Expressing breast milk is a way for working mothers to provide their babies with the nutritional benefits of breast milk while maintaining their work schedules. In this blog post, we will discuss everything a working mother needs to know about expressing breast milk, from the methods to the proper storage and thawing procedures.
Methods for Expressing Breast Milk
There are two methods for expressing breast milk: manual expression and pumping with a hand or electric pump:
1. Manual Expression
Manual expression is the process of removing milk from your breast by hand. This method requires an understanding of the proper technique and may take more time to accomplish, but it can work well for some mothers.
2. Pumping
Pumping is another option for expressing breast milk, and can be done using a hand pump or an electric pump. A hand pump is a simple and inexpensive option, but it requires more effort and can be tiring if used frequently. An electric pump, on the other hand, is more efficient and can remove milk more quickly, making it a better option for exclusive pumping.
Storage of Expressed Breast Milk
Once breast milk has been expressed, it should be properly stored to maintain its quality and to ensure that it remains safe for the baby to consume.
1. Refrigeration
Expressed breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. Store the milk in clean bottles or containers with tight-fitting lids.
2. Freezing
Breast milk can be frozen for longer-term storage in a freezer compartment at zero degrees Celsius. It can be stored for six to twelve months in the freezer. Make sure to label the container with the date of expression to ensure that the milk that has been frozen longest is used first.
Thawing of Breast Milk
When it is time to use the expressed breast milk, it is important to properly thaw it to ensure that it maintains its quality and safety for the baby.
Thawing in Warm Water
To thaw the milk, place the container in a warm water bath, making sure that the water does not exceed 37 degrees Celsius. Once it has been thawed, the milk should be used within 24 hours and should never be refrozen.
Expressing breast milk is an excellent way for working mothers to provide their babies with the same nutritional benefits that they would receive from breastfeeding directly. Whether through manual expression or pumping, storing the milk in the fridge or freezer, and thawing it properly, it is possible to provide babies with the best possible nutrition even when the mother is unavailable.
