Newborn feeding: Expressing and storing breastmilk

You can release milk by hand (manually) or with a breast pump. This is called expressing.

There may be times when you need to express your breast milk.

This can happen when you miss a feeding, your baby takes a bottle, or your breasts are engorged.

You can save the milk for a later feeding. Read on for how to store breast milk.

Hand expressing breastmilk

To express your breastmilk:

• Wash your hands.
• Help your milk let down by first massaging or stroking your breast. (See photo A.) Avoid sliding your hand over your breast down to the nipple. This can cause skin irritation.
• Place your hand on your breast with your fingers 1 to 1 ½ inches behind the nipple. (See photo B.)
• Push straight back into the chest wall without spreading your fingers. If your breasts are large, lift your breast and then push. (See figure C.)
• Gently compress (squeeze) the areola in one motion. Do not pull your nipple out.
• Repeat in a rythmn: position fingers, push in, compress and release. Position, push in, compress and release.
• Expressing should be comfortable.
• When you no longer get milk, rotate your thumb and fingers.
• Switch back and forth from breast to breast.
• Collect the breastmilk in a clean cup, spoon or other clean container. (See photo D.)

A: Position for massage.

B: How to place your hand.

C: Gently push straight back.

D: Gently compress then collect the breastmilk.

Expressing milk with a breast pump

Not every woman needs a breast pump. It depends on your situation and lifestyle. Wait to buy one until you determine if you need one.

Not all pumps are created equal. Breast pumps vary a lot in quality and effectiveness. Choose a high-quality pump. Your lactation resource will help you find a pump that's right for you.

Remember: Using a breast pump should never cause you pain. If you do have pain, stop using the pump and call your lactation resource right away.

Before you start pumping, wash your hands well. Sit comfortably and take a few slow relaxing breaths. Massage your breasts to help your milk let down.

Pump your breasts according to the pump's directions. It is important that any part of the pump that comes in contact with the breast, milk, or collection containers be very clean. Wash them in hot, soapy water. Rinse and air dry them on a clean towel. You can also wash them in a dishwasher.

Storing breastmilk

Breastmilk can be safely stored at room temperature for four to seven hours. However, it is better to refrigerate it if it isn't going to be used right away.

Milk can be kept in the refrigerator for three to eight days.

Milk can be stored for three months in the freezer portion of your refrigerator.

If you are planning to freeze milk, there are several styles of containers available for storing breastmilk. These include specially designed plastic bags, bottles and glass containers.

Throw away any milk that is left over after a feeding.

How to store breastmilk:

• Pour the pumped milk into a storage container.
• Leave space at the top of the container to allow for the expansion that happens when the milk is frozen.
• Freeze milk in two to four ounce portions. This is about what a newborn takes during a feeding. This portion also thaws quickly in warm water.
• When using plastic bags, use only those designed specifically for milk collection. Before storing, fold the top over several times and seal with freezer or masking tape. Twist ties can also be used. Put the date on the bag.
• Once the milk is frozen, place the plastic storage bag in a larger bag to help prevent punctures.
• If you pump in small quantities, you can add fresh milk to already frozen milk if you chill the milk before adding it. The amount of added cold milk must be less than the amount of the frozen milk.
• You can collect small amounts of milk during the day and store it in the refrigerator. If you are at work, make arrangements with your employer.
• There are two ways to thaw frozen breastmilk:
• in the refrigerator. Place the container in the refrigerator. Thawed milk can remain in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.
• placing the container in warm water. Place the container under running warm water or in a pan of warm water. It takes a few minutes for the milk to thaw depending on how much you are thawing.
• Do not refreeze thawed breastmilk.
• Gently shake thawed or refrigerated milk to remix the creamy portion that separates during storage.
• The color, consistency, and odor of your breastmilk may vary, depending on your diet and the time since giving birth.