Breast Milk Expression and Storage

• 1 week ago

Breast Milk Expression and Storage

Why Might You Need to Express Breast Milk?

Not every mother can breastfeed directly at every feed. Returning to work, temporary separation, milk overproduction, a baby in the NICU, or even baby’s refusal to latch can all be reasons to express milk. Expressing milk helps:

• Protect the mother’s health (preventing engorgement or mastitis)
• Maintain milk supply
• Ensure the baby continues to receive breast milk even when apart

It’s not an alternative to breastfeeding—it’s a way to support and extend it.

Methods of Expressing Breast Milk

Hand Expression

The most natural and cost-free method.

Advantages:

• No equipment required
• Gentle on the nipples
• Allows better control of milk flow

How to do it:

• Use a warm compress to soften the breast
• Place thumb and forefinger in a “C” shape just outside the areola
• Apply light, rhythmic pressure and release to stimulate milk flow

Manual Pump

Hand-operated devices ideal for occasional use.

Pros:

• Quiet, portable, and doesn’t require electricity

Cons:

• Requires physical effort
• Not ideal for double pumping or regular use

Electric Pump

Available in single and double models for more efficient expression.

Pros:

• Saves time
• Increases supply through double pumping

 Tips:

• Ensure proper flange size to avoid nipple damage
• Avoid excessive suction or long sessions to protect tissue

When Should You Pump?

• When baby sleeps longer stretches or skips a feed
• After feedings to fully empty the breast
• To relieve fullness or prevent blocked ducts
• If returning to work, start 2 weeks before to build a supply
• Night-time pumping is highly effective due to elevated prolactin levels

How to Store Expressed Milk Safely

Storage Times by Temperature

Label each container with the date of expression.

Storage Containers

• BPA-free milk storage bags
• Glass or hard plastic bottles with secure lids
• Don’t overfill; milk expands as it freezes
• Single-use bags should not be reused

Thawing and Warming Breast Milk

• Thaw gradually in the fridge (ideal method)
• For quick use, place in a bowl of warm water
• Never use a microwave: uneven heating may destroy nutrients and create hot spots
• Do not refreeze thawed milk
• Use warmed milk within 1–2 hours

Breast Milk Management for Working Mothers

• Start pumping practice at least 2 weeks before returning to work
• Identify a clean, private space for pumping at your workplace
• Stick to a pumping interval of every 3–4 hours
• Use insulated cooler bags with ice packs for milk transport
• Store milk in the refrigerator immediately upon returning home
• Create a daily usage plan for frozen and fresh milk rotation

Support from Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

• Helps you choose the right pumping method
• Measures your nipple size to ensure proper flange fit
• Creates personalized pumping and feeding schedules
• Designs return-to-work milk routines and combination plans
• Offers guidance on bottle-feeding breast milk without nipple confusion