To avoid engorgement, after returning to work, or to boost milk production, many new mothers choose to express their milk. It’s a great way to keep feeding your baby breast milk while gaining more flexibility. However, this practice raises many questions: When should you express milk? How do you do it? How can you organize yourself to pump? In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions!

Why express your milk?

The reasons for expressing milk are many, but they should never be a source of embarrassment, discomfort, or guilt. It is your choice and whatever your reason, it’s valid.

A premature or sick baby

If your baby was born prematurely or is ill and therefore needs to spend time in the hospital, your midwife may advise you to express your milk—either to feed your baby, because your milk supports their immune system, or to stimulate your lactation if you wish to breastfeed after hospitalization.

An absence or sharing responsibilities

After you return to work, for an appointment, or simply when you need some time for yourself, expressing your milk can be very convenient. You don’t have to worry about getting back in time to feed your baby, while still allowing them to enjoy the benefits of your breast milk . By expressing your milk, you also give your partner the opportunity to share mealtimes with your little foodie. It’s a great way for them to build a connection.

During a prolonged separation from your baby, expressing your milk can also help prevent engorgement, which can lead to discomfort.

Your decision

You don’t need to be away from your baby or have a medical reason to prefer pumping rather than nursing at the breast. Expressing milk is a form of breastfeeding. . You may also prefer to breastfeed at home and pump when you’re out, or you may prefer to offer a bottle of your milk. The choice is entirely yours.

Donating milk

You can choose to donate your milk to a milk bank that will distribute it to hospitalized babies whose mothers are unable to provide milk. Ask at your maternity ward or speak with your midwife, who can refer you if the experience interests you.

When to pump your milk?

When you express your milk depends on your situation. If you exclusively pump, you can decide when to do so based on what works best for you. However, if you also breastfeed at the breast, you’ll need to adapt to your baby’s rhythm and feeding schedule.

When to pump milk for the first time?

There is no strict rule for the first time you express your milk. If your baby is hospitalized, you may be encouraged to start expressing very quickly. Using a breast pump provides stimulation equivalent to a baby's sucking . This helps maintain or increase milk production.

Expressing milk before or after a feed?

The ideal time to express your milk is in the morning, because after the night, your reserves are at their highest . Breastfeeding professionals recommend feeding your baby upon waking and then expressing your milk. In addition, regular pumping helps your body get used to producing more milk at that time, which can support your supply.

How to express your milk?

In the past, when women wanted to express their milk, they used manual expression. In some cultures, this is still practiced today. In Western societies, milk expression is more commonly done with a manual breast pump or an electric breast pump, which makes it easier to collect larger quantities.

However, you should be very careful when choosing the nipple size , meaning the small cup that fits over the breast and nipple and helps mimic a baby’s sucking. The flange size is crucial for both comfort and pumping efficiency.

Expressing milk with a manual breast pump

The manual breast pump has both advantages and disadvantages. First, it is much more compact than most electric breast pumps. It is also very easy to use. However, it is not reimbursed by social security, and some models offer only one flange size. A manual breast pump is not intended for daily use, but rather as a backup solution when you’re out and about.

Expressing milk with an electric breast pump

There are two types of electric breast pumps: mini-electric and traditional. The mini electric breast pump is compact and discreet. It is available as a single pump (one breast) or a double pump (both breasts simultaneously). Some models run on batteries for portability. However, these models are not reimbursed by social security and can be quite expensive.

The classic electric breast pump can be rented from a pharmacy with a prescription that can be renewed during your baby’s first year of life. It is therefore reimbursed by social security. However, in some pharmacies, the models may be a bit outdated, so don’t hesitate to ask ahead of time; they are larger and often a little less effective.

These two types of breast pumps can be chosen for daily use .

What are the optimal conditions for expressing milk?

To express your milk effectively, here are some recommendations you can follow:

• Good hygiene : Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid any risk of contamination when handling the breast pump. The same goes for your breasts: make sure they are clean, just as you would for nursing at the breast.

• Hydration and nutrition: Expressing milk is a form of breastfeeding, so hydration and nutrition during breastfeeding are important to help you replenish your energy.

• Get comfortable: Gather everything you need to express your milk and then settle into a comfortable position so the experience feels pleasant for you. As with nursing, the good position is essential.

• Stimulate lactation: In addition to pumping consistently, you can stimulate your supply through skin-to-skin contact with your baby—or even by looking at a photo or video of your little one if you’re at work, for example.

How to organize yourself to express your milk?

Expressing milk requires a bit more organization than breastfeeding, but with a bit of practice , you’ll quickly find your rhythm. And if you don’t, no pressure—talk to your midwife or a lactation consultant. They can help you find a solution.

How many times a day should you pump your milk?

It depends on how much milk you need. If you express milk occasionally, once a day may be more than enough to build up a stash—or even less. However, if you pump daily, it’s recommended to express your milk several times a day. If you’re separated from your baby, breastfeeding professionals recommend 6 to 8 pumping sessions per day on both breasts. The important thing is to adequately stimulate lactation and prevent engorgement .

How long to pump milk?

For simultaneous double pumping, the average time is about 15 minutes, or 30 minutes if you pump one breast and then the other. Listen to your body, knowing that ideally, you should wait until your breasts are fully drained . These times are approximate, and the duration depends on you. The main thing to remember is that the more you stimulate milk production, the more you will produce. Consistency in both frequency and duration is key.

Storing your milk when expressing milk

When you express your milk, it can be stored for 1 hour outside the refrigerator. In the refrigerator, it can be stored for 3 days at a temperature of 4 °C or below, and for 6 months in the freezer at a temperature of -18 °C or below. To preserve it, it’s similar to when you prepare a baby bottle : there are a few hygiene rules to follow to prevent bacteria from multiplying .

To thaw breast milk, avoid using the microwave, as the heat can be uneven and breast milk is sensitive to high temperatures. Instead, use a bowl of warm water and place the container of milk in it.

Expressing milk at work

It is entirely possible to combine breastfeeding and work. In fact, articles L1225-30 to 33 of the Labor Code set out your right to breastfeed at your workplace . You are entitled to 1 hour per day, divided into two 30-minute sessions, to express your milk. In addition, if your company has more than 100 employees, it must provide women who wish to do so with a suitable, quiet, and comfortable space to express their milk.

Expressing milk takes a bit of organization, but once you’ve established your routine, you’ll enjoy combining the benefits of breastfeeding with the convenience that a bottle can sometimes offer. In particular, you’ll be able to share feeding with your partner and enjoy full nights of sleep and slow mornings!