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Gynaecology and obstetrics

Expressing breast milk

Expressing breast milk—manually or with an electric breast pump—may be a temporary solution if your baby is unable or not allowed to breastfeed and you still wish to provide breast milk.

Tips to successfully express breast milk

  • Get enough rest. Stress due to fatigue and tension will reduce the milk production.
  • Create a quiet environment for expressing. Request any visitors present to leave the room.
  • Have something to remind you of your baby while expressing. Placing one of your child’s cuddly toys or a photo of your baby nearby may help if they cannot be there.
  • Apply heat to your breasts just before you begin expressing. Warmth stimulates the milk secretion and is especially beneficial for engorgement (hard breasts).
  • Wearing a nursing bra is not strictly necessary, but it is practical. If you wear one, it should provide sufficient support but not pinch.

Manually expressing breast milk

In certain cases, it is necessary to manually express breast milk. It is important for every breastfeeding mother to know this technique and how to apply it.
Last edit: 26 September 2023