Does hand expression encourage milk production ? I deal with an over supply and hand express an ounce from each side at night to relieve engorgement because I don't want to pump and encourage my boobs to make more. I think I read somewhere that hand expression does not encourage production like nursing/pumping ??
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I think it does increase the supply but not as much as pumping. When I feel like my supply is dipping I hand express after pumping. I mean, supply and demand, right?
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Hand expression doesn't stimulate your breasts as much as nursing or pumping, so over time you will probably lessen the amount you need to hand express or not need to express at all. You are correct that if you pump, you are encouraging your body to make the same amount of milk, thus counteracting the problem you were trying to solve.
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If you are hand expressing only to relieve a little pressure, not empty the breast, then no it shouldn't be increasing your supply; however, if you hand express to fully empty the breast (like after pumping or nursing) then yes, it will help increase milk production.
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@pelikila: got it ! I usually express one side before bed( I block feed) and no more than one oz. then when I wake up to feed him I express a little before so my let down doesn't choke him ! Again , no more than an oz !
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4 comments