HELP - Pumping and getting "clumpy" milk?

Re: HELP - Pumping and getting "clumpy" milk?

• Alexandra*sMom member

  April 2011

  There shouldn't be clumps in freshly pumped milk.  When milk sits in the fridge, the fat seperates and can appear clumpy - though it usually clings to the bottle.

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• Kellina

  April 2011

  Do you mean after its refrigerated its clumpy? That's normal... don't strain it!!! It's just the fat separating. Swirl it up before you serve it and you're good to go!

  

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• misssurly

  April 2011

  Kellina:

  Do you mean after its refrigerated its clumpy? That's normal... don't strain it!!! It's just the fat separating. Swirl it up before you serve it and you're good to go!

  Fresh after pumping, before I fridge it... I pour it into a storage container and its mostly liquid then a thicker, almost snotty (but still milk coloured, maybe a bit creamier looking) clump goes in the bottle splashes into the bottle.

  I'm so frustrated with my breastfeeding experience so far... how do you ladies stay positive??
  

  

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• misssurly

  April 2011

  Kellina:

  Do you mean after its refrigerated its clumpy? That's normal... don't strain it!!! It's just the fat separating. Swirl it up before you serve it and you're good to go!

  Fresh after pumping, before I fridge it... I pour it into a storage container and its mostly liquid then a thicker, almost snotty (but still milk coloured, maybe a bit creamier looking) clump goes in the bottle splashes into the bottle.

  I'm so frustrated with my breastfeeding experience so far... how do you ladies stay positive??
  

  

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• njh514 member

  April 2011

  misssurly:

  Kellina:

  Do you mean after its refrigerated its clumpy? That's normal... don't strain it!!! It's just the fat separating. Swirl it up before you serve it and you're good to go!

  Fresh after pumping, before I fridge it... I pour it into a storage container and its mostly liquid then a thicker, almost snotty (but still milk coloured, maybe a bit creamier looking) clump goes in the bottle splashes into the bottle.

  I'm so frustrated with my breastfeeding experience so far... how do you ladies stay positive??
  

  That sounds like what I've heard described happening if you've had a clogged milk duct and it finally lets go. Do you know if you've had clogged ducts? Try a warm compress on your breasts and massaging them occasionally to make sure things are moving along. Do you get it every time or just here and there?

  You're still in the very hard time of breastfeeding. The first two weeks were hell for me both times. It will get easier. You and your baby are both learning what they're supposed to be doing. I stay positive by deciding that I'm in control and I'll do whatever it takes to make my boobs work. (realizing that in some cases that's not really the case) For me it was mind over matter. Plus, I know it's the best thing for my baby and is the cheapest for my family. I know that formula is "fine" but "fine" is not good enough for my babies. That's what I told myself to make sure I kept going. My baby is now 9 weeks old and I feel like a pro. I felt like a pro at about the same time with my son.
  

  
  

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• misssurly

  April 2011

  njh514:

  misssurly:

  Kellina:

  Do you mean after its refrigerated its clumpy? That's normal... don't strain it!!! It's just the fat separating. Swirl it up before you serve it and you're good to go!

  Fresh after pumping, before I fridge it... I pour it into a storage container and its mostly liquid then a thicker, almost snotty (but still milk coloured, maybe a bit creamier looking) clump goes in the bottle splashes into the bottle.

  I'm so frustrated with my breastfeeding experience so far... how do you ladies stay positive??
  

  That sounds like what I've heard described happening if you've had a clogged milk duct and it finally lets go. Do you know if you've had clogged ducts? Try a warm compress on your breasts and massaging them occasionally to make sure things are moving along. Do you get it every time or just here and there?

  You're still in the very hard time of breastfeeding. The first two weeks were hell for me both times. It will get easier. You and your baby are both learning what they're supposed to be doing. I stay positive by deciding that I'm in control and I'll do whatever it takes to make my boobs work. (realizing that in some cases that's not really the case) For me it was mind over matter. Plus, I know it's the best thing for my baby and is the cheapest for my family. I know that formula is "fine" but "fine" is not good enough for my babies. That's what I told myself to make sure I kept going. My baby is now 9 weeks old and I feel like a pro. I felt like a pro at about the same time with my son.
  

  Thank you, I really needed to hear that! Not sure if I could have clogged milk ducts... they don't seem overly engorged or sore and I'm pumping until empty on a 3-4 hour basis. Will keep it in mind though, thanks again  
  

  

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• monkski

  April 2011

  Also, you shouldn't shake it before serving cold milk. Shaking it breaks down the proteins that your baby needs. You should just swirl it around to mix it up. Sometimes I'll let it warm up on the counter for a little while and this makes it a little easier to get off of the sides of the bottle.

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