Skip to main content

How to hand express breastmilk and cup feed

Updated Generic C-IYCF Counselling Package, 2024 (UNICEF | 2024)
How to hand express breastmilk and cup feed

Key Messages

  • Make sure that the container that you use to collect your breastmilk or feed the baby is washed with clean water and soap, and boiled. 
  • Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water.
  • Get comfortable. It is sometimes helpful to gently stroke your breasts. A warm cloth may help stimulate the flow of breastmilk.
  • Put your thumb on the breast above the dark area around the nipple (areola) and the other fingers on the underside of the breast behind the areola.
  • With your thumb and first two fingers, press a little bit in towards your chest wall and then press gently towards the dark area (areola).
  • Your breastmilk may start to flow in drops, or sometimes in fine streams. Collect the breastmilk in a clean container. Avoid rubbing your skin or nipple as this can cause bruising.
  • Avoid squeezing the nipple. This can stop the flow of breastmilk. Rotate the thumb and finger positions and press or compress and release all around the areola.
  • Express one breast for at least 3-to-5 minutes until the flow slows, then express the other breast. Repeat on both sides again (for about 20-to-30 minutes total).
  • Store your breastmilk in a clean, covered container. Freshly expressed breastmilk can be stored for 6 to 8 hours in a cool place, even in a hot climate. With refrigeration, expressed breastmilk can last for at least 24 hours in the back of a refrigerator, where the temperature stays most constant. Breastmilk that will not be used within 24 hours will keep longer if frozen (up to three months). Freeze in small quantities to avoid wastage.
  • When you are ready to feed your baby, pour the amount of breastmilk you expect your baby to drink into the feeding cup.
  • Give your baby the expressed breastmilk using a cup or spoon. If using a cup, bring the cup to rest against the corners of the baby’s upper lip and allow the baby to take small amounts of milk, lapping the milk with his or her tongue. Do not pour the breastmilk into baby’s mouth.
  • Bottles are unsafe to use because they are difficult to wash and can get very dirty.

Included Images

Similar Cards (from other collections)