The timing of when you start to express your breast milk, and the method you choose, will depend on the reasons you need to express. The following is a guide as to when you may need to start expressing.
The first 2 to 4 days
After the milk comes in, up to 2 weeks
First 2 to 6 weeks
After 6 weeks
First 2 to 4 days
This is before the mature milk 'comes in' and there is mainly
colostrum in the breasts. Colostrum is a clear, or creamy yellow, substance that is syrupy in consistency. It contains many anti-infective agents (called 'antibodies') that support your baby's immune system. The main reason you would need to express milk at this early stage is if your baby is unable to feed for some reason. This may be because they are unwell and/or premature, or you are unwell and separated from your baby for a period of time. Some women will also attempt to express a few drops of colostrum in the early days, to encourage their baby latch on the breast, when breastfeeding.
Expressing your colostrum helps to stimulate your milk supply to 'come in' if you are unable to breastfeed. However, if you need to express your colostrum, you usually need to hand express because a breast pump is not recommended until after the milk 'comes in'. You should try to express about 4 to 6 times in a 24 hour period, at this early stage. This does not need to be strictly every 4-6 hours. You may express 3 to 4 hourly during the day, then sleep 6 to 8 hours overnight.
Be aware that it can often be difficult for many woman to hand express colostrum. It is normal to only to get a few drops out at one time (a teaspoon's worth is a lot). Some women cannot express any colostrum at all. Don't worry about this. It is very normal and does not mean that you do not have any colostrum in your breasts.