OCTOBER 25, 2017
can you explain the different expressing methods?
Mums choose to express for a variety of reasons. Expressing milk can be a solution if your baby is having trouble breastfeeding, you find breastfeeding in public challenging, to involve dad in the joys of feeding or if you need to leave your baby with someone for a short period of time.
There are 3 methods you can use to express your milk...
1. Express by hand
This method requires you to put pressure on the milk ducts to encourage the milk to flow. You must make sure that the milk expressed is stored directly into a sterilised container. As you do not require any specific equipment this is an inexpensive option and it is worth consulting a Breastfeeding Counsellor who can advise on proper and effective techniques
2. Use a breast pump
Breast pumps work by using a funnel type device which is specially designed to fit over the nipple and areola area of the breast. Usually the pumps connect to a bottle so that expressed milk collects directly into the bottle. Breast pumps can be hand operated or battery powered and which one you choose is really a matter of personal preference
3. Use an electric pump
Electric pumps are by far the fastest method of expressing and should be considered by those who plan to breastfeed long term. Electric pumps are good for encouraging milk production and dual pumps are available. They can be expensive, but your local Breast Feeding Counsellor / Health Visitor can advise you of local places where you can borrow/hire electric pumps
With a little experimentation and practice, expressing will become second nature. Your baby can then reap the benefits of breast milk whilst you enjoy a bit of free time!
When warming breast milk take care not to overheat as this may damage some of the nutrients. Why not let yoomi lend a hand! Yoomi is the only way to return mums milk to perfect breast milk temperature without damaging any nutrients.