Expressing Breast Milk: A Guide for New Moms

Chrissy May 8, 2023
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Excerpts from our course “ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR NEW MOTHERS”

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby, providing all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. However, there may be situations when breastfeeding is not possible or convenient. In such cases, expressing breast milk can be a lifesaver. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of expressing milk, tips for manual and electric pumping, and storage guidelines.

Section 1: Why express breast milk? Expressing breast milk can provide many benefits for both the mother and baby. It can ensure that the baby receives breast milk even when the mother is not available for breastfeeding. It can also help stimulate milk production and relieve breast engorgement. Moreover, expressing breast milk can be useful in the following situations:

  • If the baby is premature or has health issues that prevent breastfeeding, expressing milk can provide a source of nutrition.
  • If you would like to return to work or school, expressing milk allows you to continue providing breast milk for your baby.
  • If your baby has difficulty latching on or sucking effectively, expressing milk can allow you to feed your baby in other ways.

Section 2: Tips on expressing milk manually Manual expression is the simplest and most natural way to extract milk. It requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Here are some tips for successful manual expression:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before starting.
  • Gently massage your breast to stimulate milk flow.
  • Cup your breast with your fingers and thumb and apply gentle pressure.
  • Compress your breast from the outer edges towards the nipple in a rhythmic motion.
  • Collect the milk in a sterilized container.

Section 3: Tips on expressing milk with a breast pump A breast pump is a handy tool that allows you to express milk quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips for using a breast pump:

  • Choose a breast pump that is comfortable and effective at extracting milk. Electric pumps are faster and easier to use, but manual pumps are more affordable and portable.
  • Clean and sterilize all parts of the pump before and after use.
  • Position the pump funnel over your breast and ensure a good seal.
  • Start pumping at a low setting and gradually increase the suction until you feel comfortable.
  • Collect the milk in a sterilized container and label it with the date it was expressed.

Section 4: Storing expressed milk Expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer until it is needed. Here are some guidelines for storing breast milk:

  • Store breast milk in a clean, sterilized container with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Label the container with the date and time the milk was expressed.
  • Store breast milk in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
  • Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water.

Section 5: Final tips Here are some additional tips for successful expressing breast milk:

  • Express milk frequently to maintain milk production.
  • Avoid skipping breastfeeding sessions if possible, as this can decrease milk supply.
  • Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet to ensure adequate milk production.
  • Seek help from a lactation consultant if you experience any difficulties with breastfeeding or expressing milk.

In conclusion, expressing breast milk can be a valuable tool for new moms. Whether you choose manual expression or a breast pump, it is essential to follow proper hygiene and storage guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the milk. With patience and practice, you can successfully provide breast milk for your baby, even when you are not physically present.


Essential skills for new mothers course includes:

Returning Home With Your New Baby
• Returning Home With Your New Baby
• The Umbilical Cord

Breast Feeding• Breastfeeding
• Mastitis
• Breast Compression
• Expressing Breast Milk

Crying Babies
• How Can I Soothe My Crying Baby?
• How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Teething?
• How Can I Put My Baby To Sleep?
• Using Dummies, Pacifiers
• What Is Swaddling?

Baby Hygiene
• Bathing Your Baby
• How Do I Change a Baby’s Nappy Or Diaper?
• Baby Hygiene – Important Points To Remember

How can I tell if my newborn baby is sick?
• How Can I Tell If My Newborn Baby Is Sick?
• What Is Jaundice?
• Why Do Newborn Babies Suffer From Colic?
• What To Do If Your Newborn Has Diarrhoea

Extra Tips
• How Should I Exercise My Newborn?
• Vaccinations
• Vitimin K

  • The Umbilical Cord
  • Breast Feeding
  • Mastitis
  • Breast Compression
  • Expressing Breast Milk

Crying Babies
• How can I soothe my crying baby?
  • How can I tell if my baby is teething?
  • How can I put my baby to sleep?
  • Using Dummies, Pacifiers
  • What is swaddling?

Baby Hygiene

  • Bathing your baby
  • How do I change a baby’s diaper or nappy?

  • How Can I Tell If My Newborn Baby is Sick?
  • What Is Jaundice?
  • Why do newborns suffer from colic?
  • Extra Tips
  • How should I exercise my newborn baby?
  • Baby Hygiene – Important points to remember
  • Vaccinations


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Chrissy
As a celebrated singer and songwriter, Chrissy has not only made a name for herself in the music industry, but has also made a positive impact in the field of child welfare. Over 33 years ago, she created the My Body is My Body Programme, in collaboration with the Departments of Education and Human Services in the United States. After travelling the country and successfully presenting the program to over 350,000 children, she saw an opportunity to reach even more children by animating the program for distribution on the internet. Today, the program has been translated into 26 languages and has positively impacted over 2 million children in 60 countries through both online and in-person presentations. With the support of her dedicated team of worldwide Ambassadors and Volunteers, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the world of child protection. She is committed to creating a safer world for all children. The MBIMB Programme, Courses and Resources are all free of charge to everyone. Thanks to all those who have supported her mission and made it a success. www.mbimb.org MY Body is MY Body Foundation Charity Number 1199901

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