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Expressing Breast Milk
There are many reasons why a mother may at some time or another have
to express her milk, whether it be due to finding relief from
engorged breasts, increasing your milk supply or just in need of a
full nights sleep.
 There
are two methods to expressing milk, namely through a breast pump or
hand-expressing, and whatever method you choose, it is vital that
your hands and the container into which you are expressing are clean
and that you choose a time of day when you are at your most relaxed.
Breast-pumps:
Simply follow the directions for the correct usuage of the pump you
are using. Being patient, as practice makes perfect! Seeing as you
do not need to use both hands for this method, it may be worth your
while nursing your baby on the other breast.
Hand-expressing:
Start by encouraging milk flow, by gently massaging your breasts or
applying a warm face-cloth over the area. Place your hand on the
breast concerned, with your fingers on the underneath part of the
areola, and your thumb along the top part of the areola. Gently move
your fingers backwards, squeezing your thumb and fingers together,
repeating this ryhthimical motion to start the milk flowing.
As soon as you have completed the task or obtained the correct
amount of milk needed, place it in the fridge, where it will keep
for 24 hours. Breastmilk can also be frozen, but should be defrosted
at room temperature, and used immediately.
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