Expressing milk from your breasts into baby bottles can prove difficult for many Mothers. Following the preparations below may aid you in this process:

1. Choose the time of the day when your breasts are at their fullest to begin expressing milk. Morning time seems to be the most common time for many women. You can expect to collect milk every 3 hours or so for about 30 minutes each time.

2. Thoroughly wash all of your pumping equipment as per the manufacturer's instructions and make it a habit to clean your equipment immediately after each use. This will help in keeping your items easily washable each time.

3. If you are new to pumping milk for your baby's express bottles then it may help to select a quiet and comfortable place that has little to no distractions. You will want privacy so if you are at work then be sure that you have a private office that you can use.

4. Drink a full glass of liquid before starting. Either milk, water, soup, or tea is just fine to drink. Warmer drinks may more beneficial than colder ones to stimulating let-down. Although alcoholic drinks are not considered a pre-express liquid, you still may want to have a drink to help you relax. If this is the case then be sure and consult your doctor.

5. Meditation or any relaxation technique of your choice is beneficial immediately before extracting the milk to totally relax your body. Even watching television or listening to soft music is helpful.

6. If you are having trouble stimulating let-down then you may want to view something that motivates you in regards to your baby. Look at photos of your loving baby, have your baby in the room with you, etc.

7. Some women may have difficulty in getting pumping results. If this is the case for you then ask your doctor about an oxytocin nasal spray. This spray helps induce let-down.