The breastfeeding mom’s guide to expressing milk

6 min. read

Even when you can’t be there, you can make sure your little one has nutritious breast milk by using a breast pump. It might be that you use a breast pump to continue breastfeeding if you’re returning to work – or you just want some more flexibility around feeding time.

Not sure where to start with expressing milk or when to start pumping? Don’t worry ­– we’ve put together a quick guide on how to express milk and the benefits of using a pump. We’ll also give you tips for pumping away from home, how to maintain your milk supply, and how to store breast milk safely.

When should I start pumping?

Most women start to express milk after six months, but there might be circumstances when you need to get going earlier.

If you’re eager to start pumping as soon as possible, the answer to the question ‘when can I start pumping?’ is within hours of birth. Some moms find expressing milk useful in the beginning, especially if their baby is having trouble latching, as this helps to start their milk supply.

Once they’ve established breastfeeding, some moms find it useful to express milk so their partner can help with night feeds, or if they’re returning to work.

There’s no specific rule about when to start pumping, so you can choose any starting point that suits you. Whatever your needs, you can think of expressing milk as a way to breastfeed with more flexibility.

How to express breast milk: common questions

How long should I pump? How much milk should I be pumping? What equipment do I need? Every mom has questions, but it’s easy to get the hang of expressing milk once you start.

A lot of moms find that a breast pump is the easiest answer to the question of how to pump breast milk. Different breast pumps may function slightly differently, so do read the instruction manual. And remember, it may take a minute or two of pumping before your milk starts flowing – so don’t panic if you don’t see milk right away!

Not sure how long to breast pump for? If you have the time, try to pump until your breasts are fully emptied. Every woman is different, and timings will vary.
 

How much milk you’ll be pumping can depend on when you last breastfed and how much practice you’ve had. Even how relaxed you are and the time of day can affect your milk supply. If you’re struggling, check out our tips on boosting milk production – generally, the morning is considered a good time to pump. Whilst you’ve been sleeping, the hormones that help produce milk, increase.

Breastfeeding as well as expressing? Leave at least an hour between pumping and your next breastfeeding session – you want to make sure there’s some milk left for the baby! When breastfeeding, take as long as you need to ensure that your infant is left feeling full and satisfied. Use the pump to ensure breasts are empty and store any extra milk.

How to express breast milk: pumping tips

Whether you’re expressing milk at home for a night feed or expressing at work, there are some key pumping tips to keep in mind to help things go smoothly.

1. Plan ahead. If you know that you’ll be away from your baby, bring a breast pump into your daily routine a few weeks beforehand. You’ll start a supply of milk for your baby and get used to using a breast pump.

2. Equip yourself. You may or may not be aware of what’s known as the let-down reflex, which stimulates the flow of milk by triggering the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the breast to secrete milk which can then be expressed. The hormone can be triggered in a few different ways, including seeing your baby. Many moms find it can help to have a photo of their baby on hand if they’re expressing away from home. And you might also like to use breast pads to protect your clothing from milk when you’ve finished expressing.

3. Find a comfortable place. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to express milk. Find a quiet and private space, and don’t be afraid to add personal touches with things like lighting and music. It’s also a good idea to look for seating with plenty of support so you can sit upright. It’s easier to get your milk flowing this way.

4. Pump as many times as you would feed. To maintain your supply, be sure to pump milk at least as many times as you would normally feed. So, if you would normally feed three times during the time that you’re away, then pump milk at least three times.