Pumping and Storing Breast Milk

Pumping and Storing Breast Milk    WWW.HEALTHYBARN.COM

breast milk is essential if you want to continue breastfeeding. You might want to pratice breast pumping a week or two before you return to work. You can try pumping just after your baby eats, or you can pump your breasts between feedings. If you need advice on picking a breast pump,

• Wash hands well with soap and water 
• Wash all the collecting bottles and breastpump parts that touch your breasts or the milk. Use hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Rinse carefully. Air dry on a clean towel.If your baby is premature or ill, the hospital may ask you to sterilize your pump parts. 
• Read the instruction book that comes with your pump and follow the suggestions. Sterilize your pump parts once a day as described. 

If you plan on returning to work, pumping and storing breast milk is essential if you want to continue breastfeeding. You might want to pratice breast pumping a week or two before you return to work. You can try pumping just after your baby eats, or you can pump your breasts between feedings. If you need advice on picking a breast pump, you can visit my breast pump buying guide. 

How to pump and store breast milk: 

Employed moms can help their baby learn to take a bottle once breastfeeding is going well. It is best to wait for 3 to 4 weeks to introduce bottles. If you are having problems breastfeeding, ask for help. Begin to pump to store milk 1 to 2 weeks before returning to work. Many employed moms use the fresh milk they pump at work for feedings the next day. They refrigerate Friday’s milk for use on Monday. Save your frozen milk for emergencies.Pump 3 times during an 8 hour work shift, or every 3 hours you are away from your baby. Ten minutes of pumping during breaks and 15 minutes of pumping during lunch with a good pump will help protect your milk supply. If you can’t pump 3 times, pump as much as you can during each day. Breastfeeding in the evening and over the weekend helps your milk supply and protects your special bond with your baby.

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines


Pumped breast milk should be cooled in a refrigerator or other cooler as soon as possible. The milk can also be frozen if you aren't going to use it right away. The following are some general breast milk storage guidelines: