6 min. read Even when you can’t be with your little one, you can still make sure they have nutritious breast milk to drink by using a breast pump. You might want to start breast pumping if you’re returning to work and won’t be there to breastfeed every meal. You might be thinking about combination feeding with formula, or simply want some flexibility around feeding time. If you’re not sure where to start with expressing milk or when to start pumping, don’t worry. We’ve put together a quick guide on how to express milk and the benefits of pumping milk for your baby. We’ll also give you tips for breast pumping away from home, maintaining your milk supply, and storing breast milk safely.
Most women start expressing milk after around six months, but there can be circumstances when you need to know how to pump breast milk earlier than that. If you’re eager to start breast pumping as soon as possible, you can do so within hours of birthing your child. Some mums find expressing milk useful in the beginning, especially if their baby is having trouble latching, as this helps to start their milk supply. It can also be useful to learn how to pump breast milk early on, so you can share feeding shifts come night-time.
Some mums learn how to hand express milk, but many find that using a breast pump is the easiest solution. Different breast pumps may function slightly differently, so do read the instruction manual – and remember, it may take a minute or two of pumping before your milk starts flowing, so don’t panic if you don’t see milk right away! How much milk you’ll be pumping can depend on when you last breastfed and how frequently you pump. How relaxed you are, as well as the time of day can also affect your milk supply. If you want to learn how to increase your milk supply when pumping, try to pump until your breasts are fully emptied, each time. Every woman is different, and timings will vary – but the more frequently you pump, the better. If you want to combine expressing milk with breastfeeding, leave at least an hour between pumping and your next breastfeeding session. When breastfeeding, take as long as you need to make sure your baby is satisfied. When your baby is full, you can then ensure your breasts are fully emptied by using a breast pump. Safely store any extra milk for bottle feeding later.
Whether you’re expressing milk at home to prepare for a night feed or using a breast pump at work, use the following advice to get the most out of your breast pumping journey:
Manual Breast Pump
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Electric breast pump
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Breast milk storage cups
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When choosing a breast pump, look for something that’s designed to help you feel comfortable and keep your lifestyle in mind. Would you prefer a pump that’s designed for on-the-go use? Or do you just need something that will let you express milk quickly? For mums who want an everyday all-rounder, the portable Avent electric breast pump with soft massage cushions comes with a battery pack that allows you to pump even if there’s no electricity outlet close by. If you’d prefer something that’s light and fits in your handbag, or if you’re only planning to express every so often, a manual breast pump offers flexibility as a simple backup option. Manual isn’t as fast as electric, but you can take it everywhere!
When you’re expressing milk, it’s likely you won’t use it all in one go to feed your baby, so be sure to freeze or refrigerate it to use later. Here are some guidelines to keep your breast milk safe after you finish pumping milk: When preparing refrigerated or frozen milk for a feed when you store it after breast pumping:
If you’re new to pumping, remember comfort is key. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to express milk. It might be difficult if you’re trying to pump during a busy day at work, or you’re in a spot that you don’t know very well, so give yourself plenty of time to practice using a breast pump at home, be patient and go gently. You’ll soon get the hang of breast pumping. With this guide you now know how to hand express milk, have tips for using a breast pump and even advice for how to increase milk supply when pumping. So, now you can pump with confidence, knowing you’re not only expressing milk correctly but storing it and using it safely too.
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