Hand Expression for Breastfeeding: What It Is, How to Do It, and Why It Matters
By the time my second child was born four years ago, I thought I knew everything about breastfeeding.
Then I began studying to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
And let me tell you—my own experience before training is proof that not all lactation care is created equal.
During my son’s brief NICU stay, I spent hours trying to pump colostrum with a hospital-grade pump. I remember painstakingly syphoning out tiny drops of that “liquid gold” from the inside of the flanges with a syringe. No one told me about hand expression. No one mentioned spoon-feeding or cup-feeding as options. No one showed me a simple, effective way to get that precious colostrum out gently and into my baby’s mouth.
It still blows my mind how something so basic could have made such a big difference.
And I know I’m not the only one. So here’s the information I wish I had back then:
What Is Hand Expression?
Hand expression is a technique that allows you to remove milk from your breasts using your hands instead of a pump. It’s especially useful in the early days after birth, when your body is producing colostrum—that thick, antibody-rich first milk often called “liquid gold.”
Because colostrum comes in small but mighty quantities, hand expression can sometimes be more effective than a pump for collecting it. A pump may miss those tiny drops, while your hands can guide them right out.
Why Hand Expression Matters
Learning hand expression can be a game-changer for new parents. Here’s why:
Early milk removal: Helps stimulate your milk supply and supports a smoother transition to mature milk.
Colostrum collection: Makes it easier to gather every drop of colostrum for your newborn, especially if they’re sleepy or in the NICU.
No equipment needed: You don’t need a pump, electricity, or special supplies—just your hands and a clean container.
Relief for engorgement: If your breasts feel too full, hand expression can relieve pressure and make latching easier for your baby.
Backup plan: If your pump isn’t available, or your baby can’t latch, you still have a way to express milk.
How to Hand Express Breast Milk (Step by Step)
It can take practice, but most people get the hang of it with a little guidance. Here’s a basic step-by-step:
Get comfortable. Wash your hands, relax your shoulders, and think of your baby (looking at photos or videos can help trigger let-down).
Warm up. Gently massage or compress your breasts for a few minutes to stimulate milk flow.
Find your hand position. Place your thumb above and fingers below your areola, forming a “C” shape.
Press, don’t slide. Press your fingers back toward your chest wall, then compress them together rhythmically—like a gentle squeeze, not a pinch.
Rotate around. Move your fingers around the areola to express from different milk ducts.
Collect your milk. Catch the drops in a clean spoon, cup, or container. In the early days, even teaspoons of colostrum are exactly what your baby needs.
Hand Expression Tips
Practice during pregnancy (with your provider’s approval) to feel more confident postpartum.
Use a warm compress or shower beforehand to encourage let-down.
Be patient—colostrum often comes out in drops, not streams, and that’s perfectly normal.
Combine with pumping later on if you want to maximize milk removal.
The final drop
Hand expression is the No. 1 thing I wish I knew about breastfeeding before doing it. It’s simple, free, and effective for getting early breastfeeding off to a great start.
Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or navigating the NICU, knowing how to hand express can make feeding less stressful and give you more confidence in your body’s ability to provide for your baby.
And if no one has told you yet: A few drops of colostrum are enough.
