How much BF in freezer stash before starting daycare?

RoseVA · March 2014

LO begins daycare next month. I'm wondering if there's a recommended amount to have frozen before they start?

I'm also unclear on the best ways to store the BM. I've read in 2 or 4 ounce portions.

bumpuser3155624 · March 2014

Realistically you only need enough for your first day. But most moms will try to grt more of a stash. It is personal preference.

I vary my bags between 2,3 and 4. This allows me to thaw only what I need.

jmjacquemin · March 2014

You only have to have enough for the first day, however I had a huge over supply that took 3 months to get in check so I has plenty in the freezer. I froze bags from 1oz to 4 oz, some in 1/4-1/2 oz increments. I just use more than 1 bag if needed, this way it allowed for growth spurts and for feeding purées with frozen milk, without much waste.

mmcdouga · March 2014

I think having at least three days supply is plenty. When you first go back to work you may have a difficult time always being a able to pump. It took me a few days to figure out a good schedule and having a stash made it less stressful.

Unknown · March 2014

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88sharonlee · March 2014

I had a weeks worth and the original plan was to drop off the full weeks supply on Monday and then store my BM from pumping each day at home for the following week.

I did this for three weeks and it was convienient but I decided I wanted my LO to have fresh milk over frozen so from here on out I'm going to bring fresh each morning when I drop her off.

My DCP is keeping about 10 4-5 oz bags in the freezer for backup. I like having about 5 or so bags at home in my back up freezer stash as well.

eggmankate · March 2014

I'm similar to everyone else. I had 60 ounces saved up before daycare so it was 3-4 days worth. I'm glad that I had that cushioning because it made me feel secure in case of illness or if my supply dipped. I just finished week 3 of being back at work and have rotated out my freezer stash, but I've only added more milk to it because I'm pumping an extra 4-6 ounces/day. I vary my bags as well. Daycare won't pour milk so if I gave a freezer stash to daycare I'd have to thaw it overnight in order to be able to pour just what I needed for each bottle in the morning.

I've been varying my amounts in the bags because some of it goes into the freezer and I have no idea when she's going to increase from the 3.25 ounces she takes now. Makes it a bit tricky so having that mix of varying weights allows me to not consistently have too much in one bag or too little in another. There are also these icecube trays that you can buy which hold 1ounce per ice cube so that makes it easier to throw in one ounce into one frozen serving when you need it without wasting milk.

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How much BF in freezer stash before starting daycare?

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