Maybe a dumb question about BFing

mrslovebug

So my pump came with a bottle for feeding and a few cylindrical "storage" bottles.  Do I need the breast milk bags too?  What would be the difference between the bags and these bottle things?

Thank God there is a lactation consultant at the hospital since I had to miss my BFing class 

ashonkwiler09

I know some bottles you can store in the freezer with BM in them. The only brand that I know you cannot put in the freezer is Dr.Browns and I only know this because this is the brand we bought. Did you get the Medela? I would call them and ask just to make sure.

mrslovebug

Yes, I got the Medela pump with the little bottle-container things.  The pump comes with one small bottle, but I have other bottles to use for feeding them.

ashonkwiler09

I have the same one. Did you look through the information booklet yet?

schoolsoutbride

mrslovebug:

Yes, I got the Medela pump with the little bottle-container things.  The pump comes with one small bottle, but I have other bottles to use for feeding them.

When you're freezing, you usually want to use the bags because you can freeze them flat and stack them (we had like a file holder thing) more easily. Then you add new to the back, defrost from the front, and it saves you a ton of space.  I know some NICUs make you use the bottles, though (ours didn't)

You should see if there's a local La Leche League (LLL) Leader who could come do a class at your house or something.  I bet they'd be glad to and might even do it for free or about what you'd pay for the class at the hospital.  I bet you can find someone who has experience with multiples too.

mrslovebug

ashonkwiler09:

I have the same one. Did you look through the information booklet yet?

Ummm, no.  I should. 

Dochas

I bought the Medela cylinder things for freezing and I love them.  They're good for small amounts and they're great if you have to take them with you. (we go away often on the weekends).  Also good if your freezer is packed like mine usually is.  I freeze them standing up and once frozen I can stack them laying down.  If you're going back to work and pumping a whole lot I would go with the bags. FYI - if you buy the Medela pads for putting in your bra there is a coupon in the box for the bags.