Breastfeeding

o   To feed a child who cannot breastfeed (premature or low birth weight).

o   To relieve breast engorgement.

o   To preserve milk to give to the child during the working mother's absence.

o   To maintain the rate of milk production during the mother's illness.

o   To increase the mother's milk supply.

o   To alleviate milk leaking from the breast.

·        Method of expressing the breast:

1.     The breast can be expressed using the hand or a pump. It is preferable to take a warm bath or apply warm compresses to the breast for 3-5 minutes to help the milk flow.

2.     Prepare a tightly covered container that has been washed well with hot water and detergent.

3.     Wash hands well with soap and water.

4.     Place the thumb on the breast above the areola and the index finger below the areola so they are opposite each other.

5.     Push the breast backward toward the ribs while pressing so the milk flows out. Continue this attempt for 3-5 minutes or until the milk flow rate decreases. Then express the breast perpendicularly to the previous expression site (to ensure emptying the tail of the breast located under the armpit). Then begin expressing the other breast in the same manner, alternating between the breasts.

6.     Store the milk in small quantities either in special plastic bags or small plastic jars prepared for milk storage, writing the date and number on each bottle. Use bottle number 1 before number 2.

7.     Place the milk for long-term storage on the refrigerator shelf or in the freezer.

8.     The milk is given either by spoon, dropper, or cup. A feeding bottle is never used for feeding because this will cause the child to refuse to breastfeed from the breast.