest, (not outward toward the nipple) while you compress finger pads together.
Repeat this action in a rhythmical pattern, and each time, bring the finger pads slightly closer together (a tighter compression, as tolerated without pain)
After 10 - 20 compressions, switch to the other breast. . . then back to the first . . . . then back to the second again, etc. Do this despite the presence or abscence of colostrum.
Collect the drops on a clean plastic teaspoon.
Feed to the baby.

Appearance of Colostrum on Day One. . Transitioning to Mature Milk by Day Three

To view a short video on the hand expression of breastmilk, click below.