How to extract and conserve breast milk
Breastfeeding poses multiple benefits for the mother and baby. From contributing to the development of the immune system to preventing allergies. But for various reasons, breastfeeding can be a difficult task for some women, so extraction has become an alternative to feeding the child. Here are some ways to extract breast milk and how to keep it.
How to extract breast milk
There are several reasons why women seek to learn how to extract breast milk. Some mothers turn to this option when they are leaving the baby for a few hours or simply to lessen breast congestion. You can do this manually or with the help of a “punch”.
Before you start the process, you need to wash your hands very well. If you are going to perform the extraction manually, you should massage the chest with the tips of your fingers towards the areola and place them on the nipple in the shape of a “C”. Afterwards, you press into the breast walls and repeat this movement until extraction is achieved.
Manual or electric extractors
If you prefer to use an extractor, you can opt for electric suction or manuals. Some of the latter is similar to a horn and others have a lever that facilitates removal. However, the first thing is to choose the right cup. To find out what your size is, you need to measure the nipple end-to-end and add about 2 millimeters to it.
Once you purchase the right equipment, you should press the top or side of your chest for a better fit. These types of equipment are responsible for doing the work on their own, but when completing the extraction with the “sacaleche”, you must finish the process manually on both breasts.
It is important that, when doing so, you find yourself sitting in a comfortable position.
How to conserve breast milk
Breast milk has antibodies that protect the baby from disease. It also provides you with the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals you need for your growth and development. Therefore, to ensure a good diet after extraction, it is important to learn how to conserve breast milk:
- Use containers that have been washed with hot water and soap.
- Label the containers for the amount it contains and the date of extraction. This way, you can start by defrosting the oldest milk.
- Store milk in small portions. This will prevent your waste and allow the liquid to expand when frozen.
- Be sure to close the container properly after inserting the milk.
- Avoid touching the inside of the container to prevent bacteria from passing through.
While it’s true that breastfeeding creates a special bond between mother and baby, don’t forget that each body is different. Set aside the beliefs and myths that revolve around this topic. If you have limitations to breastfeed, or need to join your work responsibilities soon, or leave home, etc., take advantage of the different ways to extract breast milk to provide healthy nutrition.
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