You can milk your own breast using hand expression. Here's how:
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Positioning: Place your thumb and forefinger opposite each other on your breast, about 1-1.5 inches behind the nipple. Imagine your breast is a clock; your thumb would be at 12 o'clock and your forefinger at 6 o'clock. You can also use a C-shape with your hand.
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Press and Release: Gently press your thumb and fingers back towards your chest wall. Then, compress your breast by bringing your thumb and fingers together. The movement should mimic a gentle squeezing and releasing action. Avoid squeezing or pulling on the nipple, as this is not effective and can cause discomfort.
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Rhythmic Motion: Repeat the press-and-release motion rhythmically. It may take a few minutes for the milk to start flowing, so be patient.
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Rotate Positions: Move your fingers around the areola to express milk from all sections of your breast. This helps ensure complete emptying.
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Collection: Express the milk directly into a sterile container.
Tips for successful hand expression:
- Relax: Find a comfortable position and try to relax. Stress can inhibit milk flow.
- Warmth: Applying a warm compress to your breasts or taking a warm shower before expressing can help stimulate milk flow.
- Massage: Gently massage your breasts before and during expression to help loosen the milk.
- Persistence: It may take several attempts to master hand expression. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.
- Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before expressing milk.
