Pumping and breast milk question

GalLaura

Hi ladies, I just bought the medela electric pump after having a manual pump and no success. It took me almost 1 hour to get a bottle full of milk. I have good milk too as my soon is 7 weeks old and close to 14lbs. Does it get easier? When do you find the time to actually pump? My big question is I've had the milk in the fridge for 5 days which I see is acceptable. However, I'd like to freeze it now after being refrigerated. Is this okay to do? How are you freezing your milk? In bottles, bags etc? Thanks for your help. I'm feeling about clueless here.

kelly422

What's your goal for pumping? Are you trying to just have enough for a bottle once in awhile or trying to build a stash? 

I EP, so I'm pretty tied to the pump every 3-4 hours.  I am able to feed LO while pumping while she's either on my lap or in her bouncy chair.  

Go ahead and freeze it, but don't wait too much longer. I use bags (Lansinoh are my favorite). 

amberdt03

Pumping for an hour is way too long. I wouldn't go more than 20min. It's perfectly normal for it to take more than one pumping session for get enough for one feeding. I use the lansinoh bags for freezing. I wouldn't put more than 4oz in a freezer bag because whatever isn't eaten will need to be thrown away after 24hrs.

GalLaura

Yes, my goal is to have enough for when I can't be with the baby. So when I have an appointment or the occasional night my husband can help. Does it get faster? It took so long for such a small amount of milk.