SHELY · Postpartum & Newborn Care
The Pumping Playbook
Express, store and feed with confidence.
Wash your hands and check that pump parts are clean and dry before every session. Comfort matters more than speed — pumping should never hurt.
A comfortable session, step by step
- Sit somewhere calm; have water within reach.
- Centre the flange over your nipple — it should move freely without rubbing.
- Start on the lowest suction, then raise it only to the point that stays comfortable.
- Express 15–20 minutes, or 2–5 minutes past the last drops of milk.
- Label every container with the date and time before it goes away.
Fresh breast-milk storage (healthy, full-term baby)
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Room temperature (up to 25°C) | Up to 4 hours |
| Insulated cooler with ice packs | Up to 24 hours |
| Refrigerator (4°C, back shelf) | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer compartment (−18°C) | Up to 6 months (best); 12 months acceptable |
Thawing & warming
- Thaw the oldest milk first — in the fridge overnight or under cool then warm running water.
- Warm by standing the container in warm water; never boil or microwave.
- Swirl (don’t shake) to mix the layers.
- Use thawed milk within 24 hours; never re-freeze it.
Pumping log
| Date | Time | Left (ml) | Right (ml) | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
These times suit a healthy, full-term baby. For a premature or hospitalised baby, follow the times your care team gives you — they may be shorter.