7.8 Breastmilk – Expressing

There are many reasons why you may need to express your breastmilk. Perhaps you’re returning to work and want to continue providing your baby with breastmilk, or maybe you have an oversupply and want to donate milk to a milk bank. Whatever your reason, it’s important to learn how to express milk correctly so that you can maintain your milk supply and keep your baby healthy.

To start, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly and sterilize all of your equipment. You’ll need a clean pump or manual breast pump, as well as clean bottles or storage bags. It’s also a good idea to have a towel on hand in case of any leaks.

Once you’re all set up, make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed. It can be helpful to sit in a chair with your back supported, or to lie down on your side. Gently massage your breasts to help stimulate milk flow, then place the pump or breast shield over your nipple. Start with a low suction setting and gradually increase it until you find a comfortable level. You should start to see milk flowing into the pump or bottle within a few minutes.

If you’re finding it difficult to express milk, try using a warm compress on your breasts beforehand or expressing after a feed. If you’re still having trouble, speak to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider for more tips.

When you’re finished, make sure to clean all of your equipment thoroughly. Store expressed milk in a clean, airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Thawed milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Remember, every mother and baby is different. If you have any concerns about expressing milk, speak to your healthcare provider.