Pumping breast milk

Normally it is not necessary to pump out breast milk. But you may need it if:

• You want to stimulate/increase the production of milk
• Your nipples become very sore when breast feeding, breast pumping can help the milk flow, so the baby does not suck so hard at the nippel.
• Your breasts are very tense so that your baby cannot latch on properly
• You are separated from your baby
• Your baby is too weak to suck

You may use the hand, a manual pump, or a milking machine. If you choose to use a pump or a machine, you can read its enclosed instructions.

Pumping breast milk by hand is gentle and effective. At the same it stimulates the let-down reflex and the production of milk. Thus, it is a good idea to practice pumping breast milk before the milk has run down and while the breast is still soft. It may be nice to be familiar with pumping breast milk before possible complications could arise.

If you would like to know how to pump the breast milk manually, continue reading this information.

1. Use a clean container if you want to use the milk afterwards. It is best if the container is made of plastic in order for the milk fat not to stick to the inside of the container.

2. Try to relax. Breathe deeply and think about your baby.

3. Make the milk running. Try for example to massage the breast gently against the nipple (possibly in small circular movements), to stimulate the nipples between your thumb and index finger, or to lean forward and shake the upper body gently.

4. If you like you can take a hot shower or do something else that you think is nice.

5. Lean forward and support or lift the breast if possible by placing a hand flat on the thorax just below the breast.

6. Place your thumb above – and the next two fingers below – the nipple, on the edge of the brown area. 

7. Press your fingers against the breast, towards the chest.

8. Pinch your fingers together around the milk chambers – and let go. Pinch and let go. Pinch and try to copy the suction rhythm of your baby.

9. Continue until the milk stops running down to the breast. Move the hand around in order to reach all of the milk chambers inside the breast. If you like use the other hand. 

10. Repeat point 2-10 for as long as you need.

11. If you like try to pump out on both the breasts simultaneously. 

12. Be patient and remember to breathe, even if it fails in the beginning.

You can store the milk if the container is clean

• 3 days in a refrigerator by 5 °C
• 3-6 months in a freezer by -18 °C

Freeze the milk in small portions because defrosting milk cannot be re-frozen.

Let the milk defrost by room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Defrost breast milk, that has not been heated, can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 day.