How can we do to see if there is colostrum? Manual Extraction

This tool will be very useful to us throughout breastfeeding, starting with pregnancy.

If we are undergoing a healthy pregnancy, with no contraindication to having sexual intercourse, we can practice the maneuver without any problem. First to get to know and become familiar with our boobs, second to take advantage of if a drop of colostrum comes out, apply it. But, it may or may not come out at this stage and both situations are expected and do not condition anything.

• First we can perform some gentle chest massages to stimulate the ejection reflex.
• With fingers in “C”, two 2/3 cm from the nipple. Aligned yolk-nipple-yolk.
• Carry back, as in the direction of the ribs.
• From there press gently, as if we wanted to put our fingers together. Then release, repeat.

What can we use the maneuver for at the beginning? The first basic need of a newborn is contact, being skin to skin, movement, support and lastly food. It is vital to find that new form in the bond that was previously inside the womb and now must continue but outside, on the other side of the skin.

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It does not matter which one you choose, the most important is that the baby’s suction is affective and swallowing is heard.

1. Classic sitting
   The mother’s belly is in contact with the baby’s and her body rests on the mother’s lap.
2. Underarm
   The baby’s body passes under the mother’s arm.
3. Inverted sitting
   Same as the previous position, but in this one the mother offers the opposite breast.
4. Lying down
   It is the ideal position for breastfeeding at night or after a cesarean section.

To breastfeed, it is important that you and your baby are comfortable.

However, whatever the position is, it is always convenient:

• That before giving the breast, you wash your hands well with soap and water.
• That you are comfortable and with your back supported.
• That you take your baby to your chest, and not your chest to the baby.
• That your son is well attached to the breast: with his mouth open covering the entire areola and not just the nipple.
• That your baby’s head and body are in line with your abdomen (“tummy to tummy”).
• Have your son’s face in front of your chest, and his nose against your nipple.
• That you look your child in the eye, since through the look the bond is reinforced.

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In this article we will give you some tips to ensure successful breast milk production and increase supply.

• Breastfeeding is a kind of demand and supply process: the more milk your baby (or pump) demands, the more milk your body will supply. 

• Empty your breasts frequently by nursing or pumping to send a message to your body that you need more milk. 

• Empty your breasts effectively; focusing on frequency alone may not do the trick. You need to be effective too.

• Use your hands! You can also help your baby drain your breasts by using gentle breast massage or a breast compression to squeeze the colostrum or milk into your baby’s mouth while latched. 

• Massage breasts while pumping and then try hand expressing for a few minutes after your pump stops extracting milk.

• Check your pumping parts. If you don’t think the pump is emptying your breasts effectively, consider trying a different shield size. 

• Step away from the clock. Don’t obsess over timing your feeds. Follow your baby’s cues and allow him to nurse as long as he wants. 

• Offer both breasts every feed! After your baby drains one breast, offer the second one—even if you think he/she’s done. 

• Hydrate properly. Drink enough throughout the day, and make sure you have a glass of water nearby when you start to nurse or pump. Keep an eye on your urine—if it’s very concentrated (dark yellow in color and/ or has a strong odor), that’s a sign you likely need to hydrate more.

Producing enough breast milk for your baby is a common concern among parents at some point in their journey, but remember: you are not alone!

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