Pumping and storing BM - need some help please

CoachMsWife

I am so lost when it comes to pumping and storing BM - any help is appreciated.

I just pumped (Lansinoh double pump) for the first time this morning after her first feeding. I got 2 oz and 1.5 oz. I left the milk in the bottles that I pumped into and put them in the fridge. DD just took the 2 oz bottle without hesitation (a relief, as I thought she would fight the bottle). I did try and put a Dr. Brown's level 1 nipple on the bottle I pumped into, but it leaked, so I transfered the milk to an Avent bottle and she took it just fine.

Here are my questions:
1. If I plan to keep the milk in the fridge for feedings later in the day should I transfer it right away to the bottle she will end up using?

2. If I plan on storing it in the freezer should I wait until I have at least 2-3 oz to put in a storage bag before freezing? Example - I still have the 1.5 oz in the fridge, should I keep it there and add to it later then freeze?

3. Pumping at work - should I transfer the milk right away to freezer bags or buy a set of extra bottles that hook to my pump then transfer when I get home?

Thanks so much for any help!

Better1/2

1. I would transfer it to whatever you will use later. Although, I put all my pumped milk immediately into storage bags...I find it's easier/quicker to warm up in water than a bottle is.

2. Yes combine it. You can combine any milk that has been pumped in a 24-hr period.

3. I would transfer to bags. Easier to store/less space.

 www.kellymom.com is a GREAT bf'ing site

bea8480

CoachMsWife:

I am so lost when it comes to pumping and storing BM - any help is appreciated.

I just pumped (Lansinoh double pump) for the first time this morning after her first feeding. I got 2 oz and 1.5 oz. I left the milk in the bottles that I pumped into and put them in the fridge. DD just took the 2 oz bottle without hesitation (a relief, as I thought she would fight the bottle). I did try and put a Dr. Brown's level 1 nipple on the bottle I pumped into, but it leaked, so I transfered the milk to an Avent bottle and she took it just fine.

Here are my questions:
1. If I plan to keep the milk in the fridge for feedings later in the day should I transfer it right away to the bottle she will end up using?  You don't have to.

2. If I plan on storing it in the freezer should I wait until I have at least 2-3 oz to put in a storage bag before freezing? Example - I still have the 1.5 oz in the fridge, should I keep it there and add to it later then freeze?  I would wait to get enough for a feeding.  You want to make sure to add cold bm to cold bm.  Therefore, put any newly pumped milk in the fridge and then combine them later in the day and freeze.  That being said you might want to have some 1 oz. bags stored up just in case you need a little more for a feeding.  That way you don't waste any milk by defrosting one of the bigger bags.

3. Pumping at work - should I transfer the milk right away to freezer bags or buy a set of extra bottles that hook to my pump then transfer when I get home?  I take four bottles with me to work.  After each pumping I combine both bottles into one and put it in the fridge.  I pump three times while I'm at work so four bottles is just enough.  I am assuming that you will need that milk for the next days feedings so I would not freeze it.  If you pumped some extra milk then go ahead and freeze that.

Thanks so much for any help!

CoachMsWife

Thank you!

I'm going now to check out Kellymom.com

little__bit

1. If I plan to keep the milk in the fridge for feedings later in the day should I transfer it right away to the bottle she will end up using?

I pump directly into the bottles we give DS.  I use Medela bottles that screw into my pump shield.

2. If I plan on storing it in the freezer should I wait until I have at least 2-3 oz to put in a storage bag before freezing? Example - I still have the 1.5 oz in the fridge, should I keep it there and add to it later then freeze?

I combine BM pumped within 1 day, and put 5 oz in a Lanisoh storage bag for the freezer.  I squeeze the air out, then let it freeze lying flat so that, when frozen, it takes up less space in the freezer.

3. Pumping at work - should I transfer the milk right away to freezer bags or buy a set of extra bottles that hook to my pump then transfer when I get home?

I'm still new to pumping at work.  I bought extra bottles that connect to my pump (Medela), which I'll refrigerate at work.  Then those bottles will go to daycare the next day.  We'll give our daycare a few bags of frozen BM for back-up.