Pumping your breast milk allows you to store it so you, or someone else, can feed it to your baby later. Pumping also helps you keep up your milk supply when you're away from your baby.

Here are some tips for pumping breast milk and storing it safely.

• Check to see if your health insurance will pay for a breast pump. You can buy or rent a breast pump from online retailers and medical supply stores. The two main types of breast pumps are:
  • An electric pump, which plugs into an outlet or runs on a battery. Electric pumps can be single (pump one breast at a time) or double (pump both breasts at the same time).
  • A manual pump, which works by squeezing a lever.

• To pump:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel before pumping. Or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Place the correct-size pump flange (breast shield) over your nipple and areola (dark skin around the nipple). You can pump one breast at a time or two at the same time (if your breast pump is a double pump).
  • Make sure the nipple can move freely inside the tube without rubbing against the sides. A proper fit ensures there's a good milk flow and prevents pain and irritation.
  • Keep pumping until your breast(s) feel empty and little to no milk is flowing.
• Follow any special instructions from the manufacturer on caring for and cleaning the breast pump electric motor, lever, or tubing.
• Clean the parts of the pump that touch your breast or breast milk after each use as directed by your healthcare provider. This may include:
  • Washing them in the top rack of the dishwasher, if the parts are dishwasher safe
  • Washing in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 seconds and rinsing well
  • Boiling in water for 5 to 10 minutes
  • Using a countertop or microwave sterilizing bag

To store milk:

• Put the date and time of the pumping session on your bottles or bags to keep track of freshness.
• Use the oldest breast milk first.
• Don't add fresh milk to already frozen milk.
• Store freshly pumped breast milk for about:
  • 4 hours at room temperature (no warmer than 77°F or 25°C)
  • 4 days in the refrigerator
  • At least 6 months in a freezer (most experts say up to 12 months is OK)

• Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator a few hours before feeding or place the bottle or bag in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Use thawed breast milk within 24 hours. Throw away any milk that's left in the bottle after a feeding. Don't save the rest for later or refreeze it.
• Don't thaw frozen milk at room temperature (for example, on the counter).
• Don't microwave breast milk.

When should I pump? In general:

• Pump about every 3 to 4 hours that you're away from your baby. As your baby gets older, you can change the number of times you pump to meet your baby's needs.
• If you're trying to increase your milk supply, pump right after nursing and/or add an extra pumping session after the first morning feeding.
• If you're returning to work or school, begin pumping 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time. This way, you can learn how to pump, start to store milk, and practice bottle-feeding your baby. Keep breastfeeding your baby as usual, but add a pumping session a few times a day right after you breastfeed your baby. It may be helpful to schedule the pumping sessions during the hours that you'll be at work or at school so your body can get used to this schedule.

What helps with pumping? It can help to:

• Relax and think about your baby while pumping. Have your baby nearby or look at a photo or a video of your baby. You can try massaging the breast(s) to get more milk out.
• Take a warm shower or put warm, moist towels on your breasts before pumping.
• Drink a glass of water every time you pump and whenever you're thirsty, so you get the extra liquids you need to help make breast milk.

You can get more information and help from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.