Let’s talk about something super important but often overlooked—hand expressing milk and colostrum harvesting. Whether you’re prepping for birth, dealing with engorgement, or just want to feel like an absolute queen when it comes to managing your milk, this guide is for YOU. I promise, by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll feel like a total milk-expressing goddess. Let’s dive in!
What Is Hand Expression & Why Should You Care?
Hand expressing is exactly what it sounds like—using your hands (not a pump) to get that liquid gold flowing. It’s an AMAZING skill that can be useful at any stage of your breastfeeding journey. And guess what? Your hands will never run out of batteries, never need to be sterilized, and are always with you. #Winning
Colostrum harvesting is a fancy way of saying "collecting that thick, golden, nutrient-packed magic potion before your baby even arrives." Some mamas start expressing colostrum in the last few weeks of pregnancy and save it for those early newborn days when babies sometimes need a little extra.
Why Should You Hand Express?
Here are some top reasons why hand expression is a total game-changer:
Colostrum Harvesting Before Birth – Some moms start collecting colostrum during late pregnancy (around 37 weeks) and store it for baby’s first days—perfect if baby needs a little extra due to a rough birth, low blood sugar, or early delivery.
Better Milk Removal Than a Pump – Especially in the early days, your hands can often get more milk out than a pump! (Crazy, right?)
Relieving Engorgement – If your boobs feel like overfilled water balloons (ouch!), hand expression can help relieve pressure without overstimulating supply like a pump sometimes can.
Emergency Backup Plan – Stuck somewhere without your pump? No worries! Your hands are your built-in milk-expressing tools.
How to Hand Express Like a Pro
Step 1: Get Cozy
Find a comfortable, relaxed spot. Take a few deep breaths and think about baby snuggles. Oxytocin is the love hormone that helps with milk flow, so do whatever makes you feel happy—look at baby pictures, watch a cute video, or give yourself a pep talk.
Step 2: Warm Up the Goods
Massage your breasts gently to wake them up. Think small circles, gentle shaking, and even a warm compress if you need a little extra help.
Step 3: Find the Sweet Spot
💡 Pro tip: Your milk ducts aren’t at the nipple—they’re behind it! So, place your fingers about 1-1.5 inches back from the nipple (where the darker areola starts).
Step 4: Press, Compress, Release
✔️ Press fingers gently back toward your chest (not squeezing the nipple—ouch!)
✔️ Gently compress fingers together (thumb and fingers like you’re making a "C" shape)
✔️ Release and repeat in a rhythm—kind of like a baby’s suckling motion!
EXPERT TIP: DO NOT slide or pinch—this isn’t a tube of toothpaste! It’s all about that gentle rhythm.
Colostrum Harvesting: How to Collect & Store It
If you’re collecting colostrum before baby arrives, here’s how to do it like a pro:
Express colostrum into a spoon or small container (It’s THICK, so don’t expect a flood—every drop is liquid gold! ✨)
Use a sterile syringe (ask your provider or grab them online) to suck up the colostrum you just collected from the container or spoon.
Label it with the date and time and store it in the freezer until your baby arrives.
Bring it to the hospital or keep it handy for those early days when baby might need a little extra boost.
How Often Should You Hand Express?
- Before birth? Once or twice a day (if approved by your provider).
- After birth? Whenever you need relief, extra milk, or a pump alternative.
- Engorgement? Until you feel comfortable (but don’t go overboard!).
Your body is AMAZING, and learning how to hand express is just another way to feel confident, prepared, and in control of your breastfeeding journey. So go ahead, grab a cozy spot, and get that liquid gold flowing. You’ve got this! 💪🏼✨
