It is necessary for all breastfeeding mothers to learn how to express milk since it will be very useful to overcome problems that may threaten the success of good breastfeeding.
There are several situations in which milk expression may be needed, for example:
- To feed a premature or low-weight newborn who is not yet able to nurse directly from the breast and who can benefit from the properties of breast milk that will help them recover and gain weight.
- To feed the baby when the mother returns to work.
- When the mother must be temporarily separated from the baby due to travel, illness, surgery requiring hospitalization, or simply to be away for a few hours for a special event.
- When it is necessary to increase milk production or volume.
- To relieve breast congestion when breasts become overly full of milk (as often occurs with the first milk flow).
- To avoid blockages in the ducts.
- To succeed with milk expression it is important to have realistic expectations. For example, knowing that the skill of milk expression is learned, with time and practice one improves the technique. Also, the amount of milk expressed will vary depending on many factors such as the time of day, skill in expressing, comfort in the environment where milk is expressed, calmness, etc.
There are different milk expression techniques and each mother will find the one most suitable for her and her situation.
Milk expression techniques
- Manual expression.
- Expression with manual breast pump.
- Expression with electric breast pump.
Manual expression
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Gently massage the breast in a circular motion as this will stimulate milk let-down (a warm cloth can be applied a few minutes before to help the milk flow).
- Leaning forward, hold the breast with your hand placing the thumb above the areola and the index finger below, forming a "C".
- Push the fingers slightly backward (toward the chest wall) and press trying to bring the thumb and index finger together without reaching the tip of the nipple. Repeat rhythmically.
- Rotate the finger positions to empty all milk reservoirs. Milk drips at first and then flows.
- When the milk stops flowing, repeat the steps with the other breast.
Expression with manual breast pump
This system allows expressing milk from one breast at a time and works by exerting pressure through a lever or handle that the mother controls to regulate milk ejection. It is an economical and easy-to-use system.
Expression with electric breast pump
Electric breast pumps have a motor. There are single and double types.
With double pumps, milk can be expressed simultaneously from both breasts, reducing the time spent on this task. They are ideal for those who need to express milk very frequently.
They can also be used to express milk from a single breast.
The single electric pump has similar features to the double but can only be used for one breast at a time. It is recommended for women who do not need to express milk frequently.
Things to keep in mind
The ideal time to express milk may be after breastfeeding. For example, if the mother feeds the baby from only one breast, she can express milk immediately from the breast not used. If she feeds from both breasts, it is advisable to wait about 20 minutes after the last feeding for easier expression.
Expressed milk can be combined in the same container regardless of which breast it comes from or the time it was expressed. That is, if there is a bottle in the fridge – not in the freezer – with previously expressed milk, the current expression can be added to it.
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