A Guide to Expressing Breast Milk: Tips for New Moms

Expressing breastmilk is the process of squeezing milk out of the breast to be stored to feed baby at a later time. This is a wonderful way to provide nourishment to your child without having to directly breastfeed. It is an important part of the breastfeeding journey and can provide many benefits for both mom and baby. Expressing breastmilk allows you to store and feed your baby breastmilk from a bottle, which is convenient for parents who need to return to work, travel, or just need a break from feeding. It can also increase your milk supply, provide comfort and relief to baby, and can help you bond with your baby. Please keep reading for details on the following topics:

Hand expressing breast milk

Reasons why breast milk is expressed

Advantages of hand expressing

Disadvantages of hand expressing

A hand gently expressing milk from the breast, demonstrating a manual technique.

Expressing breast milk is the process of extracting milk from the breasts, either manually or with a breast pump, to be stored and used later. It allows breastfeeding mothers to provide breast milk when they are away from their baby or need to increase their milk supply.

Methods of Expressing Milk:

  1. Hand Expression:

    • Hand expression involves using your hands to gently squeeze and massage the breast to release milk. It’s a technique that doesn’t require any equipment and can be done anywhere.
    • To hand express, start by massaging the breast gently, and then use your thumb and fingers to press on the area near the areola, squeezing out the milk.

  2. Manual Breast Pump:

    • A manual breast pump is operated by hand and uses suction to extract milk from the breast.
    • It is portable, relatively easy to use, and can be a good choice for occasional expression.

  3. Electric Breast Pump:

    • Electric pumps are powered by electricity or batteries and can extract milk more quickly and efficiently than manual pumps.
    • Many models have adjustable suction and speed settings to mimic the baby’s natural feeding pattern.
    • These are ideal for mothers who need to express milk regularly or for longer periods.
Tips for Expressing Milk:
  • Comfort: Find a comfortable, private space to express. Stress or discomfort can reduce milk flow.
  • Relaxation: Try to relax and think of your baby or look at a picture of them to help stimulate milk letdown.
  • Frequency: If you’re expressing to build a supply or keep your milk production steady, aim to pump at least every 3 to 4 hours.
  • Proper Pumping Technique: Whether hand-expressing or using a pump, be sure to use the correct technique to avoid nipple or breast discomfort.

HOW TO HAND EXPRESS BREAST MILK

It is wise to pump during the times that baby would normally eat

Wash the hands with soap and water before beginning to pump

Ensure that the pumping parts and bottles are washed and sterilized

Try to get the milk flowing by

Thinking about the baby

Applying a warm, moist cloth to the breasts

Gently massaging breasts

Gently rubbing the nipples

Visualizing the milk flowing down

Sitting quietly and thinking of a relaxing setting

Listening to soothing music

Support the breast with one hand whilst holding the nipple in a C hold position with the thumb and index finger

Thrust back the fingers in the direction of the chest

Squeeze the breast between the thumb and index finger, with a rolling motion, as the fingers are being slid towards the nipple

Release the pressure and repeat various times in the order; thrust back, squeeze, roll and release

Be sure to aim the nipple inside the collection bottle or container so that milk can collect

The milk initial begins flowing as drops followed by a spray

When the flow slows, change the position of the thumb and index finger to another area and repeat the rhythm; thrust back, squeeze, roll and release

When finished with the first breast, switch to the next breast until the milk flow stops

When the breasts are completely drained

Secure the expressed milk

Wash and dry hands after completion

ADVANTAGES OF HAND EXPRESSING BREAST MILK

Natural and cost effective

No equipment needed

Quiet

Always available

Can be more comfortable and effective than a breast pump

Convenient for persons who dislike the feeling or sound of the machine used to pump the breast

Allows others to feed the baby, giving the mother more flexibility.

Continued Breastfeeding: For mothers returning to work or needing a break, expressing milk helps maintain the breastfeeding bond and provides the baby with breast milk.

Increased Milk Supply: Regular expression can stimulate milk production, which is useful if supply needs to be increased.

DISADVANTAGES OF HAND EXPRESSING BREAST MILK

Requires practice

Time consuming

Does not work for everyone

REASONS WHY BREAST MILK IS EXPRESSED

Mother is away from baby

The breasts feel engorged

Baby is unable to latch or suck well

To boost the milk supply

Will be assisted by someone with feeding baby

Storing Expressed Milk:
  • Storage Containers: Store expressed milk in clean, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags.
  • Refrigeration: Fresh breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Milk can be frozen for up to 6 months, though it’s best to use it within 3 months for optimal quality.
  • Thawing: Always thaw frozen milk in the fridge or under warm running water. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause hot spots and destroy nutrients.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or healthcare decisions.

 

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