8.2 Frequency of Expressing
The frequency of expressing depends on
your individual situation. If you will be apart
from your baby and/or want to sustain
milk production, the natural breastfeeding
rhythm should be maintained. You should
therefore express 6 to 8 times daily,
including once during the night. In all other
cases you should express entirely to suit
your own individual needs.
8.3 Procedure
Always consult your medical practitioner
or a lactation consultant for help if you
experience any difficulty expressing.
You may express from both breasts
simultaneously (double expression) or
one breast at a time (single expression).
The below intervals are intended to
provide helpful guidelines for expression,
but vary according to the individual.
For Double Expression:
A typical session can last about 12 to 15
minutes. You should try to pump for a
minimum of 10 minutes, but no longer
than 20 minutes.
For Single Expression:
Express from each breast in turn.
• Alternate between breasts when the
milk flow slows down or ceases.
• The amount of time needed to express
milk will vary considerably from one
person to another. The following
intervals have proven effective, but times
may vary according to the individual:
right 5 – 7 minutes, left 5 – 7 minutes;
right 3 – 5 minutes, left 3 – 5 minutes;
right 2 – 3 minutes, left 2 – 3 minutes.
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8.4 Milk Quantity
Do not be surprised if it takes a little
longer at first before the milk really starts
to flow. This is not unusual, in fact it is
perfectly normal, because in general milk
production adapts to daily requirements.
This means that the quantity of milk
produced may vary considerably.
• Be sure to drink enough fluids to
stimulate milk production.
• Do not set the suction strength too
high. Higher suction strength does
not promote milk flow.
8.5 Let-Down Reflex
During natural breastfeeding, placing the
baby on the breast stimulates the let-
down reflex and the milk begins to flow.
You can further stimulate if you:
• Find a quiet place where you can be
fully relaxed as you express the milk.
• Adopt a comfortable and relaxed
sitting position.
• Place a warm compress on your breast
for a few minutes to relax the tissue
before expressing.
• It may be helpful to have eye contact
with your baby. If that is not possible,
try to look at a photo of your baby.
• The let-down reflex releases the flow of
milk to both breasts simultaneously.
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