We all know that breast milk is the best thing for your baby, but there are circumstances that can prevent a mother from breastfeeding her baby, such as illness, prematurity, attachment issues, having to be away from her baby. It is still possible to feed your baby breast milk despite these obstacles. Expressing allows many mothers continue to feed their babies breast milk long term. It can be hard work and will need dedication from mum but it is possible to soley express for many weeks and even months.
Early days
Most new mothers hope to breastfeed their babies, but sometimes there are situations where you can't physically breast feed your baby, you may be unwell or you may have had a pre-term baby who needs special care.
- In hospital, the midwives are able to help with expressing those first few precious drops of colostrum.
- Expressing should start soon after birth.
- The midwives will show mum how to hand express, the best method before the milk comes in, or if the mum is too ill, a midwife is able to do it for her.
- At first there will only be a very small amount of thick, yellow colostrum produced. Once the milk comes in, it's a lot easier to use a pump.
- A new mum's milk usually comes in 3-6 days after birth. If a mum is solely expressing it may take a little longer.
Hand, manual pump or electric?
At first, expressing from hand is an easy way to extract breast milk. It's also a great skill to have if you're ever caught short. After a while, it's much easier to use a pump. Manual pumps are affordable and easily available. They are also easy to use. If, however, you're planning on expressing long-term, an electric pump may be more effective and efficient. It's possible to hire a hospital grade electric pump for around $30 a week. If you're thinking about expressing long-term, you may want to invest in buying one.
How often?
To keep up a good supply of breast milk, you'll need to express at least six times in a 24-hour period, about every 3 to 4 hours. At first you will also need to express overnight too to ensure a good supply, just as your baby would wake to feed. The best way to express:
- Find a comfortable, private spot where you won't be interrupted
- Have a photo of your baby close by or, if possible, have your baby near you
- Have a glass of water handy as expressing can make you thirsty
- Pump for around 15 - 20 minutes on each breast.
- To save time, you may like to double pump, which is pumping from both breasts at the same time. Some experts suggest that it may be beneficial for your supply too.
On ice
Its a good idea to pump extra milk and keep your supply above what your baby needs. This way you can freeze some milk for when your baby has a growth spurt and needs a little extra or if you need to be away from your baby for a length of time. Pumping a bit extra will also be good for your supply.
As the months roll on
As you continue to express, you'll find the the length of time between pumping can increase and how often you express will start to decrease. You may find that you're able to easily and quickly express large amounts of breast milk at any one time.
Returning to work
After successfully breastfeeding in the early months, you may decide to return to work or take more time away from your baby. It is possible to combine work and feeding you baby breastmilk. Expressing feeds for while you're away is the best way. Start off by expressing just after you've fed your baby and slowly build up a bank of milk. Then you can stop a feed and express instead. By law, workplaces must offer you a clean and quiet place to express breastmilk and a fridge to store any milk you express, check this out with your employer before you return to work.
By expressing the feeds you'd normally give your baby you'll have plenty of milk for your baby. You may find that your baby will like a big cuddle and feed from you once you return home. This will also help in keeping your supply up.
Seeking support
Long-term expressing can be hard work and you will need plenty of support from your partner and family. Explain to them why you have chosen to feed your baby this way.
You can also seek support from your local early childhood centre, they usually have a lactation expert on staff you can answer your queries.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association is able to offer support and advice, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpine on 1800 686 268.
Read more articles about expressing and feeding your baby
This article was written by Corinne Draper.
Last revised: Monday, 21 November 2011
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.