Pumping & Storing Breast Milk

What you will be able to do

• explain how milk supply works and why regular pumping matters when you are apart from your baby.
• hand express using a simple, widely taught technique.
• choose a suitable pump, check the shield fit and use the settings comfortably.
• plan a pumping routine, including for returning to work.
• store, label and transport breast milk using CDC storage times.
• thaw, warm and give expressed milk safely, using paced bottle feeding.
• wash and sanitize pump parts and bottles correctly.
• recognize signs that you or your baby need help, and know who to contact.

1. 1Why, when and who can help

   Understand the reasons parents pump breast milk, when it usually makes sense to start, and the support you can call on in the US, including what your health insurance may cover.

   • Reasons parents pump breast milk
   • When to start and who can help

   Pumping schedule planner

2. 2Hand expressing step by step

   Learn how the let-down reflex works and how to hand express comfortably, a skill every breastfeeding parent can use.

   • Helping your milk flow
   • The hand expressing technique

   Pump and bottle cleaning checklist

3. 3Choosing and using a breast pump

   Compare the main types of pump, get the fit right and learn how to pump comfortably.

   • Types of breast pump
   • Getting the fit and settings right
4. 4Building a pumping routine

   Plan how often to pump, fit sessions around your baby and your life, and prepare for pumping at work.

   • Planning your pumping schedule
   • Pumping when you go back to work

   Pumping schedule plannerMilk labeling sheet

5. 5Storing breast milk safely

   Learn the CDC storage times for room temperature, the fridge, the freezer and a cooler bag, and how to label and transport milk.

   • Storage times and where to keep milk
   • Labeling, freezing and moving milk

   Breast milk storage times chartMilk labeling sheet

6. 6Thawing, warming and giving expressed milk

   Defrost and warm expressed milk safely and give it in a way that respects your baby's cues.

   • Thawing and warming safely
   • Giving expressed milk: paced and responsive feeding

   Breast milk storage times chart

7. 7Cleaning, sanitizing and looking after yourself

   Keep your pump and bottles clean, and know the signs that mean you or your baby need help.

   • Washing and sanitizing equipment
   • Looking after yourself while pumping

   Pump and bottle cleaning checklist

• PlannerPumping schedule plannerPlan when you will pump across the week so it fits around feeds, sleep, work and the people who help you.
• CardsBreast milk storage times chartPrintable cards with CDC storage times for expressed breast milk, so anyone caring for your baby can check them at a glance.
• TemplateMilk labeling sheetFill in a clear label for every container of expressed milk, so you and any caregiver always know when it was expressed and when to use it by.
• CheckerPump and bottle cleaning checklistCheck off each step of washing, sanitizing and storing your pump parts and bottles, so nothing is missed on a busy day.