A mother who is breast-feeding her newborn asks the RN, “How can I express milk from my breasts manually?”

A mother who is breast-feeding her newborn asks the RN, “How can I express milk from my breasts manually?”

The RN tells her that the correct method for manual milk expression includes using the thumb and the index finger to:
A . Alternately compress and release each nipple
B . Roll the nipple and gently pull the nipple forward
C . Slide the thumb and index finger forward from the outer border of the areola toward the end of the nipple
D . Compress and release each breast at the outer border of the areola

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

(A) Manipulation of nipples will cause soreness and trauma.

(B) Pulling the nipples will cause discomfort and soreness.

(C) Sliding the thumb and index finger forward over the nipple will cause soreness.

(D) The best method to express milk from the breast is to position the thumb and index finger at the outer border of the areola and compress. This is the location of the milk sinuses.