Expressing your breast milk
A breastfeeding mother may have to express her milk in certain cases, such as:
- Your baby is unable to attach to your breast or is not sucking effectively.
- Your milk supply is low and you need to stimulate more milk production.
- Your breasts feel lumpy, and expressing your milk will help to reduce or avoid mastitis.
- Your breasts are firm, and expressing your milk will help to soften them and your baby to attach.
- Your nipples are damaged and attachment is painful.
- Returned to work.
- If you are separated from your baby, e.g., the baby is premature or sick, or you are unwell, then it is better to express milk every 2-3 hours a day by using hand expressing or a manual or electric pump to maintain
your milk supply. - You need to maintain proper hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water before expressing your milk or feeding your baby.
