Pumping & Storing Breast Milk

The Breast Pump

Owning a breast pump isn’t strictly necessary, but it can be very handy if you ever need to be away from your baby. Some moms also use it to stimulate milk production between feeds. And if you'd like to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, a breast pump can help relieve engorgement while maintaining your supply.

There are two main types of breast pumps: manual and electric. Let’s take a closer look to help you choose the right one for you.

Manual Breast Pump

Equipped with a hand-operated pump, manual models come in a wide range of prices. They’re compact and ideal for travel, for example.
That said, pumping manually does require some effort and patience, so it’s best suited for occasional use.
Note: Manual pumps are not covered by French national health insurance.

Storing Your Milk

Breast milk can be stored safely as follows:

  • Up to 4 hours at room temperature below 25°C (77°F);
  • Up to 48 hours in the fridge at +4°C (39°F);
  • Up to 4 months in the freezer at -18°C (0°F).

Tip: Use a permanent marker to label the container with the date and time you expressed the milk. When you're ready to use it, simply wipe the label clean with alcohol.

Defrosting:
Move the milk to the fridge the night before, or at least 6 hours before use.
If you’re short on time, you can defrost it using a warm water bath or a bottle warmer.
Avoid microwaving: it poses a serious risk of burns and can also alter milk quality.

Important: Once thawed, milk must be used within 24 hours.

Want to keep this info handy? Download our free printable cheat sheets on breast milk storage.

Electric Breast Pump

Faster and more efficient, an electric pump is a must-have if you can’t breastfeed for a full day (think romantic getaway, or medical treatment incompatible with breastfeeding).
There are electric breast pumps for every budget (ranging from €50 to €300 - $57 to $350), and you can also rent one at most pharmacies or medical supply stores — typically for €12 to €30 - $14 to $35 per week.

Good to know: In many countries, electric breast pump rental or purchase may be fully or partially covered by your healthcare system or insurance provider:

  • France: With a medical prescription, the national health insurance (Sécurité sociale) covers pump rental, and many supplementary health insurances (mutuelles) may top up the remaining cost.
  • United Kingdom:The NHS does not routinely provide breast pumps, but some hospitals and local trusts offer free short-term rentals — ask your midwife or health visitor.
  • United States: Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump (rental or purchase). Contact your insurer to check what’s included in your plan.
  • Scandinavian countries: In Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, breast pump rentals are often free or subsidized via local hospitals or public health services.

No matter where you live, it’s worth asking your healthcare provider, insurance company, or lactation consultant what options are available — you may be pleasantly surprised!

A Truly Heartfelt Idea

Around the world, milk banks collect donations from generous breastfeeding parents to help nourish premature and medically fragile babies who cannot be fed by their own mothers.
Depending on where you live, you can usually register as a donor through a local hospital, lactation consultant, or a national milk banking network.

Donating even a small amount of milk can make a big difference for the tiniest of babies.

Glamformum - Practical Breastfeeding Guide