Hand Expression: The Skill Every Mom Should Know Before Baby Arrives (Free Guide Available)
Picture this: You’ve just given birth, you’re holding your beautiful baby in your arms, and you’re ready to start breastfeeding. But what if your little one is sleepy, not latching well, or the nurses mention "low blood sugar" and suggest formula? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in those moments, but there's one skill that can make all the difference—hand expression.
Hand expression is the art of using your hands to express milk from your breasts without a pump. It’s simple, effective, and one of the most powerful skills you can learn to support your breastfeeding journey.
Get the “Springs Lactation Guide to Hand Expressing Breast Milk” at the end of this post!
Why Hand Expression Matters (Even Before Your Milk Comes In)
Many moms assume that pumping or nursing the baby is the only way to remove milk from the breasts. But the truth is, hand expression is even more effective at removing the early milk (also called colostrum) from the breasts.
Colostrum, often called “liquid gold,” is packed with nutrients and antibodies. Babies only need tiny amounts—just a few teaspoons a day at first! If your baby struggles to latch, is sleepy, or needs a little extra nourishment, hand-expressing colostrum onto a spoon or into a small syringe can be a game-changer.
Hand expressing is not about making your milk come in faster. It’s about making the most of what you already have and ensuring that your baby gets every drop while stimulating your supply.
How Hand Expression Protects Your Breastfeeding Journey
If there was one skill I wish I could bestow on every parent wanting to nurse their baby, it would be hand expression. That’s because it can help your family navigate common challenges and stay on track with your feeding goals by:
Preventing Unnecessary Supplementation: If your baby isn’t latching well, hand expression allows you to collect colostrum and feed it directly to them, avoiding formula unless truly needed.
Protecting Your Milk Supply: Every time you hand express, you’re giving your body the message to keep making milk—this is critical in those first days when supply is driven by demand.
Providing Peace of Mind: If you’re unsure whether your baby is getting enough, seeing those drops of colostrum can reassure you that your body is providing what your baby needs.
Helping with Engorgement: Once your milk comes in, hand expression can soften your breasts, making it easier for your baby to latch comfortably.
Supporting NICU or Separation Situations: If your baby needs extra care after birth, hand expression ensures they can still receive your milk, even if they can’t nurse right away.
It’s Easier Than You Think
Many moms worry that hand expression will be complicated or uncomfortable, but it’s surprisingly simple with a little guidance. It’s all about technique and practice. The key is to use gentle, rhythmic pressure—not squeezing or pinching.
Start by warming your breasts with a warm compress or gentle massage. Then, using your thumb and fingers in a C-shape, press back toward your chest, compress, and release. With practice, you’ll find your rhythm and see those precious drops appear.
Bonus Tip: Learning hand expression during pregnancy can make it feel second nature once your baby arrives. Some moms even collect colostrum in the last few weeks of pregnancy, storing it for the newborn days.
Get The Step-by-Step Hand Expression Guide
Confidence starts with knowledge. That’s why I’ve created a detailed, easy-to-follow Springs Lactation Hand Expression Guide—perfect for practicing before baby arrives and having on hand when you need it most. By mastering hand expression, you're giving yourself more control, more peace of mind, and the best possible start to your breastfeeding journey. You’ve got this—and I’m here to help every step of the way.
