How to express breast milk effectively to have a good source of milk for your baby

For many reasons it is not possible to breastfeed directly, you must express milk for your baby. What effective breastfeeding method can you apply? Did you know that even though you don't breastfeed your baby often, you can still maintain this precious source of milk. 

Expressing milk is the way to remove milk from the breast. While the general basic principles of milking are to stimulate and put pressure around the breast to allow milk to flow from the nipple, there are notable differences in technique depending on the type of vacuum or in in case you use your hands to squeeze.

5 basic principles when expressing breast milk

Breastfeeding can be considered an art. To learn this, it will take a lot of time. Therefore, when milking, do not forget the following basic principles:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Wash the teat funnel and bottle with warm water and bottle sanitizer solution. Then dry with a towel or let dry.

Read the directions carefully for proper cleaning.

Express when you feel your breasts feel full . Breastfeed on one side and one side to express milk. If your baby is not feeding, you can express milk.

If you go to work, you can practice bottle-feeding. If there is a problem with breastfeeding, take your baby to the doctor right away.

You should express milk every 3 hours and then store breastmilk for later use. Alternatively, you can also express milk for 10-15 minutes during your break. This activity will help maintain your milk supply. Breastfeed your baby at night or on holidays to maintain milk supply and bond with your baby more.

3 simple ways to express breast milk

1. How to express breast milk by hand

To begin, place your hand on one side of the breast, with your thumb and forefinger opposing each other around the areola. Press hands against chest: gently press together your thumb and index finger while pulling slightly forward, don't let your fingers slide onto the nipple. Repeat the above rhythmically to initiate the flow of milk, alternating hand positions so you can stimulate all the ducts. Repeat with the other breast, rubbing between squeezes as needed. Repeat with the first breast, then back to the other side.

To collect the expressed milk, use a wide-mouth cup placed under the breast. While expressing milk from one breast, you can catch the dripping drops from the other breast by placing a small bottle inside your bra. Expressed milk should be poured into a storage bottle or bag and cooled as soon as possible.

2. How to express breast milk using a hand pump

Follow the instructions of the breast pump . You can moisten the outer edges of the funnel with water or breast milk which will ensure better suction, but this may be an unnecessary step. The scent should surround the nipple and areola, with all nipples and breast tissue (also known as a milk cup). You should use the short, quick type on the suction tip to mimic the act of sucking tight. Once you have a flow of milk, you can switch to long-term stable pumps.

3. How to express breastmilk with an electric vacuum

Please also follow the machine's instructions. The dual pump might be more ideal as it saves time and increases milk production. You can moisten the outer edges of the suction face to ensure good suction. Begin to suck slowly, minimally, and increase gradually as milk begins to come out if necessary. If your nipples are sore, keep the vacuum on lower. You can see which breast is more milk when you double pump, because each breast functions independently.

Milk production and baby's needs

Did you know, the production of breast milk is maintained completely for 6 months after birth and meets the daily nutritional needs of your baby. In the first weeks, babies often suckle a lot and develop very quickly. Girls usually gain about 30g a day while boys increase more. From 3-4 months after birth, the baby's growth will slow down. If your baby gains weight rapidly at this stage, it will easily lead to obesity . On average, a mother produces about 600 - 900ml of milk a day. Children from birth to 6 months take about 600 - 900ml per day, each time they drink about 90 - 150ml.

Tips to help mothers promote milk reflexes down when expressing

You may feel a slight sharp pain in your chest while expressing. The milk down reflex is a conditional response because the hormone oxytocin affects the cells around the follicle to contract and push the milk out. Some tips to help stimulate the milk's down reflex:

Express milk in a warm, quiet, comfortable and distraction-free space. Take a deep, slow breath. Before milking, you can also drink a glass of hot water and listen to soothing tunes. Take a warm bath or wash your face with warm water is also helpful.

Gently massage the breasts. Use the palm of your hand or the edge of your finger to stroke your chest, toward the nipple. Gently roll the nipple between your fingers.

Think of your baby when expressing milk, this will help the milk flow more.

Ask for the help of your husband or family members. Many mothers often have more milk when comforted and comforted by their spouse.

Above are the common ways to express breast milk, wish moms successful implementation. Besides, mothers should also refer to the article " 19 effective ways to pump breast milk but surprisingly simple ".

aFamilyToday Health  does not offer medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.