How to Hand Express Breastmilk

"C" shape position for hand expression

1. Get Ready

• Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds.

• Have a clean container ready, preferably one with a wide opening to catch the milk as it may squirt out.

• Many parents find it helpful to gently massage the breast first before starting for 1-2 minutes. You may even want to gently tug on the nipple to mimic your baby breast feeding.

2. Position Your Hand

Use the C-hold:

• Your fingers and thumb should form a “C” shape, not grabbing the breast.

• Place your thumb above the nipple and your fingers below the nipple. They should be about an inch from the edge of the areola (the darker circle around the nipple).

3. Press, Compress, Release

Follow this rhythm:

1. Press your fingers straight back toward your chest wall.

2. Compress by gently squeezing your fingers and thumb together, bringing them toward each other. Do not slide your fingers over the breast towards the nipple as if you were "milking" the breast. This can create skin irritation and isn't necessary to obtain breast milk.

3. Release—let the milk flow or droplets appear.

Repeat in a steady, gentle rhythm. It shouldn’t be painful.

4. Rotate Around the Breast

• Move your fingers around the breast (like moving around a clock — 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, etc.)

• This helps drain different milk ducts.

• You can do one breast at a time or once you feel more comfortable can do both breasts at the same time.

5. What You Should Expect

• At first you may see drops, then a small stream.

• Milk may come and go in spurts—that’s normal.

• If nothing comes out, try moving your fingers slightly forward or back.

6. Helpful Tips

• Use slow, firm pressure—not sliding your fingers on the skin.

• Relax your shoulders and breathe normally.

• Looking at a photo/video of your baby or using a warm compress can help with let-down.

• Early after birth, you may express small amounts of colostrum—this is normal and incredibly beneficial for your baby.

7. When It's Especially Helpful

Hand expression is great when:

• You need to soften the nipple before latching.

• You’re trying to increase supply.

• Your pump is unavailable.

• You need to collect colostrum (pumps often don’t work well for very small early amounts).