Expressing breastmilk
Expressing milk means squeezing milk out of your breast so you can store it and feed it to your pēpi later. Learn about hand expressing and storing breastmilk.
When to express breastmilk
You might want to express milk if:
- your baby is in the neonatal unit and unwell premature or small
- after breastfeeding to give extra breastmilk to pēpi later
- you have to be away from your baby, for example, because your baby is in hospital or because you are going back to work
- your pēpi is not able to latch or suck well, but you still want to give them breast milk
- your partner is going to help with feeding your pēpi
- to help your milk production increase, removing milk frequently helps more milk to come
- to soften the areola to help with deep latching.
If you are separated from your pēpi, it is important to express within the first hour after birth. Continue to express 8 times in the first 24-hours, including one time over night, with no break longer than 6 hours in a 24 hour period.
Using a breast pump
If you decide to use a breast pump:
- an electric hospital grade pump is recommended
- choose the correct sized shield. The recommended size is the
- smallest size that you find comfortable
- pump after breastfeeding for 10-20 minutes maximum
- do not suddenly stop pumping. Slowly cut down the volume and frequency over a few days.
How to express breastmilk
Sometimes it takes a while for your milk to start flowing. Try to choose a time when you feel relaxed. Having your pēpi (or a photo of them) nearby may help your milk to flow. Doing skin-to-skin contact while hand expressing or before can help release oxytocin and aid milk flow.
1
Wash your hands
Wash your hands and get a clean container to hold your breastmilk.
2
Get comfortable
Get comfortable – preferably in a warm, quiet room where you can relax undisturbed. Place the container within easy reach.
3
Massage your breasts
Start by making sure your hands are warm. Use long strokes from your armpit, working towards your nipple.
4
Start to express
Cup your breast in a C-shape using your finger and thumb (2cm to 3cm back from your nipple). Your finger and thumb should be opposite each other – if you imagine that your breast is a clock, your thumb would be at 12 o'clock and your finger at 6 o'clock. Then gently press your thumb and fingers together, release your fingers and repeat in a rhythmic movement. It may take a few minutes. Your breast milk (or colostrum) will start to slowly drip out. Keep going to build up a rhythm.
5
Repeat the process on the same breast
When you notice your milk flow slowing down, move your hands around your breast so you are expressing from a different area. Position your finger and thumb at 11 o'clock and 5 o'clock and repeat the process.
6
Repeat on the other breast
Once you've expressed as much as you can from one breast, repeat the process on your other breast. Then move back to the first breast.
Storing breastmilk
You can store:
- breastmilk at room temperature for up to 4 hours
- in a fridge for up to 72 hours
- in a freezer for up to 6 months
- in an upright freezer for 4 months.