It can be difficult to find time to express your breastmilk when you are juggling a busy schedule. You’re not the only one who struggles to find time for pumping breastmilk, but don’t fret, you aren’t alone. You don’t need to spend hours expressing your breastmilk if you are returning to work or trying to create a freezer stock.
This guide was designed for the supermum, who is busy and multitasking while also trying to keep everything else in order. We’ll give you practical time-saving tips for expressing breastmilk and simple routines that will make expressing your breastmilk an easy part of your busy schedule. You should be able to feed your baby without any problems.
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When might I need to express breastmilk?
You’ve decided to use breastmilk for expressing! It doesn’t matter if it is an occasional necessity or part of a regular feeding routine; the skill of expressing breastmilk, just like breastfeeding, takes some practice. Some parents can express from the start, while others take time to find out what is best for their child and them.
You can ask yourself this question: Do I need to express my milk? When you are breastfeeding well and all is going smoothly, the idea that you would have to introduce pumps, bottles and sterilising gear may seem like an extra burden you’d prefer to avoid. It’s perfectly fine! Not everyone needs to express.
There are many situations in which expressing yourself can be a very useful or even necessary part of your parenting arsenal.
Why you might choose Occasional Expression
You can express milk for many reasons.
1. A Bit of Freedom
It’s a wonderful experience to bond with your baby, but you don’t have to do it alone. It’s possible to express to your partner, grandparent or close friend during a bottle-feed. You are also able to take some time alone, whether you’re going for a dental appointment, yoga class or a quiet stroll around the block.
2. Sleeping Catch-up
Let’s be honest – newborns suffer from sleep deprivation. You can express a need in advance if you need more than two hours of sleep.
3. Temporary Medication
Some medications can’t be taken while breastfeeding. Your doctor may suggest “pump and dump” to maintain milk supply until the medication is cleared from your system.
4. Give Sore Nipples A Break
Expressing is a gentler option to breastfeeding for those with cracked, sore or bleeding nipples. This is especially true if your baby’s latch exacerbates the problem. By using a manual hand pump or a manual breast pump, you can give your nipple time to heal while still maintaining your supply.
Manual Pump or Hand Pump: Which is better?
Some parents express milk occasionally using a manual expressing pump, while others prefer to do it by hand. Hand-expressing is a useful skill, especially in the early stages when small amounts of colostrum may be needed or in an emergency without a pump.
Manual pumps are easy to use, lightweight and do not require electricity or batteries. They’re perfect for occasional or travel use. Manual pumps can make some parents feel more relaxed and connected. They also help with milk flow and let-down.
It can take a while to get used to hand expressing, so you may want to ask a friend, a naturopath, or a lactation consultant to help.
When it Breast Pumping become a Routine?
Some parents may only express occasionally, while others need to pump every day or multiple times a day. Here are some common reasons why parents express regularly:
1. Returning To Work
When parents are preparing to go back to work, they often start expressing milk regularly. It allows your baby to receive breastmilk even while you are away, and it helps maintain your supply. This requires a consistent schedule for expressing during working hours.
2. Increasing Milk Supply
Regular expressing, especially after breastfeeding, can stimulate your body into producing more. Breastmilk is a product of supply and demand. The more milk you remove, the more your system signals to produce.
3. Feeding an Unwell or Premature Baby
In the first few weeks, some babies may not be able to feed from the breast. This is especially true for premature or sickly babies. While they are gaining strength, they can still benefit from breastmilk by expressing.
4. Exclusive Pumping
Some parents choose to exclusively bottle-feed and pump their babies for a variety of reasons. These include latching problems, trauma in the past, or personal preferences. Exclusive pumping requires full-time dedication and is a time-consuming commitment. However, many families find that it’s a rewarding and effective alternative to breastfeeding.
Electric Pumps for Regular Usage
If you intend to express frequently, an electronic breast pump will be the best choice. They come in both single and double versions with features like adjustable suction, closed-system hygine, and multiple speeds to mimic the baby’s natural sucking pattern.
Double electric pumps let you express milk from both breasts at the same time, saving you time and increasing your overall milk production. Some models offer memory settings, app connectivity and quiet modes to pump discreetly.
Electric pumps may be more expensive, but they can often be worth the cost if you use them regularly.
What You Need to Know about Expressing?
Here are some tips that will help you, whether you express daily or only occasionally:
1. Output Doesn’t Equal Supply
Remember that the amount of milk you pump does not necessarily translate into how much your baby gets when breastfeeding. The milk that babies produce is much more effective than any other pump. Don’t worry if you don’t get enough milk when you express. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re low on supply.
2. Routines Help
Try to express at the same time each day if expressing is a regular part of your routine. This consistency will help you regulate your supply and reduce the chance of engorgement. Some women find that they can even pump while nursing their baby. This helps them to save time and maximise output.
3. Relaxation and Let Down
You can trigger let-down by thinking of your baby, watching videos or photos, or having something smell like them near you. Relaxed and comfortable will make a big difference in your success when pumping. Your body may not release as much milk if you are anxious or tense.
4. Milk Storage Guidelines
The breastmilk is alive and must be stored properly. As a rule of thumb:
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Safe for up to 4 hours at room temperature (up to 25degC).
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Safe for up to 3-5 days in the fridge (at 4degC).
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Safe for 3 to 6 months in a refrigerator (-18 °C).
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Safe for 6-12 Months in a deep freeze (-20degC).
Label containers with date and time, and use the oldest product first. Refreeze milk that has already been thawed.
5. Sterilising Equipment
Before use, all bottles, milk storage containers, and pump parts should be cleaned and sterilised, especially during the first few months. It protects the immature immune system of your baby from bacteria.
What if you can’t pump much?
Please don’t get discouraged. Your body may take some time to adjust to the pump. These strategies can help:
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Every day, Express will run at the same time.
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Make sure you have the correct size flange (breastshield)
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Use gentle massage and warmth (like a heated compress) before expressing.
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Create a quiet, calm environment
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Try “power-pumping” — pumping in short bursts for an hour to simulate feeding clusters.
A lactation consultant will be able to provide you with valuable, personalised advice if you are still worried about your output and your baby’s intake.
Breastfeeding Employees
You can still express yourself when you’re away from home. Some workplaces offer private pumping areas and breaks for breastfeeding employees. Several items will make it easier for you to pump outside of the home:
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Cooler bag with ice packs
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Additional storage bags and containers
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Pumping bra with hands-free
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Wearable or portable battery-powered pump
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A discreet cover, if desired
Plan to ensure that you can express yourself without too many interruptions.
The Emotional Side of Expressing Breastmilk
Expression can bring about a variety of emotions, including pride, relief and frustration. The constant cycle of pumping can be exhausting for some people, or even isolate them. You’re not the only one who feels overwhelmed by expressing. Support is available. Joining an online or offline breastfeeding or pumping group can offer both practical advice and emotional support.
Remember that you can provide your baby with breastmilk in any quantity. You are showing your baby love by feeding them breastmilk, whether you exclusively feed, occasionally pump, or mix it with formula.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to express breastmilk regularly or occasionally, and still nourish your child while giving yourself more flexibility. Finding the right routine and equipment can be a trial-and-error process. With time, patience and support, this can be a rewarding part of parenting.
It’s important to trust yourself and go at your speed. Remember that breastfeeding is more than just feeding your baby. It’s a form of relationship. It doesn’t matter if it happens at the breast or in a bottle with expressed milk. The bond is still built on love, care and comfort.
