NEW MOM HERE! :) BFing/Pumping question?

Hello!!!

I was planning to introduce myself as a new mom before posting anything else but this question is more imminent I'm hoping you all can welcome me by helping?

Nursing is going very well!! And I just started pumping...milk just came in.

I don't know how much I should store when I pump? How many ounces should I be storing for one bottle? 2 ounces?

and for how long should I be bottle feeding 2 ounces before upping it to 4 ounces?

Also, do I sterilize all of the pieces after EVERY time I pump? and what pieces should be cleaned?

Last question...If I don't pump enough for a whole bottle or freezer bag (for instance, I pumped 1.5 oz before) can I add milk to it the next time to make a full bottle? Does it have to be room temp to add to it, or can I add new milk to a refrigerated bottle?

Thank you so much for helping me answer these questions!!!!!

Re: NEW MOM HERE! :) BFing/Pumping question?

Welcome! congrats. LIF is very helpful but there is also a website specifically dedicated to BFing and related issues that you may need in the coming months. Kellymom.com can answer all of those Qs.

Re: pumping alot of your Qs depend on what you're using the pumped milk for. Are you pumping to build up a supply for later or are you bottle feeding now?

Re: NEW MOM HERE! :) BFing/Pumping question?

How old is the baby? you may not even need 2oz yet if the baby is a newborn.

I read or was told you do not need to sterilize all the parts each and every time you pump. Everything should get washed with soap and water but I was told that I could keep the parts I needed in a baggie in the refrigerator b/w pumping sessions and reuse them so they didn't even need to be washed each and every time.

As for how many oz to feed there is no science to that. I only tried an oz at a time and then if the baby would need more then we'd give more b/c I didn't want to have to throw out the milk if he didn't drink it.

I don't think you're supposed to add to an existing bottle if you pump again later because what you pumped earlier will be refrigerated and then the new milk is room temp but I could be wrong about that and if I am i'm sure someone here will chime in.

Message edited 2/13/2012 2:06:25 PM.

Re: NEW MOM HERE! :) BFing/Pumping question?

I can't answer all your questions because I didn't start pumping and giving a bottle until after 6 weeks. At that time I was pumping only about 3oz from both breast and that was about how much DS took from the bottle around 6-8 weeks.

As far as the equipment, you only have to sterilize them before the first use. then soap and water should be just fine. I do have the medela sterilizer bags and I steam sterilize the equipment every once in awhile. I also have put the equipment right into the fridge to save for the next time I pump, without washing in between. And at work I use the medela wipes to clean since I don't have enough time to wash everything each time I pump.

I have also added freshly pumped milk to a refrigerated bottle of milk and have had no problems with it.

congrats and good luck!

Message edited 2/13/2012 2:24:25 PM.

Re: NEW MOM HERE! :) BFing/Pumping question?

thank you all so much! I've already bookmarked kellymom.com!

Re: NEW MOM HERE! :) BFing/Pumping question?

Hi and Welcome!

As the PP said, depends on what you are using the milk for - storage or feeding. I think the general guidelines on storage are 6 hours at room temp, 6 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer. You shouldn't mix room temp milk with cold milk, but you can mix two bottles that are the same temp. Also, once milk is defrosted, it is only good for 24 hours.

As for the pump parts, I would leave them out and use them a few times before washing them. Now that I am back at work, I put the parts in the fridge and use them all day.

They barely eat anything at first - I would start with just one ounce in the bottle and then add as necessary.

Why are you pumping now? Are you EP? If not, I would concentrate on mastering BFing before you start really pumping.

GL!

Re: NEW MOM HERE! :) BFing/Pumping question?

Just wanted to add that I was told not to pump the first two weeks, and if I did to use that milk right away and not freeze it because it's not mature milk. I don't really know what that means, but that's what the lactation consultant at the hospital told me! And don't mix milk that is different temperatures (I've done it once or twice and it was fine though)

As for the pump parts, since you can leave milk out for 6-8 hours at room temp, I just rinse them with hot water if I know I'm going to be pumping again within that time. Some people put them in the fridge, but you don't want to put them on your breast cold, make sure that part is warm before you use it, you'll get less milk if it's too cold. I wash them every night though, and sterilize with a micro bag every other week.