In an interview with Manav Mander, Dr Rajinder Gulati, currently serving as a paediatrician under the National Health Mission (Punjab) at Mother Child Hospital-cum-Urban Community Health Centre, Ludhiana, discusses the importance of breast milk for a child.
Breast milk is the best nutrition for a baby, offering much more than basic nourishment. It contains all the essential vitamins and nutrients a baby needs in the first six months of life, and is rich in disease-fighting substances that protect babies from illness. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers by reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and helping them return to their pre-pregnancy shape. For working mothers, expressing breast milk offers a valuable solution. It allows them to continue providing their baby with the vital benefits of breast milk while managing their professional responsibilities. This is particularly helpful for mothers who need to be away from their baby for long periods during the workday.
While some mothers find expressing milk easy, others may face difficulties due to improper technique or lack of support. Mastering the right techniques ensures effective milk expression. The oxytocin reflex, which triggers milk flow, is activated either by a baby’s suckling or a mother’s emotional connection with her baby. To stimulate this reflex, mothers can hold their baby close, look at their baby’s picture, use a warm compress, and ensure a calm and supportive environment.
Milk can be expressed manually or with an electric or manual pump, depending on the mother’s preference. After expressing, milk can be fed directly to the baby or stored in the fridge or freezer. Mothers are advised to learn the technique within the first two days after delivery to prevent engorgement. Expressing should take 20–30 minutes, particularly during the initial days. If expressing colostrum, it’s best to collect it in a 2–5 mL syringe to minimise waste.
The frequency of milk expression varies based on the baby’s needs and the mother’s situation. For preterm or sick babies, milk should be expressed from day one, every three hours. To boost milk production, mothers should express milk every two hours during the day and every three hours at night. Working mothers should express before leaving for work and at least twice during their workday.
Proper storage of expressed milk is crucial to maintain its safety and nutritional value. Mothers should use clean plastic or glass containers with tight lids, storing only the required amount per feeding to minimise waste. For refrigeration, expressed milk should be stored at +4°C for up to 24 hours. If frozen, it should be kept at -20°C for up to three months. In warmer climates, fresh milk can last at room temperature for up to six hours.
