What do I need for expressing?

[Cydonia]

DS is almost 7 weeks and I want to start expressing every now and then, probably just a couple of times a week. This is just so I can leave him for an hour or two with DP or family without him having a screaming fit!
I know I need a pump, but how many bottles? And do the bottles come with tears? I ask that as the Philips ones I've been looking at seem to sell the teats seperately? And do I need a steriliser? I'm sure I read somewhere that you don't need to sterilise for expressed milk. Could I make do with a tub and some Milton?!
Sorry for the stupid questions but I don't have anyone else to ask!

Here's what you need:

• a functioning pair of hands
• soap and water and a towel to clean and dry them
• a bowl which you can wash with hot soapy water, rinse and then dry
• a bottle with a teat which you wash with hot soapy water, rinse and then allow to dry

You don't need a steriliser or a pump.

Hand expressing is great, and can be easier than using a pump....and it is a lot less fiddly, costs nothing, and once you have the knack, quicker :)

How long does he currently go in between feeds? Have you been able to try feeding him, legging it out of the house and returning just in time to do his next feed?

The teats that come with the bottles should be the ones for new borns (tiny holes for slow flow) But you may need the size up depending on how hard baby sucks and how fast your let down is. I'd get 4 bottles to start of with.
And as its only for occasional feeds I'd just put them in dishwasher and then boil them in a pan of water for over five minutes.
You'll possibly want to get some of the breast milk storage bags you can buy too.

A word of caution from one who's been there. I found that pumping mucked up my supply. If I had any left to pump out after a feed that was all well and good but I found i didn't fill up properly by the time the next feed came along. So if you are able to pump after the first feed of the day when your boobs are fullest, don't pump off too much.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks! I have tried the ' feed and run ' but more often than not have returned to a screaming baby and a frazzled DP telling me accusingly that DS needs feeding! He sometimes goes 3hrs between feeds, but sometimes less than an hour so would be nice to not have to rush about everywhere. I do try to take him to most places with me but have a horse to look after ( luckily a few people are helping with this ) which isn't really a baby friendly activity!
I might try hand expressing too, there's a how to guide on my 'bump to breastfeeding' DVD I think.

I was also going to suggest hand expression. Once you've cracked it then it's so much easier, no pump to wash and assemble first. A lot of mothers find it easier to practice in the bath, that way you're nice and relaxed and it doesn't matter if your aim is a bit off If you search for the 'marmet technique' on youtube there are some helpful videos on there.