Breastfeeding and Stockpiling

Rikki_5

I want to start stockpiling some breast milk for storage so we can get away in a couple months for a long weekend w/o baby.  But I'm confused as to how to start stockpiling breastmilk..usually if I pump I can only get a feeding or two ahead.   Any other BF moms who have a stockpile saved up?  Milk supply isn't an issue, I can make extra milk... Also, how long does breastmilk usually store in the freezer?  I've read conflicting things.  Thanks for your help!

clairesmommabear

I have read that breast milk is good for four months in the freezer.

For me, I feed LO on demand and then immediately pump right after to get any 'leftovers'. I also wait a half hour to an hour after feeding him in the morning and pump again. Same thing when putting him to bed. Other than that I only pump for comfort (which is rare for me). LO is five weeks on Sunday and I'm running out of room in my freezer now.

shand0712

I'm in the same boat...I can usually get 6oz for the next day from the day before but that's about it. And I heard it was 4 months in the freezer. The hospital told me 4-4-4. So 4 hours freshly pumped siting out, 4 days in the fridge and 4 months in the freezer.

ameares721

I pump after baby eats in the morning, usually mid-day, and again before I go to bed. Baby sleeps 8+ hours through the night so I am super full in the morning! I get between 5-10 ounces at each session. Baby is 10 weeks old and I have over 500 ounces in the freezer (we purchased a small deep freezer for milk). Standard time for frozen milk is 6-12 months in the deep freezer. Medela has a great chart on their website for reference on all breastmilk storage. Pumping also helps me gauge my supply. If my output is low, I increase fluids and take a couple fenugreek supplements. Pumping until you empty the breast is important. Squeezing your breast while you pump to fully drain it helps, too!

whitemn04

I should start pumping more after feedings. I generally pump twice a day morning and night. I will get anywhere between 3-8 oz a session depending how long in between feeding. DH has been doing a bottle once a night which doesn't take much supply, but my stock isn't growing very fast. I've been saving since Nov 1 and only have about 2 maybe 3 days worth.

maiatene

You just have to start

I pump minimum 4x a day while the baby naps and whatever is produced is frozen. Since you are just getting started and want it for a specific amount of days months from now (vs enough to go back to work) I wouldn't focus on how much you are pumping bc by the time vacation rolls around you should have enough. I also would not take supplements (fenugreek, tea, lactation cookies, etc.). From what I gather you nurse just fine now and taking these supplements may actually cause oversupply and other unwanted issues.

This is my 2nd go-round breastfeeding and this blog post helped me put things in perspective... maybe you'll find some helpful info as well
https://community.babycenter.com/post/a60145465?scid=ddigest_body

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

koriemo

maiatene said:

You just have to start I pump minimum 4x a day while the baby naps and whatever is produced is frozen. Since you are just getting started and want it for a specific amount of days months from now (vs enough to go back to work) I wouldn't focus on how much you are pumping bc by the time vacation rolls around you should have enough. I also would not take supplements (fenugreek, tea, lactation cookies, etc.). From what I gather you nurse just fine now and taking these supplements may actually cause oversupply and other unwanted issues. This is my 2nd go-round breastfeeding and this blog post helped me put things in perspective... maybe you'll find some helpful info as well https://community.babycenter.com/post/a60145465?scid=ddigest_body Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

SO HELPFUL. Everyone should read that post! It's extremely valuable information and settles my mind a ton!

babykitcat

I go by this...

mrsjustinaburrell

@maiatene that was by far the most useful post I have ever read, and makes me feel so much better!

JennaEllen

I pump once a day usually in the morning right after nursing. I get about 6 oz. and freeze it. I rotate stocking our regular freezer and the deep freezer as milk will last longer in the deep freezer. LO is 7 weeks old and I have almost 80 oz. I go back to work end of January so I'll have a good stockpile by then. The more you pump the more you HAVE to pump without getting engorged which is why I've stuck to once a day

Rikki_5

I've tried pumping after feeding.  I'm lucking to get an ounce from both sides.

Carahall

Rikki_5 said:

I've tried pumping after feeding.  I'm lucking to get an ounce from both sides.

That may be an issue with your pump, not with your supply.

cdepperschmidt

All women are different. Some women have major supply and others make just enough. Also, some women respond better to the pump. An oz after you LO are sounds normal. Also, the post was awesome!