Why express milk?
Expressing milk is perfect for situations where you can’t breast feed, need a break,
want to use it for
complementary or can’t be with your baby but want them to have the nutrients
that
breastmilk provides. Another great reason to express is that it’s one of
the ways your partner can bond with your baby, by getting involved in
feeding.
Expressing milk by hand
Before expressing milk, soften your breasts with a warm flannel, or by taking a
shower or massaging them. Then, once you’ve cleaned your hands and sterilised a
wide rimmed bowl to collect your milk, you can start expressing.
• Support your breast with one hand then massage down from the top of your breast
to the nipple. Work all round it including the underside.
• Now put gentle pressure on the area behind the areola (the dark skin around your
nipples) with your thumb and forefinger.
• Squeeze them together and press backwards to release your milk. Be warned though,
it can spray in lots of directions!
Expressing milk by electric pump
Using a pump can be quicker and less tiring than using your hands. Remember to soften
your breasts with a warm shower or massage beforehand and make sure the pump is
thoroughly sterilised before expressing. Depending on the pump you use, it should
take 15 - 45 minutes and shouldn’t cause any pain.
Storing expressed milk
You can store milk in a bottle in your fridge or freezer. But once heated, any unused
milk must be thrown away. Remember to date the milk you store - it’ll keep for around:
• 72 hours in the fridge
• One month in a freezer compartment
• Three months in a freezer (although this can reduce the amount of antibodies in
the milk)
To defrost frozen milk let it stand in hot water until it’s thoroughly defrosted,
check its temperature before feeding your baby and then use it as soon as possible.
Never thaw or warm the milk in a microwave as it will destroys its nutrients.