It is truly our pleasure to work with Health Care Practitioners, Providers and Clinics all over the world. Many of which have informed the creation of the following videos that can be used professionally or with your patients and expectant families.
How to Hand Express
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Contraindications
Dr. Prollius shares another Minute Message on the contraindications with prenatal hand expression. The speaker identifies patients who should not hand express, including those with placenta-related issues, previous cesarean sections scheduled for elective repeat cesareans, medical conditions that strain the fetal-placental unit, and cases of preterm labor before 36 weeks. However, for patients scheduled for repeat elective cesareans, they recommend starting hand expression a week before the due date to signal the body for milk production. They emphasize the importance of hand expression and latching within the first hour after birth for these patients.
The Background
Dr. Prollius and Naida discuss their interest in hand expression, especially for gestational diabetics, as an alternative to formula supplementation. They highlight the protective factor of prenatal hand expression in aiding breastfeeding challenges. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of educating patients about controlling blood sugars through diet, medication, and breastfeeding to prevent long-term health issues for both mother and baby. They advocate for a multidisciplinary approach and the use of tools like prenatal hand expression to support successful breastfeeding, ultimately reducing the risk of babies developing diabetes or obesity later in life.
Where do I start?
You’ve come to the right place! Dr. Prollius and Naida share insight on getting started with prenatal hand expression in your practice. They emphasize the varying confidence levels in hand expression among individuals, highlighting the benefits for gestational diabetic patients due to increased milk supply and reduced risks of obesity and diabetes in babies. They suggest starting with this group before expanding to low-risk patients who crave this information. Anecdotes, such as midwives seeking advice on prenatal hand expression kits, illustrate the demand for this knowledge. They encourages healthcare providers to become comfortable with hand expression and gradually introduce it to specific patient groups, anticipating a positive response and empowerment among mothers.
Which patients can benefit?
Join us as Dr. Prollius shares more on which specific patients are best suited for Prenatal Hand Expression.
”I use this with most of my patients.”
How to use in practice
Dr. Prollius shares experience in using this in his own practice. They suggest initiating discussions about hand expression with expectant mothers around 28 to 30 weeks of pregnancy, providing them with a kit containing necessary tools and information. They advise mothers to begin practicing hand expression at 36 weeks, starting with breast massage to stimulate colostrum production. The speaker emphasizes the role of partners in supporting the process and mentions positive feedback from a community where hand expression has been widely embraced is beneficial.
What about twins?
Here is another installment with Dr. Prollius as he shares more on if prenatal hand expression will support expectant families with twins.
”If I anticipate vaginal delivery after 36 weeks I absolutely promote hand expression.”
The First Hour
A team approach and the power of the first hour are discussed in the next Minute Message with Dr. Prollius. The "power of the first hour" emphasizes the importance of initiating breastfeeding soon after birth. This stimulates milk production and promotes successful breastfeeding. Studies show starting hand expression within the first hour leads to increased colostrum production and higher milk supply later on. Collaboration among the medical team, especially nurses, is crucial in supporting early breastfeeding practices and empowering patients for successful breastfeeding.
The Safety
Dr. Prollius and Naida discuss the safety aspects with prenatal hand expression. Naida breaks down the broad scope while Dr. Prollius speaks from a more medically specific standpoint.
The safety of prenatal hand expression is often questioned, with concerns about causing labor or affecting milk production. However, historical practices and advocacy from women facing potential milk production struggles, such as those with PCOS or breast reductions, support its safety. More with Dr. Prollius and Naida in the link!