Building a stash

shocked77

So my lo is 2 months old.  I ebf and pump at least once a day to have bottle for dh to feed lo at one feeding and freeze anything else. I have no Stan because I got sick last week and couldnt nurse because of meds I had to take obviously my stash was small.

My lo consistently drinks 4 ozs from a bottle sometimes jumps to 6.  I can pump 5-6 total from first thing in am.  Later in day I struggle to get 4 total.

 

I am going back to work march 1.  Do I really need a big frozen stash for daycare.  I will be away 10 hours. Expect daycare to do 3 bottles.

 Next question... If I need a stash what pumping routine would u suggest? 

lanbob

I can pump.enough for the next day now. That has not always been the case. I built a stash by pumping a couple oz from the opposite side LO nursed on but only did this for 3 feedings during the day.

drcolleen

There are various thoughts about stashes 1. you dont need it because you will pump for the missed feedings and so you should generally be even - all you will needs is a 1 day supply for the first day.  2.  start a small stash for just in case - you can pump once in the morning after a feed perhaps.  3. build as large a stash as possible in hopes to cover any missed pumps, supply dips - this is problematic because if you are constantly feeding from your stash you are technically weaning. 4. build as large a stash as you can, rotate as needed, then you can cut out pumps earlier than 12mo (or whatever your goal).

If you want a stash you can start expressing/pumping after a feed or on the other breast during a feed especially in the mornings when supply is largest just be aware that if you increase demand you will increase supply and may need to continue pumping at these times or will then have to re-regulate again w/ mild engorgement.

jlsimon56

I went back to work FT with barely a stash.  I just give LO whatever I pump - so today's milk will go to daycare with her tomorrow.  Etc.  I have some in the freezer now for some of the reasons PP mentioned - if I get sick and can't nurse, if I decide I want to wean myself off the pump but still want to give breastmilk, etc. 

I am away from LO for 8.5 hours and she takes 4 bottles, plus I provide an extra just in case (which she's eaten maybe half a dozen times, during a growth spurt).  She is 5mo and gets 4oz bottles.  She eats ~30oz per day.

shocked77

thanks so much ladies.  You covered my confusion exactly.  I was thinking if i pump at work won't i produce the milk he needs for the next day.  How is the stash going to be used?  I thought i was missing someone.  My friends have built up huge freezer stashes 3+ months.  But they both weaned from the breast early and exclusively fed from their stash.

My hope is to nurse til 12 months and I expect to pump at work everyday.  I think i'll keep doing what i've been doing and try to build up a small stash.  If I follow the suggestion of pumping after the daytime feedings that should help.