 In
terms of benefits to the baby, breast-milk is perfect. In
terms of convenience for the mother however, it may not always
be as perfect. This is especially true for a working mother
or a mother who is ill or chronically exhausted.
In
such cases there is an alternative to formula milk available-
breast milk can be expressed into a cup or a bottle, allowing
some one else (may be Papa?) the pleasure of feeding baby!
-
Wash your hands thoroughly.
-
Don't squeeze the nipple or the ducts will close. Squeeze
the edge of the areola and work evenly around the breast
from the periphery to the centre.
-
Don't go on trying to express until the breast is empty.
Stop when the milk comes in drops instead of in jets.
Express the milk into a sterile container. Cover and refrigerate
-
If it is difficult to express the milk with the hand, use
a breast pump. Always sterilize the breast-pump. There are
two types of breast pumps available - manual and automatic.
| Expressed
milk should be kept in the refrigerator and ideally
not stored for more than 4 - 6 hours even in the
fridge.
|
|
When
its time to feed the baby, warm the milk. This should never
be done directly over the gas but in a double boiler. Pour
it into the container and rest while someone else feeds the
baby !
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