Expressing and storing breast milk: by hand and by pump

Expressing milk is handy for some families when returning to work, being apart from the baby or supporting breastfeeding. For others, it may never be needed. Both are normal. Here we cover hand and pump expressing, hygiene and storage.

For difficulties while breastfeeding, see the Guide article “breastfeeding problems and solutions”, and for the first days, “starting breastfeeding”.

Before you start

• Wash your hands with soap.
• Make sure the container and pump parts are clean.
• Sit somewhere comfortable; thinking of your baby, looking at a photo or a warm shower helps the flow in many people.
• A gentle breast massage and a warm cloth can help the first let-down.
• Expressing should not hurt; if it does, stop.

Hand expressing step by step

Hand expressing needs no equipment and is useful for collecting colostrum in the first days.

1. Place your thumb and forefinger opposite each other at the edge of the areola (the dark area around the nipple), forming a “C”.
2. Gently press your fingers back towards the chest wall.
3. Then squeeze the fingers towards each other, without sliding, and release.
4. Repeat rhythmically; when drops begin, collect them in a clean container.
5. When flow slows on one side, switch to the other, alternating several times.

For most people the first tries take practice; be patient.

Types of pump

• Manual pump: light and quiet, suited to occasional expressing.
• Electric single pump: practical for regular expressing.
• Double electric pump: expresses both breasts at once and saves time when returning to work.
• Hospital-grade pumps: may be hired in some areas.

Flange size matters: one that is too small or too large can cause discomfort. Ask your midwife or a lactation consultant if needed. Do not use a second-hand pump.

Hygiene

• After each use, take apart all parts that touch milk.
• Wash in hot, soapy water and rinse well; sterilise from time to time as the maker advises.
• Air-dry on a clean surface.
• If milk gets into the tubing, clean it following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Storage times

Storage times can differ slightly between sources; the values below are broadly in line with the NHS and CDC:

• Room temperature: up to about 4 hours (some sources allow a little longer in a cool room)
• Fridge (4 °C or below, at the back, not the door): ideally within 4 days (some sources allow longer; fresher is safer)
• Freezer (−18 °C): around 6 months

Cool milk as soon as possible after expressing. Freezing in small portions (60–120 ml) reduces waste.

Thawing and warming

• Thaw frozen milk overnight in the fridge.
• For faster thawing, stand the container in warm water.
• Do not use a microwave; it heats unevenly and hot spots can scald the baby.
• Use thawed milk generally within 24 hours and do not refreeze.
• Throw away any milk left after a feed.
• Separation into layers is normal; swirl gently.

Labelling

Write on each container the date and time expressed (and your baby’s name if going to nursery). Use the oldest milk first.

When to contact your doctor

• A hard, red, warm area of the breast with fever or flu-like symptoms (possibly mastitis)
• Severe pain that does not settle during expressing, or cracked or bleeding nipples
• Blood or pus in the milk
• If you are worried that your baby is not feeding enough
• High fever, shivering or feeling very unwell: call 112 (in Turkey) or your local emergency number

Frequently asked questions

When should I start expressing? There is no single right time; most families start once breastfeeding is established. Ask your midwife if you are unsure.

I get only a little milk when I pump. Is that low supply? The amount you pump is not a measure of what your baby gets at the breast.

This text is for information; storage times may differ slightly between sources, so ask your health professional about your situation.