Assessment of breastmilk expression checklist

This checklist can be used to ensure that mothers are expressing their breastmilk effectively and to address any issues or concerns mothers may have.

For sick and preterm babies the importance of breastmilk cannot be overestimated. Breastmilk supports growth and provides protection from infection, with evidence suggesting that its use decreases the incidence and severity of the life-threatening disease necrotising entercolitis.

By providing breastmilk, a mother can be assured that she is uniquely contributing to the wellbeing and development of her baby. However, expressing breastmilk over a long period of time is extremely demanding and if a mother is to succeed she needs the support from those involved with caring for her and her baby.