World Breastfeeding Week: Experts share tips for expressing and storing breast milk

Here are expert-approved tips and guidelines for expressing and storing breast milk effectively.

Choose the right time: It is advisable to express milk when the breasts feel comfortably full but not engorged.

Find a relaxing environment: Stress and tension can impede milk letdown. Create a calming atmosphere before expressing, as this helps to trigger the milk ejection reflex. Find a quiet room to encourage a smooth expressing experience.

Massage and warm compresses: Gentle breast massage and applying warm compresses before expressing can help better stimulate milk flow and make it easier to empty the breasts effectively, said Dr Vandana Sarkar, senior lactation consultant, Apollo Cradle and Children Hospital, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi.

Pump both breasts simultaneously: If using a double electric pump, simultaneously expressing from both breasts can save time and boost milk production.

Use clean containers: Ensure the containers you use for storing breast milk are clean and specifically designed for this purpose. BPA-free bottles or breast milk storage bags are safe choices.

Store in small portions: It’s best to store breast milk in small quantities, such as 2 to 4 ounces per container. This way, you can thaw only what your baby needs, reducing the risk of wasting precious milk, mentioned Dr Sarkar.

Here’s what to keep in mind about expressing breastmilk and storing it (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Refrigeration: Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours as the nutrients get depleted. Place it at the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most consistent. Avoid mixing milk: If you have milk from different expressing sessions, avoid mixing them unless they are of the same temperature. Instead, store them in separate containers and feed in the order of expression. You should label with time and date of expression of milk, said Dr Sarkar.

Dr Ashwini Bhalerao Gandhi, consultant, gynaecologist, P D Hinduja Hospital Medical Research Centre, Mahim, Mumbai also shared a few pointers

*Wash hands thoroughly before expressing breast milk to maintain hygiene.
*Use a clean and sterilised breast pump or manual hand expression technique. Manual technique is easy and less cumbersome. Your doctor can guide you for the same, said Dr Gandhi.
*Label each container with the date and time of expression.
*Breast milk should not be boiled as the antibodies are destroyed.
*Dispose of any unused milk after 24 hours in the refrigerator or 4-6 months in the freezer.
*Always follow the recommendations of a healthcare professional regarding expressing breast milk and feeding schedules.

“Remember, each mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique, so it’s essential to consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for personalised advice and support,” said Dr Gandhi.

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