Breast compressions are a gentle massage of the breast while breastfeeding. Using a soft compression, squeezing, and forward massage of the breast while your baby is latched can increase the amount of breast milk baby gets during their feedings. It is an excellent tool for issues like low milk supply, low weight gain, and low hindmilk transfer.^1,2

Using this technique supports an increase in milk production by helping your breast empty of milk more easily. This encourages your body to make more milk. Remember the more milk that’s removed, the more milk your body will make, especially when this is done in the first weeks 0-5 weeks postpartum.^1,2

When infant weight loss or insufficient weight gain is a concern, breast compressions can help. Because you are creating more milk flow as your baby suckles, your baby may transfer more than they would have if breastfeeding without compressions. This also works for babies who’ve ended up with a bit of a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance. It isn’t a common issue, but for those who need it, using your hands to do breast compressions can help your baby transfer the milk towards the end of the feed, when the milk naturally becomes stickier, and your baby’s suckle naturally becomes weaker.^1,2 If your baby tends to come off the breast or bite because the milk flow has slowed, compressions can help start the flow again. 

It is important to watch your baby as they drink from the breast. It is best to avoid breast compressions during a letdown, as that may overwhelm your baby with very fast flow. 

Breast compressions are a wonderful tool for babies who struggle with weight loss, insufficient weight gain, or foremilk/hindmilk imbalance. However they should be used simultaneously with an IBCLC who can help find personalized solutions that treat the root cause of the issue. 

How to do breast compressions

• Place your finger and thumb on the opposite side of your breast, not too close to the areola. 
• Press in and down in time with your baby’s suckles. 
• Hold the compression until your baby stops suckling, to follow the suck, swallow, breathe pattern.  When they stop suckling, let go. 
• Restart the compression as your baby starts suckling. 
• Alternatively, you can use your palm and fingers, and start from the top of your breast, pressing in a gentle downward motion toward your areola. 
• Make sure you’re getting all sides of your breast. 

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep 
• Lactation Q&A

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References