A way to get your milk flowing, pump more and increase your supply
Breast compressions can help your baby get a stronger flow of milk by gently squeezing and compressing your breast.
Breast compressions can keep your baby actively sucking so they can remove more milk from your breasts. This helps to increase your milk supply.
They are also a useful way to get more milk when you are expressing.
1. While your baby is attached at the breast
place your fingers and thumb on opposite sides of your breast back from the areola. Or place a flat hand on the top or side of your breast back.
2. When your baby is not actively sucking
gently squeeze (or press) your breast to encourage the milk to release and your baby to actively suck again.
3. Maintain the compression
until your baby stops actively sucking.
4. Release
then repeat if needed.
5. Change positions
by moving your hand to different parts of your breast.
6. Take care
not to disturb your baby’s attachment to the breast.
When do I use breast compressions?
If you are trying to increase your milk supply and/or using a supply line, compressions will help your baby remove more milk from your breast.
Breast compressions can help you get a more effective let-down or another let-down.
If your baby is no longer actively sucking, breast compressions can help your baby to start sucking again.
If you are expressing, you can use breast compressions to encourage more milk to flow.
If your baby likes to come off the breast or bites because the milk flow has slowed, compressions can help start the flow again.
How long do I keep using compressions?
Once your situation has resolved and your baby is getting enough milk, you can stop using breast compressions. There is no need to try and persuade your baby to stay at the breast longer by using compressions. Most babies come off the breast when they’ve had enough so you can be guided by their cues.
Will it cause any breast problems?
You might worry that pressing on your breast will cause it to become sore or affect the milk flow. However, if you use a flat hand and/or keep your fingers flat on the breast, it is unlikely to cause problems.
Always handle your breasts with care to help prevent localised breast inflammation and mastitis.
In this video from the International Breastfeeding Centre, the mother is being guided to use breast compressions to increase her milk flow.
© Australian Breastfeeding AssociationJune 2025
