Breastfeeding, 0-3 months
The line between expressing and breastfeeding isn't as clear cut as you might think. These are the ways that mums around the world use expressing to support them while they breastfeed.
Relieve engorged breasts
Shortly after birth, your breasts will go through a 2-4-day adjustment period called engorgement. Although it's a natural part of the milk-making process, it can sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable. Many mums turn to expressing by hand during this time as a way to gently relieve their breasts before a feed. This helps to get your milk flowing and makes it easier for your baby to latch on by softening the areola.
Tip: Your breasts—as clever as they are—can easily slip into over-production if you express too often. You can prevent this from happening by only expressing enough milk to soften your areola, and no more. And if you find engorgement lasts more than a few days, do check in with a lactation consultant.
When you're away
Whether you're returning to work or planning some time out with friends, expressing milk allows you to give your baby breast milk when you can't be there. Aim to leave no more than 3-4 hours between expressing sessions or breastfeeds to maintain your milk supply.
Tip: Start expressing a few weeks before you're actually away. That way, you'll build up a small supply in your freezer, give yourself time to become confident at expressing and allow your baby to get the hang of drinking from a bottle.
Increase your milk supply
Some mums need to increase their milk supply and expressing can be useful here, too. To stimulate your milk supply, try expressing at the end of a regular feed so that you're able to drain any milk your baby didn’t need.
Tip: Cluster expressing is an alternative strategy used by mums to increase their milk supply. It involves expressing for ten minutes every hour for several consecutive hours. Keep in mind that it's not actually about getting a big volume of milk at each expressing session; the benefit of cluster expressing comes from regularly stimulating your breasts to generate more milk in the long run. As always, hold off if you feel any tenderness.
Occasional pumping
Even if you're not planning on getting help with night feeds or spending time away, many nursing mums find it comforting to have some extra milk stored away. Breast milk will last (in a sterilized container) for up to 5 days in the fridge (at 4 degrees or lower)1 and 6 months in a freezer that has a separate door to the fridge.
Tip: Make sure you keep track of what's in the fridge and freezer by labelling each bottle with a clear expiry date.