Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

How to Express, Store, and Handle Breast Milk


About this topic


Breastfeeding is best for your baby. Breast milk has the right amount of nutrients to keep your baby healthy and strong. However, you may not be able to nurse your baby all the time. Your baby may have been born early or may have an illness. You may need to be away from your baby for a short time because of work or other reasons. You may want to pump extra to build up a supply of milk for when you are not able to be with your baby. In order to do this, you need to learn how to express, handle, and store your breast milk the right way to keep it safe for your baby. ‚  

General


Pumping or Expressing Breast Milk ‚  
When you are not able to nurse your baby, you need to empty your breasts of milk some other way. This will help you continue to make milk. ‚  
  • Wash your hands and find a clean area to express your milk. You do not need to wash your breasts or nipples.
  • Prepare your body and mind to get your milk flowing. You may want to:
    • Think about your baby or look at a picture of your baby.
    • Apply a clean, warm wet washcloth to your breasts.
    • Gently, massage your breasts and nipples.
    • Sit and rest for a few minutes and think about the milk flowing down.
  • You can either express the milk by hand or use a pump.

Expressing Milk by Hand ‚  
  • Place your hand on your breast. Your thumb should be about 11/2 inches (4 cm) above your nipple and your fingers about 11/2 inches (4 cm) right below your nipple.
  • Press your thumb and fingers into your breast towards your chest wall. Don 't move them farther apart.
  • Roll your thumb and fingers forward to squeeze the milk out of the area just behind your nipple. This is where the milk is stored. Don 't slide your fingers over your skin, just roll your fingertips forward.
  • Repeat these steps ¢ ˆ ’ place, press, and roll until the milk stops flowing. Then, turn your hand a little to the right so your thumb and fingers are in a slightly different position. You will need to use both hands to reach all of the areas of your breast.
  • Repeat on the other breast.
  • As you express milk by hand, you will notice that the milk sprays out in all directions. Some mothers try to aim the nipple into a baby bottle or storage container. Others find it works better to use something with a larger opening, like a clean coffee cup or small jar. You may also want to try using a funnel into a baby bottle.

Expressing Milk Using a Pump ‚  
  • Put the pieces of the pump together and be sure you know how it works. You may have a manual, battery powered, or electric pump. Be sure you have the right size breast shield. Your nipple should fit into the center opening of the breast shield. You will have a container to collect your milk attached to the pump.
  • Start using the lowest speed and suction. You can slowly increase the speed and amount of suction to find one that is comfortable for you.
  • After a few minutes of pumping, your milk should begin to flow from your breasts. Most of the time, you will continue to pump as long as the milk is flowing. This is often about 10 to 15 minutes for each breast. You may be able to pump both breasts at the same time.
  • Place a finger between your breast and the breast shield to break the suction.
  • After you are finished pumping, place your milk in a container for storing and clean your breast pump. Rinse the parts that come in contact with breast milk right away after using your pump. Wash them using warm water and dish soap. Rinse with hot water and allow to air dry.

Storing Your Breast Milk ‚  
  • Store your breast milk in clean glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. You can also use special milk storage bags. Do not use bottle liners.
  • Label each bottle with the date. You may also want to add your child 's name if you child is in daycare.
  • Place it in the refrigerator or freezer right away. You can use an insulated cooler if you are at work or away from your refrigerator for a short time. If both are not possible, you may store the milk at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
  • Freeze breast milk in the back of the freezer for 3 to 6 months. Do not fill bottles all the way to the top if freezing. Leave room for the milk to expand as it freezes.

Thawing and Warming Your Breast Milk ‚  
  • Always use the oldest milk first.
  • Thaw milk in the refrigerator overnight. You can also hold it under warm water or place it in a container of warm water. Do not put the milk in the microwave to thaw it or heat it.
  • Swirl the milk to mix it. Do not shake it. Be sure to check the milk is not too warm before you feed your baby.
  • Use thawed breast milk within 24 hours. Do not freeze it again.

Where can I learn more?


Food and Drug Administration ‚  
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/BreastPumps/ucm061944.htm ‚  
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm335261.htm ‚  
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ‚  
http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/pumping-and-breastmilk-storage.html ‚  
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/breastfeeding-guide/BreastfeedingGuide-General-English.pdf ‚  

Last Reviewed Date


2015-04-29 ‚  

List_set bdysylist


  • Adult
  • Healthy Living
  • Neonatal
  • Reproductive

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer