Breast Milk Storage/Expression Advice

Successful Breastmilk Expression

Expressing milk is very simple and easy, you will soon get used to expressing your milk. However, you may need to try a few times before you succeed initially.

1. Try not to express when you are rushed. Choose a time when you can relax, free of interruptions.
2. Let-down can be encouraged by having your baby, or a photo of your baby, nearby.
3. Warmth and relaxation can encourage milk flow.
4. Try expressing after a bath or a shower.
5. Try expressing from one breast while your baby is feeding from the other, or continue expressing straight after a feed.

If you experience difficulties with breastmilk expression please consult your breastfeeding advisor.


Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

UKAMB 2nd Edition April 2001

1. Storage Containers should be clean and sterilised before use
2. Breastmilk should be kept at room temperature for as short as time possible and refrigerated immediately after expression
3. Breastmilk can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 hours
4. Breastmilk stored in a refrigerator should be used within 48 hours and stored at a temperature of 2 - 4ºC
5. Breastmilk that has not been used within 48 hours should be stored frozen at -20ºC for a maximum of 3 months.


Expressed Breastmilk Defrosting and Warming

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling breastmilk
2. Defrost expressed milk in the fridge. If needed quickly defrost under cool, then warm running water.
3. Dry the outside of the container with paper before use

DO NOT USE A MICROWAVE TO DEFROST OR WARM EXPRESSED BREASTMILK. IF THE EXPRESSED MILK SMELLS SOUR DISCARD IMMEDIATELY


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