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Top 10 Reasons to Learn Hand Expression

Top 10 Reasons to Hand Express: Text

1. In the early days, hand expression is an easy and effective way to collect colostrum.  Colostrum is very creamy and viscous so electric breast pumps may have a hard time pulling colostrum out. When the pump is able to pull out colostrum, the valuable droplets usually get wasted because they stick to the sides and don’t flow down to the bottle to collect. Hand expression starts off slow, but gets faster and easier the more you do it.

2. When your breasts are firm and full of milk, it can get uncomfortable or worse - painful. Hand expression can relieve discomfort and fullness. Once your breast softens up a bit, your baby will be able to latch easier and deeper. Hand expression can prevent engorgement (especially when you don't have access to a pump or electricity).

3. Hand expression encourages colostrum to transition more quickly to mature milk. Remember - early and frequent drainage promotes milk production.

4. When your baby is having feeding challenges, you can ensure your baby is still feeding by expressing into a spoon or cup.

5. Hand expression can stimulate let-downs and encourage milk flow. It is helpful for unclogging plugged ducts too.

6. Hand expression can help to prevent choking if you have an oversupply of milk or strong let-down.

7. Hand expression encourages sleepy babies to feed better at the breast. It helps to keep them active and engaged.

8. It can provide milk for babies who are physically unable to nurse yet (i.e. babies on respiratory support, premature babies, low birth weight and small for gestational age babies, etc.)

9. Don't have nipple cream - no problem! Expressing can help heal damaged and sore nipples. Breast milk contains stem cells, white blood cells and antibodies that aid with healing nipples quickly and effectively (and it’s free)!

10. Research shows hand expression improves overall confidence and duration of breastfeeding.

Top 10 Reasons to Hand Express: List
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