Storage advice?

Ecarabeo217

Hello ladies! I am currently 24+ weeks and am looking into adding registry items for nursing, so thought I'd ask the experts What storage bags/systems do you recommend??? I'm being very optimistic that I will have sufficient milk to go around, just figured I'd be prepared. Thanks!

vvvvvfee

great recommendations above.

i'd add that you might want to get a 2nd set of parts for your pump, if you're going to be pumping. then you can throw one set in the dishwasher and have one set clean. medela makes a specific kit with extra bottles/flanges that you could add to your registry.

i'd get a couple of different kinds of bottles to try, so you can see which one your LO likes.

BM storage bags are definitely the easiest way to go as far as long-term storage, if that's what you're asking. this ice cube storage bin (widely available at store like wal-mart and target) is the perfect size for holding the bags upright after you've frozen them flat. 

another thing that's convenient to have on hand is a dry-erase marker- you can use it to write on any bottles of BM you have in the fridge so you know when you pumped it. it just wipes right off the bottles when you're done.

saraeric

I love the target store brand milk storage bags as well as their breast pads. I've bought several sets of pumping parts as I'll have to pump more once I return to work and don't want to have to wash everything daily. We're using the avent natural bottles and LO takes them really well.

We also bought this and really love the lids with the day on them and the storage system: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12535655&cp=2255957.2273447.37967416.11614264&parentPage=family

Ecarabeo217

Thanks ladies! I swear this baby stuff requires its own degree!

kwitt22

Def see if your insurance will cover a breast pump, most will.

I am using Lanisnoh bags now and its all I have used so far. 

For storage I cut the side out of milk carton and stand the bags upright in that for freezing. Works great! 

I like the Nuk Brand breast pads. I was also given a sample of Curad in the hospital and have only been able to find them on Amazon. They are fantastic and by far my favorite. 

Bottles Born Free or Avent, but this can really vary from baby to baby. 

BethanyAnn27

I am using the Medela system (double electric pump & freezer storage bags) and the First Years Breastflow Milk Storage Organizer for the freezer. Though a different brand, the freezer organizer fits the Medela bags perfectly. For a shower gift I received the Medela Breast Milk Storage Solution that comes with extra bottles and labeling caps that a PP mentioned which has been awesome! The tray in that set keeps it simple (there are "in" and "out" arrows so that you always grab the oldest milk first) and the labeling caps allow you to change between day of the week and time of day. 

Three other things I would suggest...

First, if you go with Medela, all their bottles come with the medium/moderate flow nipples. My DD does much better with the slow-flow nipples which have to be bought separately.

 

Second, a huge life-saver for me has been Bamboobies washable nursing pads. I bought the packs that came with three day-time sets and one night-time set. The packs are on the expensive side but we do laundry so frequently anyways that they have already saved us money over disposables. I ended up purchasing three sets of the above combination of day/night pads which is enough to get me every-other-day washing. I just throw them in with whatever load of laundry we happen to be doing (DD's clothes, cloth diapers after their initial rinse cycle, or my+DH's clothes).  I have a heavy letdown and the only time these have leaked through is when my DD doesn't eat for a 4 hour stretche overnight. They are very soft and the heart shaped pad is easier to fit to my body than a round pad. Washable pads might not be for you, but if it is something that you are looking for, I have had great luck with these!

Third, MotherLove Nipple cream. This was a lifesaver in the first few days of BFing. It is all natural/organic and doesn't need to be wiped off before BFing. It doesn't have any specific analgesic properties, but it still feels really great if you are sore. It really helps moisturize. 

I know that the last few things address more than your question (sorry for tossing unsolicited advice at you!) but I am new to BFing and trying to figure out what I needed was so complicated at first that I thought I would share what I found most helpful. One thing I found out the hard way is that if you are pumping, make sure the nipple shield that comes with your pump is the correct size. If it is not, purchase one that will fit! I ended up with bruising and pain because the Medela comes with a Medium shield which was too large for me. Having the correct size shield has made pumping much more comfortable. GL with BFing!! 

whitney4126

Here are my breastfeeding tools:

Book - Dr. Jen's Guide to Breastfeeding

PISA pump

Playtex drop in liner bottles with slow flow nipple

Breast friend nursing pillow

Nuk thin nursing pads - I have a great supply but never leak. I use after I use nipple butter.

I like the earth momma angel baby nipple butter for sore nips from breastfeeding and the nuk brand lanolin for using before I pump.

I would buy some nighttime nursing bras to have on hand, but refrain from buying regular nursing bras or attire until after the baby is at least a couple of weeks old. I bought nursing bras when I was pregnant and my breasts had grown quite a bit. Those don't even come close to containing me post-partum.

A nursing cover with a rim so you can see baby for latching.

Most importantly - have a lactation consultant's number ready! If you have any issues, they will be your best friend.