Express Yourself: Breastfeeding Your New Baby. Breastfeeding your new baby doesn’t have to be difficult. I know that some mamas cannot breastfeed and I almost could not either! Thank God for breast pumps!
If you want to start expressing breast milk but are not sure how or what to use, then here is a quick guide to expressing milk to make this process a little clearer for first-time Moms or Moms who want to give breastfeeding a try.
Breastfeeding Your New Baby
As you know, breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for your baby and when it comes time to change to a bottle, you can still provide your little one with breast milk by expressing.
This means you can let your partner take over feeding duties – which will help with bonding – or enable you to return to work with the knowledge that your baby will still be fed with breast milk. It is also a great option if your baby isn’t sucking well or your breast is uncomfortably full of milk.
It is possible to express by hand with many women saying they find it more comfortable, but the majority of women choose a breast pump to aid with expressing.
Different pumps suit different women so it is important to consider your breast size when choosing a pump. Kidsco reviewed the best breast pumps, so they could help you with choosing the right one for you.
Expressing milk is also a trained art form, so don’t be disheartened if it takes you a few attempts to get it right. Although seemingly a simple action to perform, different variables can make a big difference in the amount of milk that is expressed.
Things such as stress or a cool temperature can have a negative effect on your milk production so if it just isn’t happening; think about other factors that may be affecting it.
How To Store Breast Milk
Once you have mastered the action then you need to know how to store your breast milk for future use. In a sterilized container you can store breast milk:
- In the fridge at 4˚C or lower – Up to five days
- In the ice compartment of a fridge – Two weeks
- In a freezer – Up to 6 months
If you have chosen the frozen method then it is best to defrost the milk in the fridge and then use it immediately. Do not use a microwave to heat the milk, as this may cause hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth.
It is also suitable for cold – if your baby will take it this way – but you can heat the milk in lukewarm water to keep the milk at body temperature. Here is more info about storing your breastmilk.
As with most things to do with your little one, it is up to each Mom to decide what is best for her baby. If you feel like Breastfeeding Your New Baby then good for you! If not, no biggy! Don’t forget to check out my recipe for frozen bananas and breastmilk popsicles for your teething baby!
Lisa Sicora says
Thanks for the great post! Every new mother should have some of the info. you’ve provided!
Lorien says
Thankfully, there are great online resources to help with pumping in particular and breastfeeding in general. My favourite go-to website with evidence-based information is http://www.kellymom.com. The facebook page for Kellymom is also fantastic for urgent issues. Good for you for nursing your cute little guy!
Monica P says
I wish I would have had this info with my first! Great post, thanks!
Dana says
I plan to breastfeed as well and this is really good information!
Maryann D. says
This is terrific information that you provided. I wish I knew more when I was nursing my children. I especially like the info on how to store the milk.
Ginger G. says
Very informative, thanks!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I know a few people that have frozen their breast milk. I formula fed, so I didn’t have to worry about it.
Kim Delatorre says
I freeze what I pump sometimes too, when I know I will be away, I try and get a stock pile going!
Maria Iemma says
I was not able to breast feed but my daughter did and it was a wonderful experience. Since she works she would express
Kim Delatorre says
The breast pump has saved my milk supply!
Denise@TogetherWeSave says
I was not successful at this either but I know it is much better for babies. I wish I had tried harder with the pump to make it work.
Kim Delatorre says
sometimes is just does not work and that is okay! At least you tried hon!
Marcie W. says
Although I wasn’t successful at breastfeeding, I think it’s wonderful that so many women have the option to safely store their milk for their little ones.
Kim Delatorre says
I know. I exclusively breastfeed from only ONE side and pump exclusively from the other due to some things going on. It is hard, but so worth it. But I was almost not able to with my kids either!
Sandy VanHoey says
My oldest daughter use to freeze hers so they always had in on hand
Kim Delatorre says
I do this too! For ‘just in case’!