Expressing, 0-3 months
Expressing by hand can take some time to learn, but don’t let that stop you from adding this handy skill to your feeding toolkit. These are some of the reasons why moms turn to expressing by hand, even when there’s a modern-day shortcut.
Relieve engorged breasts
Sometimes speed and efficiency aren’t actually what you need. Moms who experience discomfort during engorgement—a 2-4 day period where your breasts adjust to the feeling of making milk—often prefer to express by hand simply because you’re able to have more control of the pressure.
On the go
Convenience is where expressing by hand really comes into its own. If you simply want to travel light, Mother Nature has equipped you with everything you need to keep your little one’s tummy happy.
Just in case
For some moms, expressing by hand is a ‘just in case’ backup plan. It can be a great confidence booster knowing that no matter where you are—pump or no pump—you will be able to express milk.
It’s your call
Now that you know all about why some moms opt to express by hand, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to do this. The best way to express milk? That’s the way that works best for you and your little one.