Collection of Breast Milk for Storage

This topic came up at our Moms MoBap Morning meeting the other day.  Michelle and Crystal were wondering how and when to begin this process in preparation for their return to work.  

First of all, you can start collecting anytime after breast milk production is well established.  Many mothers begin around the third week after birth depending upon when they plan to return to work.  Expression of milk for storage should be done in the morning hours when we typically have more milk.  Always feed baby first so he gets what he needs.  It is important that you choose a time when things are quiet and you can relax.

1) Always wash your hands before you begin.

2) Expression may be done manually (by hand) or with a breast pump.

   A.  If you are expressing manually, choose a clean collection container with a wide opening (like a bowl or wide mouth jar).  Place your thumb on top and index finger below your breast.  Keeping your fingers apart, move them into place over your areola (the brown area surrounding your nipple) to about ½ inch behind where the nipple and areola meet.  Step 1, keeping your fingers in place and apart, push into your breast (toward your ribs).  Step 2, gently squeeze your fingers together as you roll them toward your nipple.  Do not slide your fingers over your skin.  Step 3, release the squeeze but keep your fingers in place.  Repeat these 3 steps over and over at a comfortably rapid pace.  Practice aiming your milk as it begins to stream into the collection container (you can see why a wide opening is helpful!).

   B.  If you are using a pump, be sure to adjust the suction control to its lowest setting.  Then, as you pump, turn it up gradually to the highest level that is comfortable.  If you are using a double electric pump, wrap your hands around the flanges as you hold them to your breasts.  This will help to maintain a good seal and allow you to massage your breasts with your thumbs.  This will increase your output.  Do not be concerned if only small amounts of milk are obtained at first.  Over time, your output will increase.

   C.  Helpful Hint:  For a mother whose baby often takes only one breast per feeding, expression may be done on one breast while baby feeds on the other.  This takes advantage of the natural milk ejection reflex where milk flows freely toward the nipple and can be easily collected.

Remember that expressing your milk should never hurt!

3)  Milk may be stored in various types of containers including polypropylene BPA-free bottles, polyethylene bags or glass.  There are containers available for purchase specifically designed for breast milk storage.  Here are some guidelines for storage:

   A. Freshly expressed milk can be kept at room temperature if it will be used within 4-6 hours.

   B.  It can be stored in the refrigerator and used within 7 days.

   C.  If it will be frozen, store it in portions of 1, 2 and 3 ounces.  Until you get an idea of how much baby will take in a feeding, you won’t have to waste milk left in the bottle.

   D.  Because milk expands when frozen, leave an air space between the milk and the top of the container.  We wouldn’t want it to burst and be spoiled!

   E.  Milk should be stored in the bottom and back of the freezer, never on the door.

Michelle and Crystal, I hope this helps.  Next week I will chat about handling of stored breast milk, so keep an eye out!