Expressing

Expressing means taking your milk from your breasts so that your baby still recieves your milk when you are unable to feed directly from the breast.

There are 2 methods of expressing -By hand or by pump (with a hand pump or an electric pump) see below for more info on each 

Why express milk  

Mums express their milk for all sorts of reasons, many mums never need to express, as they don't get overfull, and they are around their baby at feeding times.

If you are returning to work you may need to start expressing and storing a milk supply so that someone else can feed your baby while you are away see returning to work

For both types of expressing make sure that all the equipment you use is sterilised and that you have washed your hands thoroughly before you start

By Hand

This is an excellent way to express your milk, you may need a little practice to get the knack!

You will need a suitable pot (jug or bowl) to express into. You can use this method to soften the breast around the nipple to help your baby attach more easily (if your breasts are overfull or uncomfortable) or if your baby isn't sucking well from the breast and you want to be sure he still receives your milk, it can then be gven to your baby by another method.

In the early days and weeks (up to around 4) we recommend that you give your expressed breast milk to a breast fed baby by cup or spoon and in those early hours after birth- by syringe; this helps him to get used to only breastfeeding and not confusing him with the very different method of sucking which he will have to do if you give him a bottle teat to suck from. The hand expressing technique is free, so you won't need to buy a pump.

How to express

Spend some time gently massaging your breasts and rolling your nipple between your thumb & forefnger before you start. This will help you work alongside your body's natural hormone to make the milk come out- the baby is able to do this naturally as he starts to feed. You may even find that you start to drip milk by just hearing him or holding him close. Gentle massage is helpful whether you are expressing by hand or by pump.

The experience can be different for many women.You may find expressing is easier when you are around your baby, or have a photo or item of clothing to focus on (This is particularly helpful when you are separated from your baby if he is spending time in the Special Care Unit after the birth)

 Get used to knowing how your breasts feel and change now that you are a breastfeeding mum. When you gently press the area behind your nipple where the texture of your breast changes you will see that the milk appears at the openings of your nipple.

Cup your breast making a 'c' shape with your thumb and fingers whilst walking your fingers backward to find this place where the texture changes. Gently squeeze this area with your thumb & forefinger (It shouldn't hurt) 

Release the pressure and repeat over & over in a rhythm. Try not to slide your fingers along the skin.

Don't forget there are only small amounts of colostrum in those early days see breastfeeding at birth in 'how to breastfeed'

When the flow appears to have slowed or stopped, express from the other breast. Change sides  and repeat. You can keep doing this for 20-30 mins or for as long as you find it comfortable. If you find the milk isn't flowing adjust the place you are holding until you find the 'spot'

 This breast is being pressed in the wrong place

Now it's working!   

It is better all round if you use your milk within the shortest time after expressing

When can I start?

How?

Breast pumps

How much?

How to store it

How to feed expressed milk