Obviously the best and most pleasant way to remove milk from your breast is by feeding your baby, but there may be occasions when this is not possible and you need to express your milk:

• your baby is premature or unable to suck well
• your baby is in hospital and you can't be there for every feed
• you are in hospital and your baby can't be there for every feed
• you have returned to the paid work force, study or other commitments
• you are leaving your baby while you are out 

Many mothers like to keep a small store of breastmilk in the freezer for emergencies. If you have an abundant supply, you could always donate your milk!

There are several techniques you can use to encourage your milk to let down while expressing.

• Consciously try to relax, using whatever method suits you. Try to express in a quiet, warm, relaxing area, away from distractions. While expressing, breathe slowly and deeply. You could express in the place you usually sit to feed. Warmth (expressing after a warm shower, warm face washers on the breast for a few minutes before starting) may also help.
• Thinking about your baby or looking at a photo of your bundle will encourage your let-down reflex. If she is premature or sick in hospital,you might find it easier to express near her crib or just after you leave her.  
• If you’re at work in a less than ideal environment, don’t worry! Its very do-able! I express in a busy changing room, and have done in a car, in a loo (not the most pleasant!)…. Once your body gets used to it and you do too, it becomes second nature. Just the thought of the good it does your baby helps a lot!

How much you need to express depends on your reason for expressing. If it is to reduce engorgement when you have too much milk, you need only express enough to feel comfortable. Some girls who are expressing regularly can quickly get 90 - 120ml from both breasts every three to four hours. Others simply cannot express such big volumes at one time, and find it easier to express small amounts more frequently. A few girls find it difficult to express, although they have a good supply. Not to worry!

Methods of expressing

• Manual expressing
• Manual pump
• Single electric pump
• Double pump

Expressed milk can be pumped into a pre-sterilised bottle, cup or presterilised bag (medela/ lansinoh - available in most chemists) - these bags are very handy and fit onto the pump. Your pump should have bottles with it with a screw top that will attach to the pump.

Once expressed, the container should be sealed and refridgerated at 4 degrees or if possible, frozen.

Medela do a very good travel bag that fits 4 bottles, a pump and an ice pack (all included) - called the "Medela City Style" no less..! but you can very easily (and more cheaply) make your own..

(We recommend you sterilised the pump and receiver until your baby is 6 months, although some people do believe there is no need at all, others think its necessary until the age of 1. ) 

Heating expressed milk shouldnt be necessary - but should be brought to room temperature from either frozen or refridgerated.