expressing milk using a breast pump

Once your milk has “come in” you may find it easier to use a breast pump, either manual or electric. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding use, cleaning and sterilization.

How to use a hand pump

• Stimulate the nipple by hand and start the flow by hand expressing.
• Place the pump shield centrally over your nipple and press it firmly into your breast.
• Use the pump gently but quickly at first - this helps with the let down reflex and mimics what your baby does when they first start a breastfeed.
• Once the milk is flowing use a slower speed but stronger suction.
• There should be no pain or discomfort.

How to use an electric pump

Double pumps are recommended for longer term expressing. It has the benefit of being time efficient and also helps with your milk supply. For mothers of twins or other multiples it is also recommended.

Expressing milk by hand

Using your hands to express your breast milk often takes a little while to master. Some women find that hand expressing their milk comes naturally; others find it an awkward and slow process. Many women find it is initially frustrating and tedious, but after being shown the proper technique and practising, they eventually get the knack. Being able to hand express is a useful skill to have. However, if you are finding hand expressing frustrating, tiring or unproductive, you may wish to try using a breast pump. A breast pump may also be a better option if you are needing to express for every feed, or you may choose to hand express at some times, and use a breast pump at others. 

The advantages of hand expressing are: 

• It costs nothing.
• It is convenient, no breast pumps to prepare, or sterilize.
• It can be done anywhere, any time.
• It can be used to express small amounts of milk to relieve overfull breasts (for comfort) or to gently rub milk onto sore nipples.
• It involves skin to skin contact, which stimulates a greater milk production and helps to trigger a let-down reflex.