Gentle breast massage and compression during nursing or pumping can significantly improve milk output and overall breast drainage—both of which are essential for maintaining and increasing milk supply. This technique is known as hands-on pumping or hands-on latching.

In a small study of 67 mothers with babies in the NICU, combining pumping with hands-on techniques led to an impressive 48% increase in daily milk volume. That’s because using your hands during feeding or pumping not only boosts stimulation, but can also increase the calorie and fat content of your milk by helping more hindmilk reach your baby.

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How to Practice Hands-On Latch or Pumping:

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• Wash your hands thoroughly before each session to maintain milk safety.

• Begin with gentle breast massage for 3–5 minutes to stimulate milk flow and soften the breast tissue.

• During nursing and pumping, apply light compressions (squeeze and release motions) while your baby is actively sucking. This helps encourage milk flow, especially during pauses.You can also use circular massage and gentle compression while the pump is running to improve letdown and fully empty the breast.

• End each session—whether nursing or pumping—with an additional 3–5 minutes of hand expression and massage to collect remaining milk and stimulate further production.

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Hands-on techniques are simple, effective, and especially beneficial in the early postpartum weeks, during growth spurts, or anytime you’re trying to boost supply.