Breastfeeding Guide: Expressing Breast Milk

Mothers express their milk for several reasons:

- Reduce the feeling of swollen breasts

- To improve lactation in the first months

- To feed a sick or premature baby

- To replace a feed when they are away from baby

How do I prepare to express my breast milk?

Important: 30 to 40 minutes before pumping, drink a large glass of water.

Read your breast pump's instructions. Wash your hands thoroughly. Find a place where you can relax and sit comfortably to support your back and shoulders.

Center the breast shields securely over your nipples. Press them lightly against your breasts to create a cushion of air. You're ready to begin.

How can I make the most of my breast milk?

Very strong suction does not necessarily allow you to express more milk.

Set your breast pump to the highest suction that's comfortable for you. And no harder: pumping shouldn't hurt.

Expressing milk is not like sucking through a straw.

With a straw, the more you suck, the more liquid you will get.

When you express your milk, it is thanks to the physiological ejection reflex that you obtain the maximum amount of milk. Without a physiological ejection reflex and therefore without milk ejection, most of the milk remains in the breast.

How long should I pump my breast milk?

This is something to discuss with your lactation consultant or midwife.

In most cases, 10 to 15 minutes per breast is sufficient.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M USING THE RIGHT SIZE BREAST SHIELD?

Generally, mothers are comfortable with the standard size. If you're having trouble expressing milk, or if you're experiencing pain even with a weak suction, you may need a more custom-fit nipple shield.

A larger or smaller breast shield will make you more comfortable.

Breast shield size is checked while pumping . If you see space around your nipple in the tunnel of the breast shield, you are using the correct size.

If your nipple sticks or rubs against the edges of the nipple shield tunnel, the shield is too small.

If the areola is sucked into the breast shield , the breast shield is too large.

If in doubt, make an appointment with your breast pump rental company, your lactation consultant or your midwife.

WHEN SHOULD I EXPRESS MY MILK?

If you are at home and your baby is full: morning is when you have the most milk.

Otherwise, pump 30 to 60 minutes after feeding and at least 1 hour before the next feeding , to save milk for baby's next feeding.

If your baby wants to breastfeed after you've pumped, breastfeed. Babies are patient and will breastfeed longer in this case to get the amount of milk they need.

If you are pumping for a baby who is not breastfeeding, plan to pump 8 to 10 times a day. This is until your milk supply is fully established , which is 700 ml to 1 liter per day. Do not leave more than 5 hours between pumpings.

Then, when lactation is properly established, you will be able to sleep for 8 hours without feeling sore breasts. Most mothers manage to maintain their lactation with 6 to 7 feedings per day.

How much breast milk can I expect to express?

It depends:

- the age of your baby

- the time that has passed since the last feeding

- the practice you have with your breast pump

- your physical condition.

If you pump for a missed feed , you can expect to get the value of a full feed.

When bottle-feeding, babies often take in more milk than you can express at one time. Use a nipple, a low-flow horizontal bottle, to help your baby consume only what they need.

For more information and personalized advice, see your midwife or lactation consultant.

We also invite you to discover the valuable advice and expert services for expressing your milk from Madame Tire-Lait.