Northside Hospital - Special Beginnings

STEPS TO MAKING MILK The following steps should start as soon as possible after the birth of your baby. Breast Massage and Hand Expression Breast massage and hand expression before and after pumping will help increase your milk volume. Anytime you move a drop of milk it sends signals for your breast to make more milk. This technique will also help with the removal and collection of the colostrum in the early days.

SCAN + PLAY

Remember, as with everything, practice will help you feel more confident in your ability to hand express your breast milk. Be patient with yourself.

Use the C-Hold to place your fingers on the breast.

Gently massage your breasts to make the milk flow more easily. Stroke gently from the top of your breast towards the nipple.

Have a clean container ready to catch your milk.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Gently compress/roll your fingers to express milk.

Relax your fingers and repeat. Rotate the position on the breast periodically.

Press your hand straight into the chest.

24 Special Beginnings in the Special Care Nurseries