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7. When to express milk
1) If possible, wait until your milk supply and breastfeeding schedule
are well established, normally at least 2-4 weeks after birth, unless
told otherwise by your health professional or breastfeeding advisor.
2) The exceptions to the above are:
a) If you are expressing milk for your baby to be given in hospital.
b) If your breasts are engorged (painful or swollen), you can express
a small amount of milk before or between feeds to ease the pain
and to help your baby latch on more easily.
c) If you have sore or cracked nipples, you may wish to express your
milk until they are healed.
d) If you are separated from your baby and wish to continue to
breastfeed when you are reunited, you should express your milk
regularly to stimulate your milk supply.
3) You will need to find the right times of the day for you to express
your milk, e.g.
a) Early in the morning when your breasts are full, just before or
after your baby’s first feed.
b) After a feed, if your baby has not emptied both breasts.
c) Between feeds, or on a break if you have returned to work.
8. Hints to help you succeed
Using a breast pump takes practice – you may need to make several attempts
before you succeed, but because the breast pump is so simple and natural to
use, you will soon get used to expressing your milk.
1) Choose a time when you’re not rushed and won’t be interrupted.
2) Having your baby or a photograph of your baby nearby can help
encourage ‘let-down’.
3) Placing a warm cloth on the breasts for a few minutes before you start
pumping can encourage milk flow and soothe painful breasts.
4) Warmth and relaxation can encourage milk flow. Try expressing
after a bath or shower.
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