Expressing

• To express breast milk by hand, wash your hands, and then use your palm to cup your breast, placing the thumb above the nipple. Massage your breasts to stimulate the flow, and compress and release your nipple to express. Make sure you’ve got a sterilie container to collect your expressed milk.  
• To express milk using a manual pump, ensure the horn you're using is the correct size for your nipples and creates a seal for proper efficiency. Then use the handle to express at the pace that’s most comfortable for you.  
• To express milk using an electric pump, ensure the horn you're using is the correct size for your nipples and creates a seal for proper efficiency. Then select your desired mode to stimulate the flow and express your breast milk. 

Parents can express breast milk in a variety of ways, by hand, with a manual breast pump, or using an electric breast pump. 

No matter which type of pump you choose, they all work in pretty much the same way. They express milk from your breast by mimicking the action of your little one suckling around your nipple and areola. 

Electric breast pumps express breast milk in a cycle of around 50 to 90 sucks per minute, just like a baby! If you opt for a manual hand-held pump, you're in control and the pace of expression will be down to you. As you express your breast milk, it's then collected in the pump’s container and can be transferred to a sterile bottle, pouch, or bag to be stored for use later.  

It can be tricky to know how and when to start expressing milk, so let's run through some advice and top tips for pumping success. 

Can I start expressing breast milk while pregnant? 

During pregnancy, you can hand express milk known as colostrum and store it in the freezer in oral syringes to give to your baby once they arrive. 

You should never use a breast pump during pregnancy and always discuss hand expression during pregnancy with your midwife or health care provider first. They can help you decide if it's right for you and your baby and help you get started safely. 

Before you start expressing breast milk 

You can choose to express breast milk with a breast pump or by hand. Whichever method you choose, there’s a few things you can do to help make it easier: 

• Find a quiet and comfortable place and think about what else will help you feel relaxed. Maybe some calming music will help? 
• Keep everything you need close to hand - a sterilised breast pump and container, a drink, snack, your phone, the TV remote, and something to help you focus on your baby if they're not there with you (perhaps a photo, video or even their blanket). 
• Make sure you've washed your hands and then get comfortable. 
• You're trying to emulate the sensation of your baby nuzzling as they feed, so if you’re expressing by hand, gently massaging your breast, including the nipple area, can help to kick start your breastfeeding hormones. 

Expressing breast milk via a pump?

If you're using a breast pump for expressing, there’s a few extra steps you'll need to consider before starting: 

• Clean and sterilise all parts of your breast pump before each use. 
• Assemble the pump according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
• Store expressed breast milk in a sterile container. Using pre-sterilised pouches is a great idea as you can express directly into them and then just pop them in the fridge or freezer - no decanting, no mess, and no waste! 

How to express breast milk 

Find our clear instructions for expressing breast milk, whether by hand or pump. 

How to hand express breast milk 

Hand expressing breast milk means that you can encourage milk to flow from a particular part of your breast. This can help if one of your milk ducts is blocked. 

To express breast milk by hand: 

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. 
2. Use the palm of your hand to cup your breast, with your thumb positioned above the nipple. 
3. Compress and then release your nipple. Do this until your breast milk starts flowing. 
4. Continue until the milk flow stops on the breast and then repeat the cycle on the other breast. 
5. Once you've completed the cycle on both breasts, remember to store your breast milk in a sterile container. 

How to express breast milk with a pump 

1. When you're expressing breast milk, start by making sure your breast is fully in the horn of the breast pump. You need to create a seal to get things working efficiently. 
2. If you're using an electric pump, begin slowly at first while ensuring that the pump is in the correct position and feels comfortable. You should be able to see the breast milk flowing into the attached bottle. If you can't, it's worth trying to adjust the pump to get a better seal on your breast. 
3. While you're expressing, use one hand to massage your breast from the armpits towards the nipple. 
4. Be sure to express until the milk flow stops on each breast. How long this will take can vary for every mum, and even from one day to the next. Don't worry if you only get a little milk through, everyone is different, and it’ll get easier. 
5. If you're having problems expressing breast milk, you might like to try something called breast compressions while you're expressing. It’ll help to stimulate additional let-downs and thoroughly drain your milk ducts. 
6. After expressing milk from one breast, repeat the cycle on the other. 

Top tips for expressing milk 

Choose a comfortable place and position to express 

It could take a while to get a good amount of breast milk from your pump, especially if you're just starting. So, grab a snack and a glass of water as hydration is important, and find a comfortable spot, pop on an episode of your favourite TV show or podcast, and relax! Pumping shouldn't hurt. If it does, you can try adjusting the size and/or position of your pump's horn/flange. 

Keep connected to your baby 

Oxytocin (the hormone that triggers your let-down reflex) is produced when you watch, touch, smell and think of your baby. Keeping them close, practising skin-to-skin contact, or looking at photos of them if you're away from home can all help when it comes to expressing breast milk. 

Take it slow 

If you've opted for an electric breast pump, you might see the highest setting and think that's the best way to get a good amount of milk. But taking your time and getting into the correct position might be a better idea to express your milk effectively. You don't want to feel rushed or stressed, so give yourself plenty of time! 

Try a little massage 

Lots of people find that they're able to express more breast milk if they massage as they pump. You can buy special breast massagers or do it by hand! 

Multitask by pumping both breasts at once (or pump while breastfeeding) 

If you have a wearable or double pump, you can express from both boobs at once! And a single pump means that your baby can feed from one breast, while you catch let-down and express from the other. 

Don't forget to let your breasts rest 

Breastfeeding and expressing breast milk is hard work, so it's important to take care of yourself and remember to take regular breaks. We've gathered some tips to help you deal with painful nipples should you experience any pain while feeding. 

Ask for help 

Expressing breast milk isn't plain sailing for everyone. Don't be afraid to ask your midwife or health visitor for advice and support if you're struggling. 

Hand expression vs pumping: Pros and cons 

When deciding whether to hand or pump express breast milk, we always recommend opting for the method that works for you. But here’s some pros and cons to both to help you make a decision: 

Hand expression pros 

• You don’t need any equipment 
• It’s gentler on the breasts, with greater control 
• Ideal for collecting small amounts (including colostrum) 
• Helps relieve engorgement fast and effectively 

Hand expression cons

• Can take some practise 
• Slower and less efficient when collecting large amounts 
• Can become tiring to the hands  

Pump expression pros

• Quick and efficient when collecting a lot of milk 
• Convenient when regularly expressing 
• Hands-free options available 

Pump expression cons

• Equipment requires cleaning and sterilising 
• Can be noisy 
• Can feel uncomfortable if you don't use the right sized horn or insert 
• May reduce skin-to-skin stimulation compared to hand expression