BUILDING A STORE OF BREAST MILK
If you are returning to work in the near future or have a big event coming up that will require you to be separated from your baby for a period of time, you may want to build up a freezer store of milk to feed them while you're apart.
You may be asking how do I pump? When do I pump? How do I store my milk? This blog will give you top tips on how to build up a freezer store, to use as it suits you or to have a bottle of fresh milk that you want to add into your feeding routine. You might also want to have a look at our post Breast Pump Sizing, on sizing yourself for your breast pump flange and which pump should I buy?
DOES SHE LOOK LIKE SHE’S HAD HER SOUL PUMPED OUT?
Before we get into our recommendations, I just want to quickly talk about the importance of balance when it comes to lactation and supply. You may have seen social media influencers, or even friends or family who have a freezer full of beautiful little white packets of milk all lined up in a row. This has started to create a perception that if you aren't feeding your baby and also your freezer at the same time, you must be failing at lactation. This misconception is creating a lot of unintended stress for some people, and it is also creating a huge number of oversupply cases. With oversupply, you can experience engorgement, fullness, and pain in your breasts. This is no bueno, as oversupply can lead to higher rates of plugged ducts and even mastitis. OUCH!!
Unless you are a donor, this is way too much stored breast milk
Interesting side note: This is a uniquely American phenomenon. In Europe and in other parts of the world, this just isn't an issue. I see significantly higher numbers of oversupply cases here in the United States than I did when I worked in Europe and other parts of the world. But it makes sense! Women in America return to work much sooner than the rest of the world, and so it's understandable that this is becoming more of an issue here.
Just to add some context and clarity; the right level of milk supply is one where you're producing enough for your baby’s requirements. Sometimes, as a little bonus, we have a bit of extra milk that we can tuck away at times for a specific purpose. No one ever needs 600oz of frozen breast milk in their freezer. It's just never going to get used and will most likely get wasted (unless you are a milk donor and in that case bless your generous heart!)
So with balance in mind, here are some helpful strategies for building a small freezer store of breast milk to help you reach your goal, whatever that may be.
Pumping Strategies
LET DOWN METHOD
Use a Haakaa or a breast shell to collect the let down on the opposite breast that you are feeding on. You can pool the milk collected over the course of the same day and try to build a full bottle this way. Go sparingly though even a Haaka can over stimulate supply so aim to use it a few times a day at most.
Click on the photos below to learn more about these collection options.
NIGHT METHOD
Often sleepy babies don't finish both breasts at night time. We can use this to our advantage. Feed on one side and then pump on the other, then when baby wakes for the next feed switch sides.
MORNING SURGE METHOD
Most people experience the highest milk supply first thing in the morning. This is because Prolactin, the hormone that makes the milk, is highest at night time. After baby has had that first morning feed, pump immediately afterwards and you will be surprised at how much milk you can get out. It may be enough for a full feed on its own or you can add to other bits of expressed milk that day as mentioned in the let down method above.
How long can I store breast milk?
When it comes to breast milk storage there seems to be a lot of controversy around this issue. If you Google “How long can I store my breast milk”, you will get more different answers than days under the sun. In Europe and the WHO, they recommend the rule of six. Breast milk is fine for six hours at room temperature, six days in the back of the fridge and six months in the freezer.
If it helps you, just remember the mark of the beast 6-6-6!
The CDC is a little more conservative, with their recommendations. They go for a 446 rule. I've seen other experts suggesting two hours and even some others saying eight.
The reason we have such wide variation in recommendations is because breast milk is a living liquid, it changes throughout the course of the day and the duration of your breastfeeding journey. As does the number of cells that naturally occur in breast milk, whose purpose is to eat up bacteria in your milk like packman cells (Macrophages!).
It also significantly varies person to person. So, its shelf life will vary depending on numerous factors and some experts are just more conservative than others. We at PNB believe every drop is sacred! Don’t waste a bit if you can help it! If you wanna go by the rule of 6 because it's easy to remember or if you want to go by the CDC recommendations 446, because it's a little more erring on the side of caution, that’s all cool. Both are fine and you should do what feels right to you. As long as you are somewhere in that timeline, you shouldn't go wrong.
How do I store my milk?
Lots of people are using breast milk storage bags because they're convenient, easy to store and disposable. Top tip: look for one with a flat bottom bag to save you from crying over spilt milk!
Others are concerned about exposure to plastics and impact on the environment and are looking for more sustainable options, such as Glass jars and storage devices like these.
There are even new systems that are coming out with a bag/bottle all in one system, so you pump into a bag which goes into a bottle and then straight into your baby, cutting out all the middle steps.
However, those in the know, will remember that this fancy new system isn't actually new. They had a similar system out in the 1990’s. But hey, it's great to see an old favorite being recycled. If it works it works!
Find an option that is affordable and convenient and that works for you. Raising babies is hard, why add more stress to your life!
Now go and enjoy that well earned time away from baby. Don’t let the momma guilt ruin your whole day!
Reach out to us with any questions or concerns!! We’re just a click away! info@pacificnorthbreast.com
Happy Storing,
The Breasties!
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