Expressing breast milk is an option to consider once you are comfortable with breast-feeding. Expressing and storing breast milk can offer many benefits to mothers including additional hours of uninterrupted sleep, alone or work time, or the ability to return to work while continuing to exclusively breast-feed your baby

Expressing breast milk also allows other family members to be involved in the feeding ritual. It's also easier than many think, and with practice can be performed quickly and easily - even by hand. Renting or buying a pump is also a convenient option. A lactation consultant or Healthcare professional can help you to choose an appropriate method.

Step-by-Step

To express milk by hand, simply follow these instructions:

• Wash your hands with soap and water
• Place a clean cup under your breast - either in your lap or on the table
• Put both hands on your breast, thumbs on top and fingers cupped around and under your breast
• Gently move your hands toward your nipple
• When you are near your areola, release one hand
• Grasp your areola between your thumb and the first finger of your free hand
• Gently roll your thumb and finger toward your nipple, lightly pressing them together to start a flow
• Switch breasts whenever the flow of milk slows down

You may only get a few drops when first learning to express, but it will get better and easier with practice. Regular pumping will maintain your milk production, so should you want to continue to provide your baby with breast milk but are unavailable to breast-feed, you can still do so.

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