Expressing Breastmilk And Safe Storage

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There are several techniques you can use, hand expressing breastmilk is an option as well.

The reasons for expressing breastmilk are varied. Some mothers find it convenient, even necessary if they are working.

Wash and dry your hands

Make sure the flange on your pump is the right size for you and not too large or small as this may cause pain

Make sure your nipple is in the centre of the flange

Read the manufacturers information on how high to have the vacuum because if it is too high can cause pain

Once milk has been expressed store in refrigerator

Pour milk into a sterilised container with date and time on the label

Breastmilk can be stored

In a refrigerator for up to 3 days at 4 degrees or lower

Without refrigeration for 6-8 hours if the temperature is less than 26 degrees

Frozen in the freezer of a refrigerator that has a separate freezer door at -18 degrees for up to 3 months

Frozen in deep freeze -20 degrees for 6-12 months

Always store breastmilk in the back of the refrigerator, and not the door

Stand the bottle of breastmilk in a container of warm water for a few minutes

Before feeding baby check the temperature by letting a drop fall onto the inner side of your wrist

Never microwave breastmilk

Discard any warmed milk that has not been finished

Use an insulated esky with a freezer pack

If frozen milk remains frozen then put into the freezer immediately

If some of the milk has thawed then put into the refrigerator and use within 4 hours. Do not refreeze it

If the milk has never been frozen, then you can either store it in the fridge or freeze it