6 min read Many mums use a breast pump to continue breastfeeding if they’re returning to work or just want some more flexibility around feeding time. It’s a way to give your baby all the benefits of breast milk, even when you can’t be there. We put together a quick guide on how to express milk to explain the benefits of using a pump, tips for pumping away from home, maintaining your milk supply, and how to store breast milk safely.
Most women start to express milk after 6 months, but there might be circumstances when you need to at an earlier stage. To express milk, a breast pump is used. A breast pump is a useful tool that can help you continue nursing throughout your breastfeeding journey. Some mums find expressing milk useful in the beginning, especially if their baby is having trouble latching as this helps to initiate their milk supply. Once they’ve established breastfeeding, other mums find it useful to express milk so their partner can help with night feeds, or if they’re returning to work. Whatever your needs, think of expressing milk as a way to breastfeed with more flexibility.
Whether you’re expressing milk at home for a night feed, or expressing at work, there are some key things to keep in mind to help things go smoothly. If you know that you’ll be away from your baby, start to incorporate a breast pump into your daily routine a few weeks beforehand. You’ll start a supply of milk for your baby and get used to using a breast pump. 2. Find a comfortable place The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to let down milk. Before you sit down to express milk, be sure to find a quiet and private space and don’t be afraid to add personal touches with things like lighting and music. It’s also a good idea to look for seating with plenty of support so you can sit upright. It’s easier to get your milk flowing this way. 3. Pump as many times as you would feed To maintain your supply, be sure to pump milk at least as many times as you would normally feed. So, if you would normally feed three times during the time that you’re away, be sure to pump milk at least as many times as this.
1. Plan ahead
There are several different types of pumps that you can choose from and different benefits to each. To find one that’s suited to you, look for something that’s designed to help you feel comfortable, and think about your overall lifestyle. Do you prefer something that’s designed for on-the-go? Or do you just need something that lets you express milk quickly?
Best for mums who want to save time
The Double Comfort electric breast pump is the most efficient of the three. Although it’s a bigger investment, you’ll get more milk in a shorter amount of time, making it a good choice for mums who express every day, at home or at work.
Best for mums who want a portable option for on the go, or occasional expressing
What manual breast pumps lose in time, they gain in portability. Want something that’s light and fits in your hand bag, or only planning to express every so often? A manual breast pump gives you flexibility and a simple backup option.
Other helpful things to have by your side The hormone responsible for expressing milk is called oxytocin. It can be triggered in a few different ways, including seeing your baby. Many mums find it can help to have a photograph of their baby on hand if they’re expressing away from home to help with this. And you might also like to have breast pads on hand to protect your clothing from milk when you’ve finished expressing.
When you express milk be sure to freeze or refrigerate it. You can then thaw or warm it up when you’d like to feed your baby. Here are some guidelines to keep your milk safe. See more below ↓
You may need
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Store breast milk securely
Express, store and feed your breast milk efficiently, with our new storage cup. Sterilize and re-use the storage cup with the Philips Avent pump or teats-one system, many options!
See all benefits Use these tips to prepare a feed for your baby using expressed milk.
A final note If you’re new to pumping remember that you really can’t be too comfortable. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to express milk. Sometimes this 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 so well, so give yourself plenty of time to practise pumping at home, and go gently. You’ll soon get the hang of it.
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Download the Philips Avent Breastfeeding Guide to learn all about the essentials, from how your baby already knows how to breastfeed to what to do in the moment of feeding.
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