In some of my consultations, when I talk about breast compression technique, mothers often express concern. They’ve been told by some professionals that using this technique might make their baby lazier or less willing to work for milk. Hearing this always makes me feel disheartened. First, babies are not lazy. Second, breastfeeding is a teamwork effort between mother and baby. If the baby is having difficulty draining the breast, it’s perfectly fine for the mother to assist in getting the milk out.
Of course, it’s essential to check for any underlying reasons why the baby isn’t effectively draining the breast, such as prematurity, tongue-tie, or insufficient weight gain. However, the priority is to ensure milk is removed to prevent further issues like plugged ducts, mastitis, or abscesses.
In this blog, I’ll answer the 5 W-questions about breast compression: What it is, When to use it, How to perform it effectively, Who can benefit from it, and Why it is used.
What is Breast Compression Technique?
Breast compression is a technique where a breastfeeding mother gently squeezes her breast during a feed to encourage milk flow. This method helps transfer milk from ducts to the nipple more effectively. It’s very useful when milk flow slows, the baby starts falling asleep, or the baby loses interest in feeding.
The technique involves using your hand on a “C” shape with your thumb positioned on the upper part of the areola and your other fingers on the lower area. Apply gentle, steady pressure to the breast without disturbing the baby’s latch to avoid accidental unlatching. Perform compressions when the baby is not actively sucking to stimulate milk flow. This will encourage your baby to start deeper sucking movements, often accompanied by swallowing sounds. If your baby stops swallowing, reposition your fingers to target a different area of the breast.
When to Use Breast Compressions?
Understanding when to use breast compressions can help address specific breastfeeding challenges while giving you confidence that milk transfer is improving:
- To support weight gain: For babies struggling to gain weight, breast compression ensures they receive more milk during each feed.
- For a sleepy baby: Newborns often fall asleep at the breast before draining it. Breast compressions transfer milk faster, encouraging the baby to stay engaged and avoid falling asleep prematurely.
- When milk flow slows: If your baby is nursing but the milk flow slows, breast compressions can stimulate another let-down.
- During breast refusal: If your baby refuses the breast or becomes fussy and frustrated due to low milk supply or oral motor challenges, breast compressions can maximise milk transfer.
- When pumping: Breast compressions can enhance milk output by assisting with milk duct emptying.
If you notice your baby is pausing or slowing down during feeding, specially towards the end of the feed, it’s an ideal moment to try breast compressions.
How to Perform Breast Compression Effectively?
I mentioned briefly before how the technique works, however let’s break down the steps for performing breast compression:
1. Hygiene: Wash your hands before starting.
2. Find a comfortable position: Ensure both you and your baby are in a comfortable position. Cross-cradle, cradle and football hold positions work well, as they allow one hand to be free for compressions.
3. Place your hand: Shape your hand into a “C”, with your thumb and your fingers around the breast, avoiding the sensitive nipple and areola area to prevent discomfort and accidental unlatching.
4. Apply gentle pressure: Squeeze your breast gently but steady from the base.
5. Observe and adjust: Maintain the compression until your baby stops swallowing. Release, reposition your hand to a new area of the breast, and apply pressure again.
Once your baby unlatch by himself, appears content or falls asleep after feeding effectively, the session can be considered complete. If they’re still awake, offer the other breast and repeat the same technique.
Who can Benefit from Breast Compression?
Breast compression is a versatile technique that benefits many breastfeeding situations, including:
1. Sleepy babies: Especially in the first days and weeks, many newborns fall asleep while feeding, even if they’re still hungry. Instead of tickling their feet or cheeks, as some professionals are still recommending, which is not very effective and often causes them to unlatch and cry, breast compressions stimulate the let-down reflex so babies can start sucking and swallowing again and we optimise the session.
2. Premature or low-birth-weight babies: Premature babies often tire more quickly during feeds than term babies. Breast compressions can shorten feeding times and improve milk intake.
3. Babies with poor weight gain: For babies struggling to gain weight, breast compressions ensure they get more milk during feeding.
4. Babies with inefficient suction or low milk transfer: Inefficient suction it’s a superficial and irregular suction that often results in long feeding sessions with minimal milk intake. Breast compressions help ensure adequate milk transfer in these cases.
5. Mothers experiencing nipple cracks or pain: While addressing the cause of pain is crucial, breast compressions can speed up feeding sessions, reducing the time spent breastfeeding.
6. Mothers with low milk supply: Compressions help maximise milk transfer and reduce the anxiety levels about whether the baby is getting enough milk.
Why is Breast Compression Used?
Studies show that breast compression can significantly improves milk transfer, which is essential for the baby’s growth and development. Breast compressions can address a variety of breastfeeding challenges, offering several benefits for both mother and baby:
1. Keeps the baby active: Encourages a sleepy baby to continue feeding by triggering let downs and ensuring faster milk flow.
2. Supports weight gain: Ensures the baby gets more milk, particularly when weight gain is a concern.
3. Improves milk flow: Maintains milk flow during slower feeding phases, keeping the baby engaged.
4. Relieves engorgement: Helps effectively empty the breast, reducing discomfort and preventing clogged ducts.
5. Maximises pumping efficiency: Increases milk output and reduces the time spent pumping.
The 5 W-questions about breast compression—What, When, How, Who, and Why—demonstrate how this technique can enhance the breastfeeding experience. Whether you’re addressing challenges like a sleepy baby, low milk supply, or simply aiming to improve milk transfer, breast compression is a valuable tool to add to your breastfeeding toolkit.
Remember, every breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s okay to seek support if you’re facing any difficulties. As an IBCLC, I’m here to guide you through your journey. With patience, practice, and the right techniques, you can nurture a fulfilling breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
