Expressing is a way to get milk out of the breasts when a baby is not breastfeeding. There are only a couple of ways to express — by hand or by using a pump. If you’re only expressing occasionally, hand expressing or using a hand pump are cheaper options. If you need to express frequently, an electric pump may be a better option. Show
What is expressing and why would I need to express?When a baby has been born prematurely, is unwell or can't suck effectively, drinking expressed breast milk (EBM) can be an alternative to breastfeeding. Some women express when their breasts are very full and uncomfortable, or their baby cannot attach and suck effectively. Sometimes babies go through short periods of breast refusal. This can be distressing, especially when a mother is keen to continue breastfeeding. Expressing is one way of maintaining breast milk supply until the baby resumes breastfeeding. Expressing can be a short-term solution to a breastfeeding problem, like trying to increase breast milk supply or relieve engorgement. When a mother returns to work, study or other commitments, expressing and offering expressed breast milk (EBM) is an option rather than offering formula. How would I express my breast milk?Hand expressing
Using a pump
How do I store my breast milk?You can store breast milk in the fridge or freezer in a clean lidded container or a breastmilk storage bag. Make sure the container or bag is well sealed so milk can't escape or take on the odour or taste of other foods.
5 important tips about storing breast milk
What’s the safest way to defrost frozen breast milk?If you have frozen breast milk, the safest way to defrost it is in the fridge. If you don’t have time and your baby is hungry, you can defrost the EBM in a jug of warm water or under a running tap. What’s the best way to feed my baby expressed breast milk?A bottle is the easiest way to offer EBM to a young baby. Sterilise a baby bottle and teat and offer the EBM when they are showing hunger signs and are keen to feed. If your baby is used to breastfeeding they might need some support to suck effectively on the bottle. Be patient and calm as they learn what’s involved. Some babies refuse to suck on a teat but will accept EBM from a small cup or a teaspoon. How do I clean my expressing equipment?Hand wash using hot soapy water and rinse well. You could also use a dishwasher set on the hottest cycle. You don’t need to sterilise your expressing equipment as long as your baby was born at term and is healthy and meeting their milestones. Learn more about cleaning and sterilising baby bottles and equipment. What type of container should be use in storing the expressed breast milk?Be sure to store breast milk in clear plastic bottles. Never use bottles that may have BPA in them (avoid bottles with the recycle symbol 7). Freezer bags specially designed for breast milk storage: Storage bags are another choice for freezing your breast milk.
When should you express breast milk for storage?A good guide is to start expressing about 6 weeks before returning to work. This length of time allows you to get into the swing of things if you haven't already expressed your milk. It also allows you to build a good amount of back-up milk in the freezer without making you express too many times per day!
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