How to hand express milk and use a pump: Your guide to expressing milk

5 min. read time

Breastmilk is both nutritious and comforting for your baby. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by up to 64% and overall infant death risks by as much as 40%², in addition to improving both your health and your baby’s.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months¹, but what happens if your baby struggles to breastfeed, or you need to return to paid work? Expressing breastmilk is a great way to ensure your baby continues receiving the nutrition and support your breastmilk provides.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about expressing breast milk including:

Why do people decide to start expressing milk?
When can you start expressing breast milk? A guide to timing factors for expressing breast milk
How to hand-express milk in 10 steps
How to pump breast milk in 5 steps
Frequently asked questions about expressing breast milk

So, let’s get started. This article will help you understand all you need to know about how to express breast milk and make the most of your liquid gold.

Why do people decide to start expressing milk?

There are several reasons you may decide to start expressing breast milk including:

Some babies struggle to breastfeed due to issues such as an inefficient latch or tongue tie.
You may want to increase your milk supply.
It’s time to return to work.⁶
To give you a break, and friends or family the opportunity to take over some feeds.
Personal preference.

When can you start expressing breast milk? A guide to timing factors for expressing breast milk

Here’s our guide to the timing factors for when and how often to express:

Studies have shown that infants should be breastfed on demand, and expressing breastmilk will allow you to continue this routine.
To mimic your baby’s feeding pattern, express 8-12 times in 24 hours.
There does not need to be a set routine for expressing milk so you can fit it around your daily routine.
Aim to express at least once during the night, between 2am and 4am.
Your body releases the hormone prolactin which aids milk production at night. Expressing breast milk at least once at night can help your milk production.
When you introduce complementary food around 6 months of age, you can continue to express and provide breast milk to your baby up to and beyond their second birthday.³

How to hand express milk in 10 steps

Here is our 10-step guide to hand-express milk:⁵

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Gently massage your breast to help the milk let down.
Cup your breast with one hand.
Make a “C” shape with your forefinger and thumb.
Squeeze gently a few centimeters from your nipple.

Top tip: If you notice any soreness, do not continue. It should not be painful when you hand-express milk.
Repeat the motion, building an expressing rhythm.
It may take some time but drops of milk should appear before letdown begins and your milk begins to flow.
If your milk flow begins to slow, move your fingers to a different section of your breast, and repeat the above steps.
Continue swapping breasts until the milk flow stops.
Ensure you store your breast milk correctly to preserve your liquid gold.

What you need

Manual Breast Pump

SCF430/03

Easy express
4.4 (180 reviews)

Overall rating 4.4 / 5
View product
Breast pumps

Double Electric Breast Pump, Advanced

SCF394/62

Double

Advanced

Rechargeable battery

Includes pumping belt, bag and pouch
4 (95 reviews)

Overall rating 4 / 5
View product

How to pump breast milk in 5 steps

Using a breast pump requires 5 simple steps. Here’s our guide for how to breast pump:

Clean and sterilize your breast pump.
Wash your hands.
Place the assembled funnel over your nipple and breast.
If you have an electric breast pump, turn the pump on, starting with a low suction setting. For a manual breast pump, squeeze the handle to initiate.
Pump for 10-20 minutes or until the flow of milk stops.

Top tip: To store your milk, use the rule of 4s: 4 hours at room temperature, 4 days in the refrigerator, and 4-6 months or longer in the freezer.

Frequently asked questions about expressing breast milk

How early can I express breast milk?

You can begin expressing milk as early as 37 weeks gestation to store your colostrum ready for after birth. However, some parents prefer to start expressing their milk once a breastfeeding routine is established.

Top tip: Always check with your medical team that this is safe and appropriate for you and your baby before expressing your colostrum.

Which breast pump is best for me?

There are two different types of breast pumps, manual and electric. Below is a simple guide to choosing the best pump for expressing breast milk:

Manual pumps

Budget-friendly option
Operated by hand
Compact and portable

Electric pumps

Fast and efficient
Operated electronically
Suction strength can be adjusted

Top tip: Did you know that you can rent electric pumps? Speak to your midwife to find details of pump hire services near you.

How can I tell I am pumping breast milk in the right quantity?

The output in your baby’s diaper is the most efficient way to tell if your baby is getting enough milk. If your baby is producing enough dirty diapers and gaining weight as they should, you’re providing them with the correct amount of milk.⁴

With this guidance, you now have all the information you need for a successful journey to expressing milk.