Expressing

The short definition

Expressing means taking breast milk out by hand or with a pump. The milk can be stored and given to bub later, by anyone.

What it actually means

Milk can be expressed by hand, with a manual pump, or with an electric pump.

Which one suits depends on why and how often. A hospital grade pump is the one to hire in five cases. Where bub cannot breastfeed yet. Where every feed is expressed. For returning to work, for increasing supply, or for relactating.

For less frequent expressing, a personal electric pump or a hand pump is adequate.

This is Mumma's decision, not Dadda's. What Dadda can do is handle the gear: wash it, sterilise it, set it up, and know where the spare parts come from.

Where Dadda will hear it

In the hospital, often on day one, and usually at the same time as six other new words.

Not to be confused with

Formula feeding. Expressed milk is breast milk. A bottle does not tell you which one is in it.

Also look at

• The full item: breast pump
• The full item: bottles and sterilising