How To Express Breastmilk

Breastmilk provides your baby with all the nutrition they need to grow in the first 6 months. Expressing breastmilk could give you a bit of flexibility, and help dad and other caregivers get more involved with feeding. Check Whānau Āwhina Plunket's information on expressing and storing breastmilk. 

Watch a video about hand expressing.

Hand expression is a useful skill for any nursing mother.  It can relieve breast fullness, stimulate milk production, and provide milk for your baby.

The Mama Aroha app provides information about many aspects of breastfeeding. It includes information on the importance of breastfeeding, support for breastfeeding skin to skin, supply and demand feeding, what to expect, feeding cues, latching and positioning, hand expressing and milk storage. Check out how to use the app (PDF, 1.73 MB). 

This app provides information about various aspects of breastfeeding - from how to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, through to the first few days and the early weeks. In provides guidance on common issues such as latching and positioning your baby, hand expressing and breast care. In addition, the app has information on more unusual issues such as breastfeeding twins and early babies (premature), and frequently asked questions around breastfeeding such as medicines, contraception and smoking when breastfeeding.

Check SmartStart to find breastfeeding support services in your area.

If you are worried about how your baby is breastfeeding, ask for a breatfeeding assessment. Your midwife or lead maternity carer (LMC) will know who to refer you to in your area. You can also talk to a PlunketLine nurse on 0800 933 922. Calls are free and PlunketLine is available 24/7. They'll do an assessment and can book you an online appointment with one of Whānau Āwhina Plunket's lactation consultants. These breastfeeding consultations are free and available for all breastfeeding women - even if Whānau Āwhina Plunket isn't your WellChild provider.

Check this website for detailed information about expressing milk for premature babies. The first milk you produce after your baby is born is called colostrum. If you need to express milk at this stage it is best done by hand. During the first week, as your breasts feel fuller, you may choose to continue expressing by hand or to use a pump. Your midwife can show you how to express breastmilk.

For a premature baby, breastmilk is especially important to prevent damage to baby's immature digestive system. Breastfeeding can be a challenge if your baby is very small, or has other health problems but with perseverance, knowledge and help, you and your baby will soon learn all the skills you need. 

A leaflet to provide parents of premature babies with information about expressing breastmilk in both the short and long term.