A guide to pumping and storing breastmilk for new mums

Baby is here, and you have spent the first few weeks getting to know each other, and breast milk flow is established. You do however have a full time job, and for those mums who don’t have to return to work soon, there is a concern about wanting to ensure they are able to go out sometimes without baby. For some mums, pumping is necessary as early as in the first few days of life for one reason to the other. Here is a guide to help make this just a little easier

Before Pumping

Wash your hands with soap and water

Make sure all pump parts ( breast shield aka flange, bottles, tubing) are clean and dry

Find a clean comfortable space- you might want too have a place where you regularly come to pump- it should be comfortable because stress can affect your milk flow

Tips for maintaining pumping

Pump at the same time each day of possible- this consistency helps maintain milk supply

If baby is not breastfeeding, aim for 8 to 10 pumping sessions in 24 hours including at night for the first few weeks

Massage breasts gently before and during pumping to help milk flow- firm gentle pressure

Pump until the flow slows and breasts feel soft- usually 15 to 20 minutes

Storing Breast Milk

Fresh milk can be stored in room temperature - up to 25 degC for up to 4 hours , but if previously frozen and thawed in the fridge (advised) should be used within 2 hours

In the Refrigerator, fresh milk can last up to 4 days- never store fresh milk in the refrigerator door, it must be inside the main compartment

Fresh milk can be stored in the freezer at -18degC or colder for up to six months

Milk is best stored in small amounts - 60-120 mls to avoid waste

Do not overfill storage bottles or sachets- leave about 2-3 cm at the top to allow for expansion when frozen

Always label your milk bags/containers with date and time

Use BPA-free bottles or breastmilk storage bags- no, you can’t just store milk in any clear plastic!

Warming and Using Stored Milk

It is best to thaw frozen milk in the fridge overnight or by placing a properly sealed container of milk in a bowl of warm- not hot- water. Microwaves should never be used to heat milk because they can cause hot spots, burn baby, but also they destroy nutrients in the breast milk.

Best you swirl gently, not shake to mix separated fat

Once warmed- USE WITHIN TWO HOURS and NEVER REFREEZE

Remember the Golden Rule- First In, First Out- always use the oldest milk first- your dates will help- keep a rotation system in the fridge/freezer.

Remember also that stored milk may look creamier on top, with a lighter colour beneath: it is still good as long as it was properly stored.