Do you always massage/hand express?

autumngigi

When I first started pumping in the hospital, I never was told to massage/hand express. It was only with clogged ducts and eventual mastitis that I've been advised to do so. Now I seem to do it just as second nature, but is it necessary? How about with BF'ing? Today I tandem breast fed 2 of my girls and again found myself massaging/hand expressing. I forgot to ask my LC today what her thoughts were.

socalduo

When I massage/compress when I pump, I always get more milk.  I also do it when I BF when DD starts to suck multiple times before swallowing.  I try to get more to her when my flow slows down.

I found this video really helpful:

https://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html

14years

I do when I am pumping, mostly just to get more milk. ?I haven't ever done it when I was nursing. ?I would think it isn't necessary. ?I read if you use different nursing positions, that should help with preventing clogged ducts. ?

14years

By the way, congratulations on your girls, and I really admire you for tandem nursing! ?Sounds pretty complicated to me.

mjcleve

I only do it when I pump to help empty the breast more (even the best pumps need a little help).  I don't when nursing...it annoys DS.

summrbride2006

If you are nursing with triplets, you are seriously my new hero!!! I can't even imagine...