Draining the Milk Reservoirs
1. Position the thumb (above the nipple) and first two fingers (below the nipple) about 1” to 1–1/2” from the nipple,though not necessarily at the outer edges of the areola. Use this measurement as a guide, since breasts and areolas vary in size from one woman to another. Be sure the hand forms the letter “C” and the finger pads are at 6 and 12 o’clock in line with the nipple. Note the fingers are positioned so that the milk reservoirs lie beneath them.
• Avoid cupping the breast
2. Push straight into the chest wall
• Avoid spreading the fingers apart.
• For large breasts, first lift and then push into the chest wall
3. Roll thumb and fingers forward at the same time. This rolling motion compresses and empties milk reservoirs without injuring sensitive breast tissue.
Note the position of thumb and fingernails during the finish roll as shown in the illustration.
4. Repeat rhythmically to completely drain reservoirs.
• Position, push, roll...
• Position, push, roll...
5. Rotate the thumb and fingers to milk other reservoirs, using both hands on each breast.
6. Do this about 8 times a day (or as many times as you can) for 20 minutes each session. One session should be immediately after waking up, a 2nd should be immediately before going to sleep, and a 3rd should be mid-afternoon (2-3p). The remaining 5 can be interspersed according to your schedule. Try to keep all sessions at a consistent time as it will be easier for your body respond.
Avoid These Motions
1. Do not squeeze the breast, as this can cause bruising.
2. Sliding hands over the breast may cause painful skin burns.
3. Avoid pulling the nipple which may result in tissue damage.
Video explanation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuhuekl-3JY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Tips on how to increase milk supply:
http://www.onlythebreast.com/breast-milk-tips/increase-milk-supply/
http://www.drmomma.org/2010/08/lactation-cookies-recipe-increasing.html
fenugreek (enough to have about 1500mg per cookie, blessed thistle
