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Feeding your baby

Expressing breast milk

Pumping (expressing breast milk) is a way to start, maintain, or increase your milk supply — or to make sure your baby can still enjoy breast milk when you’re not around. But how do you get started? 

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about choosing the right breast pump, and how to safely store and warm your milk. 

When and why to pump

Pumping can be helpful or necessary for various reasons:

  • In the first days after birth – to help stimulate milk production.
  • When returning to work – so your baby can continue to drink breast milk.
  • To build a supply – for times when you’re away from your baby.
  • In case of engorgement or mastitis – to relieve pressure and discomfort.

You don’t have to start pumping right after birth. Take your time and find what works best for you and your baby.

Choosing a breast pump

There are several types of pumps, and the best choice depends on how often you plan to pump:

  • Manual pump: Suitable for occasional use. Compact, light, and easy to carry.
  • Single electric pump: Convenient if you plan to pump regularly, for example at work.
  • Double electric pump: Ideal for daily use, as it saves time by pumping both breasts at once.
  • Hospital-grade pump (rental): Recommended when milk production needs stimulation or if you need to pump frequently for a while.

💡 Tip: Wait to buy a pump until you know how often you’ll need it. You can often rent or borrow one from a lactation consultant, pharmacy, or breastfeeding store.

Storing and using expressed milk

Expressed milk is precious — so you’ll want to store it carefully and warm it safely.

Storage guidelines for breast milk:

  • Room temperature (max. 25°C): 4–6 hours
  • Refrigerator (4°C or colder): 3–5 days
  • Freezer (-18°C or colder): up to 6 months

💡 Tips:
– Store milk in small portions (e.g. 60–100 ml) to avoid waste.
– Always write the date on the bottle or storage bag.
– Thaw milk in the fridge or under lukewarm running water (never in the microwave!).

Summary

  • Pumping helps to start milk production, especially during the first week after birth.
  • Pumping maintains your supply when you return to work or are away from your baby.
  • Different pumps suit different needs, depending on how often you pump.
  • Store breast milk safely in the fridge or freezer and warm it gently, never in the microwave.
  • You have the legal right to pump during working hours up to 9 months after birth. Your employer must provide suitable facilities. See the next article.

Read more on these websites:

 

 

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