DEFINITION

This topic provides information about expressing breastmilk by hand and storing it for later use. For information about expressing milk using a breast pump, see the Breast Pump topic on the Healthpoint.

DESCRIPTION

EXPRESSING MILK BY HAND
- You will need a plastic bowl or jug with a pouring lip, a plastic container with a lid for storage and a clean towel. Sterilise this equipment before starting.
- Wash your hands before starting.
- Gently massage your breast from the top outer edge and towards the nipple. Do this several times. A warm shower or placing warm, wet towels on your breasts may help the process.
- Place a towel under the breast and hold the plastic container with one hand ready to catch the milk.
- Relax and gently grasp the outer edge (areola) with your thumb and forefinger.
- Press gently inwards towards the centre of your breast, squeezing the fingers together. Repeat.
- Make sure all the milk collecting ducts are emptied by moving your fingers around the areola.
- The flow of milk usually stops after 5-10 minutes. When this happens, repeat this process on the other breast.

STORING, FREEZING AND THAWING BREASTMILK
Storing: Collect and store expressed milk in sterilised plastic bottles or bottle liners. Label the bottle with the date and approximate time. Breast milk should be stored at refrigerator temperatures for no longer than two days. After this time, it should be thrown away. Storage for longer periods or at colder temperatures causes the milk to lose antioxidant activity.
Freezing: When freezing breast milk, make sure the bottles or liners are no more than three-quarters full (to allow for expansion). Write the current date on the bottle. Breastmilk can be kept frozen for 3 months in a two-door refrigerator/freezer and two weeks in the freezer section of a one door refrigerator. Freezing breastmilk can cause the milk to lose antioxidant activity.
Thawing: To thaw breast milk, run warm water over the bottle or stand the container of breastmilk in a bowl of warm water. Use what is needed and return the unused portion to the refrigerator and use within 12 hours. Do not use the microwave to thaw breastmilk.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) There is a Breastfeeding Diet available on the Healthpoint.
2) If you need some sterilising solution ask your Pharmacist for suggestions.
3) Your Pharmacist has a selection of teats and containers to store your expressed milk.

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