Manual Expression of Breast Milk Marmet Technique
Manual Expression of Breast Milk Marmet Technique
Manual Expression of Breast Milk Marmet Technique
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C-hold
Advantages
There are many advantages to manual expression over mechanical methods of milking the breasts:
Use this measurement, which is not necessarily the outer edge of the areola, as a guide. The areola varies in size from one woman to another. Place the thumb pad above the nipple at the 12 oclock position and the finger pads below the nipple at the 6 oclock position forming the letter C with the hand, as shown. This is a resting position.
2003, 2000, 1997, 1988, 1981, 1979, 1978 Chele Marmet, used with permission
C
Cupping
Note that the thumb and fingers are positioned so they are in line with the nipple. Avoid cupping the breast.
2. Push straight into the chest wall. Avoid spreading the fingers apart. For large breasts, first lift and then push into the chest wall. 3. Roll thumb forward as if taking a thumbprint. Change finger pressure from middle finger to index finger as the thumb rolls forward. Finish Roll. The rolling motion of the thumb simulates the wave-like motion of the babys tongue and the counter pressure of the fingers simulates the babys palate. The milking motion imitates the babys suck by compressing and draining the terminal milk ducts without hurting sensitive breast tissue. Note the moving position of the thumbnail and fingernails in illustrations D, E, and F. 4. Repeat Rhythmically to drain the terminal milk ducts. Position, push, roll; position, push, roll
Right Hand Left Hand Push To Chest Wall
Start at the top of the breast. Press firmly into the chest wall. Move fingers slowly, pressing firmly in a small circular motion on one spot on the skin. After a few seconds, pick fingers up and move to the next area on the breast. Do not slide on breast tissue. Spiral around the breast toward the areola using this massage. The pressure and motion are similar to that used in a breast examination. 2. Stroke the breast from the chest wall to the nipple with a light tickle-like stroke. Continue this stroking motion from the chest wall to the nipple around the whole breast. This will help with relaxation and encourage the milk ejection reflex. 3. Shake the breast gently while leaning forward so that gravity will help the milk eject.
Shake Stroke
E
Roll
Finish Roll
Procedure
This procedure should be followed by mothers who are expressing in place of a full feeding and those who need to establish, increase, or maintain their milk supply when the baby cannot breastfeed.
Express each breast until the flow of milk slows down. Assist the milk ejection reflex (massage, stroke, shake) on both breasts. This can be done simultaneously, and only takes about a minute. Repeat the whole process of expressing each breast and assisting the milk ejection reflex twice more. The flow of milk usually slows down sooner the second and third time as the ducts are drained.
Rotate 5. Rotate the thumb and finger position to reach other terminal milk ducts. Use both hands on each breast. Illustration G shows hand positions on the right breast. Note clock positions of fingers in illustration G: 12:00 and 6:00, 11:00 and 5:00, 1:00 and 7:00, 3:00 and 9:00
Timing
H I J
The entire procedure should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes when manual expression is replacing a feeding.
Express each breast five to seven minutes.
Squeeze Pull Slide
Massage, stroke, shake for about one minute. Express each breast three to five minutes. Massage, stroke, shake for about one minute Express each breast two to three minutes.
Note: If the milk supply is established, use the times given only as a guide. Watch the flow of milk and change breasts when the flow gets small. If little or no milk is present yet, follow these suggested times closely. Any portion of the procedure or timing may be used or repeated as necessary.
For more information on breastfeeding check out our Web site: www.llli.org
571-27 October 2003 2003, 2000, 1997, 1988, 1981, 1979, 1978 Chele Marmet, used with permission. The Lactation Institute, 3441 Clairton Place, Encino CA 91436 USA (818-995-1913) [email protected] www.lactationinstitute.org