Expressing and storing breastmilk

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There are three ways to express: by hand, with a hand pump, and with an electric pump. Most mums find expressing easier if they are in a comfortable, private place. Have a glass of water at the ready and put on some relaxing music. If you’re feeling stressed about expressing, it can be more difficult.

How to hand express

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Gently massage the breast. Start from the top of the breast and stroke towards the nipple; massage the underside too. Do this several times to ensure the whole breast is massaged. This helps improve the let-down reflex response.
• Place a clean plastic dish or a wide bowl under your breast, either between the legs or on a low table, leaving both hands free; you might need a towel to catch any spills.
• Support your breast with one hand if necessary, especially if you have large and heavy breasts.
• Place thumb and finger diagonally opposite each other on the edge of the areola.
• Gently press inward towards the centre of the breast, squeezing the finger and thumb together.
• Repeat with a rhythmic rolling movement, feeling for the milk sinuses (ducts). Your fingers aren't meant to slide over or pinch the skin.
• Once the milk flow has stopped, move your fingers around the nipple and press again. This helps express more milk and empty all sectors of the breast.
• Your breast and fingers may become sticky and slippery. Wipe them with a clean towel to avoid your fingers slipping from position. 
• Repeat the process on the other breast. Stopping for a warm drink may help you to relax before you repeat the process, as expressing milk can be tiring.
• If you need more milk, change from breast to breast or wait and try again later.

Expressed breastmilk can be stored in a sterile container with a lid, such as a bottle, or in a special bag made for the purpose. The milk can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Unused expressed milk can be frozen within two days of expressing. Frozen breastmilk can be stored in the freezer for three to four months and then thawed in the refrigerator or in its container in warm water. It may be best to avoid using a microwave ovens to heat the milk, as these can destroy some of the immunological (disease fighting) components in breastmilk, and can also result in hot spots, which can burn a baby. Bottles and other equipment need to be thoroughly washed in warm soapy water, rinsed and then boiled for five minutes or chemically sterilised. Wash breast pumps with warm soapy water also.

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