How to Hand Express Breast Milk

What is Hand Expression?

Hand expression is using your hands to massage and compress the breast to get milk out—no pump required. 

Why Hand Expression is Useful

How to Hand Express

How Often to Use Hand Expression

Frequent but short sessions work well for many people. Regular hand expression can be an excellent way to keep breasts from becoming so engorged that baby cannot latch. 

Storing Expressed Breast Milk

When it comes to storing your expressed milk, the main points to remember are that fresh milk should be refrigerated within 4 hours; once refrigerated, it should be used within ~4 days; and if not used, it should be moved to the freezer and then used within ~6 months. There are, of course, many additional considerations and nuances to this, which you can read about in our full article on How to Store Breast Milk. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hand expression better than pumping?

Hand expression can be a more effective method of removing milk for some people who do not respond as well to a manual or electric breast pump. It is particularly effective for many in the early postpartum period for expressing colostrum. That said, many people prefer a breast pump once their supply increases, which can become even more effective at draining a full breast, once your body becomes accustomed to using it. 

Can I increase my milk supply by hand expressing?

Yes, adding hand expression to your usual pumping routine before, during, or after using a manual pump can improve your effectiveness with removing milk, which can ultimately increase your supply. 

Why do I get breast leakage on the other side when I hand express?

When you stimulate one breast with hand expression or pumping it is quite common to trigger a “let down” response where your body begins releasing milk from both breasts. This can cause you to leak (dripping or even spraying) from the other side you are not stimulating. Using a passive collection method (such as a bowl or Haaka) on the non-pumping side can help keep that milk from going to waste. 

When I hand express I don't get more milk. Is my milk supply low?

Not necessarily. If you are effectively emptying your breast while directly breastfeeding or using a breast pump, you may not get additional milk out when hand expressing. That said, working with a lactation consultant can help you be sure you are using the correct methods and can help you be sure that you are draining your breasts as fully as possible when pumping or hand expressing.

Written By

K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT. Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing Specialist

K. Rappaport, OTR/L, MS, SCFES, IBCLC. Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing Specialist