Colostrum Harvesting || How to Hand Express Colostrum

When we think about expressing, the first thing which pops into most mum's minds is a breast pump. Whilst breast pumps are a great tool and most mums will use one at some point in their breastfeeding journey, there is another little magical trick you can have up your sleeve which can be a saviour in so many situations!

How to Hand Express

1. Start by washing your hands, and collecting something to express into. If you are expressing whilst pregnant, or in the first day or two you may find expressing straight into a small syringe is most effective, If not use a clean cup/bottle.
2. Using the same hand as breast (if expressing from right breast, use right hand), make a C shape with your thumb and fingers
3. Place your fingers about 1-2cm outside your areola.
4. Press back into your breast (almost as if you were trying to stretch the skin around your nipple)
5. Compress your thumb and fingers together behind your nipple. Your fingers shouldn't slide down your breast. - you can adjust the position of your hand until you find a spot where you see most milk come out.
6. It may take a few minutes to achieve a letdown, and massaging before you start expressing can help.

Sign up today for unlimited access:

• Book appointments
• Expert advice & tips
• Premium videos & audio
• Curated parenting newsletters
• Chat with your bloss community
• Discounts & competitions
• Special events