how to express breast milk

You can express milk by hand or with a breast pump.

1. Get ready everything you need: sterilised breast pump or container, a drink – and a photo of your baby which may help your milk to flow.
2. Wash your hands, find a comfortable position, and relax.
3. Gently massage the breast including the nipple area to stimulate the breastfeeding hormones before you start to express.
4. Then you can either use a breast pump or continue to express your milk by hand.

Cup your breast with the palm of your hand, then place your thumb just above your nipple. Compress and release the nipple until milk begins to flow.

Do this for about 5 minutes or until the milk flow stops, on each breast. Then go back and repeat again. Collect your milk in a sterile container, remembering to label it with the date and time.

• Sterilise all parts of your breast pump before each use.
• Assemble the pump according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Start to express slowly at first, ensuring that the pump is in the correct position and comfortable.
• Pump for 5 minutes or until the milk flow stops on each breast.
• Repeat the cycle again on both breasts.
• Collect your milk in a sterile container, remembering to label it with the date and time.

Remember you are only trying to express milk from just behind the nipple, so strong suction is not necessary. Good breast pumps will aim to mimic your baby's sucking action and should not cause pain, so if it hurts to use the pump, stop and seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Expressing successfully does need a bit of practice, so relax, take your time and don't worry if things don't go to plan straight away. It is important to find a routine that suits you, and if you are unsure in any way, ask for help from your healthcare professional.

The amount you express can vary from mother to mother. It may be as little as 5ml or as much as 200mls. As breast milk is so precious, every drop counts and storing it in small quantities allows you to use as much or as little as you want. An ideal way is to use a large sterilised ice cube tray. Each compartment holds about 25mls or 1 fl oz. Alternatively you can freeze your milk in individual feed quantities of 60-125 mls (2-4 fl oz).

Facilities needed for expressing at work

• A clean, warm room with a low, comfortable chair. If the door cannot be locked you can put a sign on it to ensure privacy. You may want to discuss with your employer which room you could use, such as the First Aid Room. The toilet is not a suitable place.
• An electric point for an electric pump if necessary.
• Hand washing facilities nearby
• A hygienic area where you can clean your pump and store your sterilising equipment
• A fridge for storing milk. If this is difficult, a well-insulated cool bag is an alternative. (for more information, visit our storing breast milk page)

These facilities are not always available and a creative and flexible approach to how you express breast milk may be needed.