Breast compressions are a technique used during a nursing session to manually increase the flow of milk to the baby. This simple action applies gentle external pressure to the breast, which helps to move milk through the ducts more quickly. The primary goal is to help the baby continue actively drinking, even when the natural milk flow begins to slow down. By stimulating the milk ejection reflex, compressions can help a baby obtain more of the higher-fat milk, often referred to as hindmilk, which is released later in the feeding. This method also helps ensure the breast is emptied more thoroughly, which signals the body to maintain or increase milk production.
Situations Where Compressions Are Most Effective
This technique is useful in scenarios where the baby’s milk intake or feeding efficiency needs a boost. Compressions are beneficial if a baby is experiencing slow weight gain, as the increased flow helps the baby transfer more milk during the feed. Applying pressure keeps a baby engaged at the breast, especially one who tends to fall asleep quickly when the flow slows. When a baby is only sucking without actively swallowing, compressions can “turn sucks into drinks” by making milk more readily available. Mothers dealing with frequent or prolonged feeding sessions, or those with recurrent blocked ducts, may also find this method helpful for promoting better drainage.
Proper Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation and Positioning
Before starting, ensure the baby has a deep, comfortable latch and is actively drinking. This is usually indicated by an “open mouth wide—pause—then close mouth” suck pattern. Once the baby’s swallowing slows down and they are only sucking rapidly without the pause, you can begin the compression. Place your free hand on the breast, positioning your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other, well away from the areola and the baby’s mouth. The goal is to support the breast near the chest wall without disturbing the baby’s latch.
Applying and Holding Pressure
Apply a firm but gentle squeeze to the breast, maintaining this pressure while the baby begins actively swallowing again. The pressure should be just enough to stimulate milk flow, similar to how hand-expressing works, but it must not be painful for you. You will notice the baby’s jaw dropping and a renewed swallowing pattern once the increased milk flow begins. Hold the compression steady as long as the baby is drinking with that deep, pausing swallow.
Releasing and Rotating
When the baby’s swallowing slows down again, or they return to rapid, non-swallowing sucks, gently release the pressure. Releasing the pressure allows your hand to rest and gives the breast a moment to refill slightly. If the baby does not resume active drinking after a few moments, you can try compressing again. Rotate your hand to a different section of the breast to ensure milk is expressed from various ducts. It is important to avoid moving your fingers along the breast toward the nipple; simply squeeze and hold in a stationary position.
Knowing When to Stop and Switch Sides
The signal to release the compression is when the baby stops actively swallowing, even with the pressure applied. At this point, you should release your hand completely and watch the baby for a brief moment to see if they initiate swallowing again on their own. If the baby begins to drink again, continue the feed without compression until the swallowing slows once more. If the baby returns to only sucking or stops sucking altogether, the compression is no longer effective in that area.
When the baby will no longer drink, even after trying compressions in two or three different spots around the breast, it is time to offer the other side. You can offer the second breast, repeating the compression process as needed on the new side. Some parents find it helpful to switch back and forth between breasts multiple times, a technique known as “switch nursing,” to maximize the baby’s intake by constantly offering milk with a higher flow rate. If the breast feels noticeably softer and empty, and the baby has lost interest, the feeding session on that side is likely complete.