BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

Sorry if this has been asked a million times before but how do I build a freezer stash of breast milk? I still have about 8 weeks before my due date but I'd like to know what to prepare for. I'd really like to EBF for about 3 months and build a freezer stash so I could then bf/pump/use the stash for another 6 months or so. I'm just confused about how you get extra breast milk without taking away from what the baby needs.

Thanks!

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

You either create an extra session or if DC doesn't take both breasts at each feeding, you can pump the other one. The most productive time to pump is in the morning. I never created an extra session, but I had an oversupply. I just pumped when I still felt uncomfortably full after a feeding.

ETA: since BFing works on supply and demand, you won't be taking away from the baby. If you decide to create a session in-between nursing the baby, your body will get used to it and produce at that time.

Message edited 1/25/2012 7:47:46 PM.

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

Kellymom

The site above is a fantastic site for BFing and pumping info.

I am not a pumping expert so I don't want to give you the wrong information here! I did pump early on while my milk was still regulating, so that may be why I had an oversupply. I know some say not to pump right away. I think it also depends on your circumstances. I will have to pump early on again since I am having surgery at 3w PP.

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

You dont take away anything from the baby by pumping. Your body adjusts to your need. it's supply and demand. You keep nursing/pumping and your body keeps making milk. If you want to build a freezer stash I would do the following:

Pump after you nurse.
Nurse one side in the morning, and pump the other.
If you pump daily, your body will make more milk and you can build a nice stash,

It lasts 3-6 months in the freezer.

Kellymom.com is the best. It taught me sooo much abouy bfing. check it out

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

Just saw the PP recommended Kellymom.com too

It'samazing!!

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

Thanks so much for all the info and the website!

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

I was the pumping queen with my DS. He couldn't latch on to me without a nipple shield (small piece of silicone that goes over your own nipple-gives the baby a better grip if they are unable to latch). I pumped beginning 2 days PP, and pumped for 18 months. I pumped twice a day-once after morning feeding, and one before bed. You will make enough for the baby. One thing I found really made a difference in my supply was drinking a LOT of water. When I didn't drink enough, I noticed a big drop in my pumping output. If you are really looking to build a big freezer stash, you could consider pumping an additional time during the day. After the morning feeding was when I really got a lot of milk. G/L!

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

I have 2 freezer stashes and I could probably use another one. I had my DS on Thursday and started pumping Saturday night since my DS was in NICU. I have so much milk it is insane right now. I wish I could have nursed in the beginning and I plan on trying when he comes home. I think you have to be consistent with it. I am always pumping every 3 hours during the day and at night I have been giving myself a 5 hour sleep. I drink a ton but not just water. After having the baby I have craved other drinks. I hope that I get to use all this milk I have.

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

I started pumping in the hospital with their pump before my milk was really in (i was in 4 nights and I wanted to stimulate production). When I came home I did the following for 3 months. I had an oversupply, because I pumped after feedings - I didn't add a session. You kind of fool your body into thinking it needs to produce more:

Wake up (7 ish): Breastfed, then immediately pumped afterwards (always got a good amount afterwards). 20-30 minutes

Midday (1 pm ish): Breastfed then pumped immediately afterwards 15-20 minutes

Late night (11 pm-ish): DH would Bottle Feed BM or Formula and I would pump for a long session as I watched the news or a TV show -- -so 30 to 45 min

I was able to build up a nice supply the first 3 months and then I slowly weaned off pumping --- only doing morning and night pumping for a month. Then just night time for a few weeks.

Around 5 -1/2 months I stopped pumping and switched my routine. I BF'd the first 2 feedings (6 am and 8:30 am)and then again after 5 pm when I was home for the night (dinner and bedtime). The other feedings were by bottle - BM or formula.

It worked for me, as DD will be 7 months next week and still gets bottles of BM and some formula (a BJ's sized similac powder can lasts about 21-25 days).

If you can continue to pump, it helps maintain the freezer stash, as you have to start using the frozen milk once the 3/4 month mark hits. I stopped pumping due to an illness and I couldn't get it back up. I think I have about another months supply if I stretch it with formula.

Message edited 1/25/2012 10:21:27 PM.

Re: BTDT: Breastfeeding (freezer stash)

I pumped once per day after the first morning feeding. That's when your supply tends to be best. I wouldn't pump for the first few weeks though.