You might want to hand express breastmilk because:
- it can be used to help your baby attach to the breast, especially if the breast is engorged
- it can help to boost your milk supply
- it is great for small amounts such as your colostrum
- it can be used to clear ducts if they are blocked
- it is free and you don’t need any equipment
- you would like someone to help with feeding your baby
To express milk by hand, it is important to stimulate the breast by gentle stroking, this helps the milk to flow. A warm compress can help too. Rolling your nipple will also help.
Place your finger and thumb about 2 to 3 cm away from the base of the nipple in a 'C' shape. Using this ‘C’ shape, squeeze and release without moving the position of your fingers. It may take a few minutes for the milk to appear. Collect the milk in a sterile container. When it stops in one area, rotate your fingers and try a different part of the breast. When the milk slows, swap to the other breast.
| Breast milk | Place | Maximum time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh breast milk or colostrum |
At room temperature Fridge at 5-10 degrees C or unknown temperature Fridge at 4 degrees C or below |
6 hours 3 days 5 days |
| Frozen breast milk | Freezer at -18 degrees C or below | 6 months |
| Defrosted breast milk |
If defrosting in the fridge If defrosting out of the fridge |
Normally takes 12 Hours, use as soon as defrosted Use as soon as defrosted |
For more information about expressing and storing breastmilk, visit The Breastfeeding Network.