As a mom, ensuring your baby gets enough milk is always a top priority. If you’re looking for a simple way to improve milk flow during breastfeeding, breast compression might be the perfect technique to try. This method can help your baby get more milk without much effort, making feeding sessions smoother for both of you!

Whether you're pregnant and preparing to breastfeed, or you're already on your breastfeeding journey, breast compression is easy to learn and can be a game-changer for your feeding routine.

What is Breast Compression?

Breast compression is a technique used to gently squeeze your breast during breastfeeding to encourage milk flow. It’s especially useful if your baby tends to fall asleep while nursing or if your milk flow seems slow. By doing this, you help move the milk from your breast to your baby, making sure they get more with each suck.

When Should You Use Breast Compression?

You can use breast compression whenever your baby seems to be sucking but not getting much milk. Here are a few common scenarios when this technique can be helpful:

• When your baby starts to fall asleep while nursing
• If your baby is fussy at the breast
• When you notice your baby’s sucking but not swallowing as much
• During the later stages of a feed when your milk flow has slowed down

Step-by-Step Guide to Doing Breast Compression

1. Start nursing as usual
   Let your baby latch onto your breast normally. Allow your baby to feed without intervention until their sucking slows or they seem to lose interest.

2. Hold your breast with one hand
   Using the opposite hand to the breast your baby is nursing from, cup your breast with your thumb on top and your fingers underneath, forming a “C” shape around your breast.

3. Gently squeeze
   Apply gentle pressure by squeezing your breast without causing pain. You should notice your baby starting to suck more actively as milk flows faster.

4. Release when your baby starts sucking again
   Once your baby begins sucking and swallowing actively again, you can stop the compression. Allow them to continue feeding naturally.

5. Repeat as needed
   If your baby’s sucking slows down again, repeat the breast compression. You can switch sides or continue on the same breast depending on your baby’s feeding pattern.

Benefits of Breast Compression

• Helps your baby get more milk
  Breast compression encourages your milk to flow more freely, helping your baby get more milk without extra effort.

• Keeps your baby active during feeds
  If your baby tends to fall asleep while nursing, breast compression can keep them engaged and feeding longer.

• Reduces fussiness
  Babies sometimes become fussy when milk flow is slow. Compression can help increase the flow, making feedings smoother.

• Promotes milk production
  By helping your baby feed more effectively and drain your breast, breast compression can also signal your body to produce more milk.

Tips for Using Breast Compression

• Be gentle: Breast compression should never hurt. If you feel discomfort, ease up on the pressure.
• Stay patient: It may take a few tries before you and your baby get the hang of it, but with practice, it will become second nature.
• Use it sparingly: Breast compression is a helpful tool, but it’s not necessary for every feeding. Use it when you notice your baby needs extra help to get milk.

Breast compression is a simple and effective way to improve your baby’s breastfeeding experience. By following these easy steps, you can ensure that your little one gets the nourishment they need, while also making feeding sessions more comfortable for both of you. Remember, every mom and baby is different, so take your time and adjust the technique to what works best for you!

Breastfeeding is a journey, and techniques like breast compression can make it a little easier. Keep up the great work, mama—you’re doing amazing!

Don't let the common struggles of breastfeeding discourage you. Join other mamas inside The Postpartum Shift and learn practical strategies to manage common issues like sore nipples, low milk supply, engorgement, and fatigue, while enjoying delicious meal plans and recipes tailored to support your milk supply and overall postpartum well-being.