Sometimes a breastfeeding mother will need to spend some time apart from her baby. She may choose to express milk to be given in a bottle instead of using formula while she is away.

Mothers may also need to express if their newborn is unwell or premature and has to be fed through a gastrointestinal tube for a period of time.

These women, whose babies might be absent while they are expressing, may find that looking at a photograph of their child helps while expressing. Others hold a hot water bottle or a blanket that smells of their baby.

Expressing can be done by hand or with an electric or hand-held pump.

If the mother plans to express for a long time she could hire a hospital grade pump. These tend to be the most effective option for many women.

If a pump is to be used, the mother should ensure that it is clean, and follow the instructions carefully.

Others find that expressing by hand works best for them. In summary, the mother first massages her breast and then gently squeezes above the nipple area using a regular rhythm until milk starts to flow. This may take practice to get right but it shouldn't hurt.

Breast milk can be stored in a sterile container for five days in the fridge (not in the door), for two weeks in the freezer section of a fridge, and for six months in a freezer.

Some women find expressing very difficult. Producing only small amounts of milk should not lead to concern that supply is generally low.

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