I asked Chat GPT (Artificial Intelligence software) to write a blog post with advice and pictures for packing a pump bag. The results weren’t what I expected…
They were pretty great! I didn’t expect that! I expected the most generic list, with robotic language and incorrect information… but I got a compassionate, thoughtful list, complete with very accurate advice for a momma’s return to work! The pictures, however…. *shakes head and laughs* were another story. They cracked me up! I hope you enjoy the results.
*I have included the full results from Chat GTP below, complete with the AI generated images. Any of my own words have been added in parenthesis with PMP- in front. My own version of this blog is coming soon, so keep an eye out!*
*AI generated image* PMP- Apparently all moms returning to work are thin white women with corporate jobs who take their kids to work?!
Title: Packing a Pumping Bag for Work: A Breastfeeding Mom’s Guide
Going back to work as a breastfeeding mom can be a challenging transition, but being well-prepared with a properly packed pumping bag can make the experience smoother and more manageable. Whether you’re a first-time mom or just need a refresher, this guide will help ensure you have everything you need for a successful pumping session at work. (PMP- Solid start, Chat GPT, let’s see what ya got!)
Essential Items for Your Pumping Bag
Breast Pump and Accessories Make sure your pump is fully charged or has a power adapter if it requires an outlet. Don’t forget essential parts such as flanges, tubing, valves, and membranes. (PMP- way to go Chat GPT! Excellent advice and terminology!)
Breast Milk Storage Bags or Bottles Bring enough storage containers to accommodate the amount of milk you plan to pump. Labeling them with the date can help with organization and freshness.
A Small Cooler with Ice Packs Keeping your milk cold is essential, especially if you don’t have access to a refrigerator at work. An insulated cooler with ice packs will do the job. (PMP- another thumbs up)
Hands-Free Pumping Bra A hands-free bra allows you to multitask while pumping, making the process more convenient and comfortable.
Cleaning Supplies Bring pump wipes or a small bottle of dish soap and a brush if you need to wash your pump parts at work. Some moms also bring a microwave steam sterilizer bag for quick cleaning. (PMP- So far this is pretty darn close to what I would have written myself!)
Nursing Pads and Extra Clothes Leaks happen! Pack extra nursing pads and a backup shirt just in case. (PMP- Many moms on Instagram also suggested bringing an extra shirt and hand towel!)
Snacks and Water Pumping can be dehydrating and energy-draining. Keeping a water bottle and some healthy snacks in your bag will help maintain your energy levels. (PMP- Yessssss!)
A Comfortable Cover (Optional) If you prefer privacy while pumping, a nursing cover or lightweight scarf can be helpful, especially if you share a space. (PMP- Legally, your work must provide a private space to pump!)
A Notebook or Pumping App Keeping track of your pumping schedule, milk output, and reminders for cleaning and storage can be helpful.
*AI generated image* PMP- Dyyyying laughing at this pumping bag. Note the huge haakaa style pump with tube leading to nowhere. Anything else crack you up?
*AI generated image* PMP- The baby on the windowsill! …And yet another thin Caucasian model with an office job.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Pumping Experience
Create a Pumping Schedule: Try to pump at the same times each day to maintain your milk supply. (PMP- Again, way to go Chat GPT!)
Have a Backup Plan: Keep an extra set of pump parts at work in case you forget something.
Stay Relaxed: Listening to music, looking at pictures of your baby, or practicing deep breathing can help with milk letdown. (PMP- Okay I am beginning to think they borrowed some of this from my website at this point.)
Advocate for Your Needs: Communicate with your employer about your pumping needs and ensure you have a comfortable, private space to express milk. (PMP- Yesssssss!)
*AI generated image* (PMP- Just… wat. Gotta get me one of those pump/cooler hybrids! LOL)
*AI generated image* PMP- This is what I got when I requested that the mom be “blue collar.” Way to take me literally! (Also, I don’t think this is Osha compliant, LOL)
Packing a well-stocked pumping bag will set you up for a successful return to work while continuing your breastfeeding journey. With the right preparation, you can make pumping at work a seamless part of your daily routine. You’ve got this, mama! (PMP- VERY happy with this blog post, Chat GPT! The photos however…. could use some work. LOL)
*AI generated image* PMP- *shakes head*…. AI is creepy, man. Also, note the bottle/pump combo… ?!
You might be hearing conflicting advice for treating clogged ducts or mastitis. You might even be hearing the phrase “new protocol/protocol 38” but what is this new protocol for mastitis, and how does it apply to pumping mommas?
First of all, what in the world is this creepy image. anyway? For those of you who are old enough, or have parents that like to frighten you around the holidays, you might recognize “HeatMiser” and “SnowMiser” from “The Year Without Santa Claus.” (Weird movie, do not recommend) It’s the first image I thought of when I opened up my laptop to write this post. The battle between heat and cold…. that’s what’s been going on for mastitis treatment. Should you apply heat, vibration, and massage? Or should you ice it and take medication? It’s truly been a battle of heat vs. cold.
The old advice: HEAT
The solution was once to use heat packs, vigorous massage, and vibration to treat clogged ducts and mastitis. This is no longer recommended. We now know that a “clogged” duct is not a solid piece of milk we must shove through. What is really happening, is that the duct has become inflamed and has narrowed, not allowing as much milk through. With the knowledge we have regarding inflammation, we know that HEAT and massage may make inflammation worse, not better.
The new advice: COLD
So how do we treat an inflamed milk duct? With ice and ibuprofen! Applying COLD to the breast can reduce inflammation, allowing milk to flow freely from the duct. Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (abbreviated as NSAID) like ibuprofen may also help. (Tylenol/acetaminophen is NOT an NSAID, so opt for Advil/ibuprofen instead.) An ice pack designed for the breast, like this one by Lansinoh, or this multi-pack which can be used of little kid boo-boos long after breastfeeding!. You can also use a frozen bag of peas, which flexes nicely around the breast. Light, lymphatic massage may also be helpful, but refrain from applying vibration/vigorous massage to the affected area. And because I know you will ask… Yes, you can still feed baby your milk when you’re taking an NSAID anti-inflammatory medication or an antibiotic.
How do you know if you have mastitis?
The updated 2022 Protocol #36 guidelines from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) published in May 2022 now assert that mastitis should be considered “a spectrum of conditions”, ranging from oversupply (hyperlactation) to inflammation, bacterial infection and abscess. LactApp covers it pretty succinctly in their post HERE . Mastitis can be:
Ductile narrowing/inflammation
Inflammatory mastitis (what we think of as unresolved “clogged ducts”)
Bacterial mastitis caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus
Phlegmon- suspected when mastitis worsens as a firm, mass without fluctuance
Abscess: An accumulation of infected fluid that needs to be drained
Infected galactocele- a significant volume of obstructed milk accumulates in a cyst-like cavity
… in easy-to-understand terms, please? Contact your doctor if you are experiencing:
Prolonged unresolved clogs, or hard areas of the breast that don’t seem to be emptying when you nurse or pump
Redness of the breast (With darker pigmented skin, this may appear darker or a reddish-brown hue)
Burning sensation in the breast
Areas of the breast that are painful or warm to the touch
Any of these symptoms accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms
Why has my milk supply gone down?
It’s normal to see a reduction in milk supply after a prolonged clogged duct or mastitis. Why? It’s actually your body trying to protect you! If milk has not be adequately emptied from one breast, it causes internal pressure inside the milk-making cells of that breast. This sends signals to your body to slow down production in that breast. These protective signals result in less milk being produced. For some mommas, this drop in supply is temporary. When the milk starts flowing again, the body often sends the message- “okay! milk is being removed, make more!” But sometimes that breast will remain at a lower output. This is why dealing with “clogs” as soon as possible is so important!
The initial advice “not to pump” following the new protocol has confused exclusive pumpers (mommas who pump exclusively and do not latch baby at the breast). The protocol advises you to nurse on demand and not excessively pump. So, for exclusive pumpers, YES you’ll need to pump. I advise you to pump as you would normally pump- not longer or more often. Excessive pumping can lead to an upregulation of milk and a continued cycle of mastitis. Many mommas find that switching to a manual pump gives you more control and can help finesse the clog out. My advice regarding “clogged ducts” tailored for exclusive pumpers can be found HERE.
The short version:
In summary… The ABM protocol change in 2022 gave us a lot of think about, and in many ways, completely changes the way we treat clogs and mastitis. What we used to think of as a “clogged duct” is actually ductile narrowing brought on my inflammation. Mastitis is a spectrum of conditions in the breast, from inflammation which can be treated at home with ice and ibuprofen, to infection, which needs medical attention. Avoid intense massage and vibration. Choose a cold compress over a hot one. Nursing mothers should keep feeding on demand without adding additional pumping sessions. Exclusive pumpers are encouraged to stick to your pumping schedule as much as possible. Manual pumping or hand-expression is an excellent alternative in both cases.
SOURCES:
*This post is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult your medical provider.
Did you know that breast size does not determine how much milk you can hold? Breast capacity varies from person to person, no matter if you are a A-cup or an E-cup! Exclusive pumpers with large capacity may be able to maintain a full milk supply with fewer pumps per day, while a momma with a smaller capacity may need to remain pumping frequently. This is called the “magic number.” Read on to find out more!
Breast capacity
CAPACITY is the term we use for how much milk your breast can hold at one time. Women with higher capacity breasts are able to pump fewer times per day than a woman with lower capacity. What determines capacity? Alveolar cells are the milk-making cells in grape-like sacs called mammary alveoli inside your breasts. So think of it as some mommas having bigger bunches of grapes than other mommas. (I love a good visual!) Breast capacity can increase with subsequent births.
As an exclusive pumper, The momma with high capacity could hit that 30 ounce-per-day goal with fewer sessions than a momma who needs to pump 8+ sessions a day to make what their baby needs. Does that make sense?
EVERY momma should empty her breasts regularly right after birth to establish supply, either through nursing or pumping. But a momma with a higher capacity could afford to eventually pump fewer times a day than a momma who needs to keep up that frequent schedule. That’s the “magic number.” How do you know your capacity/magic number?! You don’t, right away. When you begin to go longer between sessions you begin to find out how much you can hold. See more about “magic number” below.
*Note about IGT and low milk supply*
Some mommas who face primary low supply might be dealing with IGT, or “Insufficient Glandular Tissue” which means that they lack the anatomical space to hold milk within their breasts. Mommas with IGT often did not see a change in breast size during pregnancy or after birth. Having a low milk supply may mean that even with frequent pumping, you may not reach or maintain the level of milk your baby takes in a day. As always, working with a knowledgeable lactation professional is recommended. In this case, I suggest Kaia Lacey, CLC from @lowsupplymom and lowsupplymom.com
Right after birth, it’s your job as an exclusive pumper to tell your body how much milk you need. This is why we suggest pumping every 3 hours, around the clock, to build your milk supply. The demand for milk determines how much milk your body will create. Frequent removal of milk by baby or breast pump builds supply. Any drastic changes in the weeks after birth can lead to secondary low supply. What is a “drastic change?” As a nursing mommas, this can mean being separated from a nursing infant and not pumping instead. As an exclusive pumping momma, this can mean dropping down to 4 pumps per day instead of the recommended 8, within the first 2 months. By 8-12 weeks, your body will have “regulated” which means that you could begin to drop pumping sessions and your milk supply may not drastically change. More on milk supply HERE.
How will you know you’ve regulated supply? The engorgement phase will be long over, but now your breasts may not feel as full or leaky. This change may be gradual over the course of the first weeks after birth. Don’t worry, you’re still making milk! Think of lactation like a river, not like a pond that empties out completely and needs to completely refill. Your body may show signs of getting used to a schedule, feeling a letdown or fullness when it’s time to pump/feed. Another important sign for exclusive pumpers, is that they may be able to drop a pump session or two and still make around the same total ounces per day.
It’s important to pay attention to daily total ounces because milk supply can fluctuate greatly during the day. You might have noticed your milk production being higher in the early morning and lower in the evening. That’s natural! Prolactin (milk-making hormone) peaks and dips throughout a daily cycle.
Magic number
OKAY MOMMAS. If my suggested schedule confused you, you’re not alone. It’s actually pretty impossible to predict what schedule will work for you, because every single momma is different. That’s where the 🔮MAGIC NUMBER🔮 comes into play. . What is the MAGIC NUMBER?! It’s the number of times a day you’ll need to pump to keep up your supply. 🔮Exclusive pumpers should begin by pumping at least 8x day, which is every 3 hours around the clock. 🔮By 2-3 months, milk supply regulates, which means that some mothers can begin spacing out the time between pump sessions and still make enough daily to feed their baby 🔮 Every woman has a different breast capacity, which means how much milk can be held at one time- so some mothers can pump fewer times a day and still make enough milk. 🔮MAGIC NUMBER- the number of pumping sessions that still give you a full supply 🔮What happens if you drop a session and decrease output too much? Add that session back in as soon as you experience that drop! (If you’re good at 6 pumps per day but 5 pumps doesn’t give you enough milk, then you know 6 is YOUR magic number.) 🔮Stick with that number of pumps per day until you’re ready to wean!
What IS “full supply?” A full milk supply, or what we EPers call being a “just enougher” is when you make as much milk as baby drinks. The goal I use as a reference is usually around 30 ounces because the average intake for an infant under 1 is around 25-35 ounces a day. Babies generally plateau out at 30 ounces or so by the time they are 1-2months old and stick with that daily total until they are closer to 1 year old and are eating more solid meals.
Does the magic number just apply to exclusive pumpers? No! It can also help when returning to work after maternity leave. Once you regulate supply, you take note that your baby nurses 7 times a day. That means when you are gone at work, it will be important to pump the same number of times you would have nursed during that time period. So, if you pump 3 times at work, expect to nurse 4 times at home.
[Exclusive pumpers, this is for you.] You’ve heard the phrase “Never quit on a bad day” but how do you know when it’s a “good” day to quit? It can be a really hard decision, and sometimes you’re not even in control of the decision in the first place! (Totally unfair, I know!)
I asked the mommas over on Instagram and compiled a list of reasons mommas end their pumping journey. If you are trying to decide when to call it quits, hopefully this list helps! (And if you’re not the one in control of your journey ending, hopefully this list helps you feel a little less alone.)
Your priorities change
It’s okay if your priorities change. If sleep deprivation is making you crazy, maybe it’s time to prioritize sleep (and that’s okay!) If you are missing out on time with your baby or older children, maybe it’s time to prioritize time with them instead of time spend pumping (and that’s okay!) It’s a good idea to honestly review your priorities every now and then and see if exclusively pumping can still top the list. Need permission? Here’s permission. It’s okay if pumping cannot be a priority in your life right now.
Your mental health is suffering
Something I repeat often is: “Any amount of breastmilk you can give your baby is beneficial UNLESS your mental health is at stake.” I am a huge proponent of supporting maternal mental health through therapy and medication. I love how both are being normalized in social media and daily conversations I’ve heard between new moms. Your mental health is incredibly important. If exclusively pumping is damaging to your wellbeing, please prioritize your mental health. Your baby needs a happy, healthy momma.
Your body tells you it’s time
Hormones are powerful. They are the reason you lactate in the first place. They can giveth and they can taketh away! Some mommas reported a drastic reduction in supply that came with the return of their period or a new pregnancy that made them quit pumping altogether. Other mommas reported bad cases of mastitis or recurrent clogged ducts that greatly reduced their milk supply and caused them to end their pumping journey prematurely.
You can’t make it work with work
Keep in mind that here in the U.S. employers need to give you time and space to pump for up to one year. (Read more about your legal rights to pump here) However, some jobs are harder to work a pumping schedule into, right? It sucks, but it’s true. You might have “space” to pump, but are disgusted by the supply closet they make you pump in. You might have “time” to pump, but the pumping room is in a different floor of the hospital you work in, and you can’t make it work with your schedule. You might be facing pressure from your boss (They should really go read this book by Sarah Wells, by the way.) or pressure from your coworkers. For that, I am sorry. Sometimes people can really lack empathy for new mommas, and that sucks. It’s definitely a reason mommas quit pumping, and I wish it weren’t.
You met your breastfeeding goal
[Reminder: Pumping IS breastfeeding] Setting a breastfeeding goal can help you know when to end your journey. I always suggest setting a manageable goal (which looks different for everyone) and reassessing when you hit that goal. You might hit your goal of pumping for 3 months, celebrate, and box up that breast pump. You might hit your goal of 6 months and feel that you’ve found ways to make pumping more sustainable, so you set a new goal of 9 months! Either way, setting and reaching a benchmark goal can help you feel like you’ve accomplished something- because you have! Celebrate yourself and your achievements, momma!
You have enough milk in your freezer
Some mommas have enough of an oversupply to create a freezer stash of milk. Mommas use an app like PumpLog to calculate how long their freezer stash will last, and quit when they have enough milk. Read this before starting a freezer stash!
Maybe you just… know.
For some mommas, it’s not about a schedule, goal, or external factors. Maybe you just feel, in your gut/soul that it’s time. Some people meditate about it, some pray about it… either way, some mommas simply feel like a peace has fallen upon them, letting them know it’s okay to quit.
From TheBump, Mia Gorell photography credit
*Important note*
Ending your pumping journey is YOUR decision, NOT someone else’s. Be clear and honest about your goals with your family, friends, and doctor. If your spouse gets whiney and tells you it’s time to quit, it is NOT their decision. If your mother-in-law doesn’t understand your determination to exclusively pump, it is NOT her decision. If your pediatrician tells you that your baby is 1 year old and can switch to a different kind of milk, but you still want to pump past age 1, it is NOT their decision. If your employer won’t give you time to pump past age 1, then yes, they can legally stop you from taking as many pumping breaks, BUT you can still pump at lunch, on any other shorter breaks, if possible, and before/after work. I’ve seen it work. Your milk supply may decrease at that point, but it’s still YOUR decision.
What if you still want to make it work, for now?
Okay, you read through this whole list and you STILL want to make it work, for now at least. I support you! Consider making an appointment with me to talk through the roadblocks you are facing. Consider downloading my Pumping Sucks guide and troubleshooting some things that make pumping suck.
Let’s talk about supplementing. It’s way more common than you think. Supplementing is a fact of life for many mommas, but can also be the key to prolonging your pumping journey! How? Read on to find out: *This post is NOT sponsored by any formula brands, nor is any specific brand mentioned/suggested/promoted within this post*
What is “supplementing?”
Let’s start with the basic idea of supplementing. When the breastfeeding community talks about “supplementing,” we are referring to something that is adding to your infant’s diet of breastmilk to fill any nutritional gaps. We also call this “combo feeding.” This is most commonly referring to supplementing a lowered supply of breastmilk with formula, but can mean supplementing with donor milk, solid foods when the baby is older, or even nutritional supplements like vitamins and minerals prescribed by your child’s pediatrician. For this blog post, we are going to focus on supplementing with formula.
Coming to terms with supplementing
The need to supplement can leave mommas feeling guilty about not being able to provide a complete diet of breastmilk for their baby. I get it, I’ve been there. Keep in mind, even if you can’t provide 100% breastmilk for your baby, they are still getting 100% of the benefits of your breastmilk. Read that again, because it’s true. That amount still matters. (For example, did you know that one teaspoon of breastmilk contains up to 3 million germ-killing cells? Wow!) Still, it can be hard to start supplementing. There can be feelings of failure. There can be feelings of guilt and grief. Let yourself feel your feelings, because they matter. Then, try reframing your mindset about supplementing. Formula was scientifically designed to help infants thrive. A mindset shift that helped me personally was this: Soon, there will be lots of things your baby will eat that you didn’t personally create with your body. Do you give yourself a hard time because you can’t create bananas, bread, or broccoli with your body? Of course not! Just group formula in with all the new foods that will nourish your baby. I promise, there are so many silver linings to supplementing!
The benefits of supplementing
Supplementing can help improve baby’s bilirubin levels to combat jaundice.
Supplementing can help while a momma is actively working with a lactation professional to improve nursing or pumping.
Supplementing under a doctor’s guidance can help a baby who is struggling with weight gain.
Supplementing helps a momma with low supply keep offering breastmilk.
Supplementing can help mommas reach their breast pumping goal.
Supplementing can help momma ease up on her pumping schedule and potentially pump longer than anticipated because it feels more sustainable!
By combo-feeding, you can ensure baby is still getting the benefits of your breastmilk, no matter what amount you are able to provide. Think of it as the most personalized vitamin you can give them!
Keep in mind…
Replacing a feed with formula can negatively affect your supply if you aren’t pumping in place of a nursing session.
If you are supplementing while “waiting for your milk to come in,” you should be actively working to bring on the next stage of lactation by regularly pumping or nursing to bring on that mature milk.
If you are separated from baby, it is wise to pump every 3 hours to protect your supply.
It is always advised to work closely with a lactation professional to meet your feeding goals.
Ideally, supplementing with breastmilk would be “best.” Using your own freezer stash of milk would be great, but that’s not feasible for everyone. Supplementing with donor milk would also be great, but can be extremely pricey to purchase from milk banks. Some mommas are able to link up with family or a trusted friend who are willing and able to donate breastmilk. Others find local mommas on a HumanMilk4HumanBabies or EatsOnFeets facebook groups, both of which are considered “informal” mother-to-mother milk donation platforms that do not screen their donors like milk banks do. If breastmilk is not available, your other choice is to supplement with formula. Despite clever marketing, there is no formula brand that matches the nutritional composition of breastmilk, it’s just not possible. Before buying a large amount of formula, I suggest seeing if your baby takes it without argument/difficulty. If you need a specialty kind, work with your pediatrician to find the ingredients best for your baby’s unique needs. My colleague Erin, the “Baby Feeding Coach” has a great page on understanding a formula label HERE. For a deeper dive, trust my friend Bridget Young, PhD, the “Baby Formula Expert” advice found HERE.
How do I supplement with formula?
There are many ways to use formula in supplementary feeding. Some mommas choose a specific time of day, such as nighttime feeding by a helpful partner, or when their baby is at daycare. Some pumpers alternate feeds between breastmilk bottles and formula bottles. Another choice is to offer a partial feed of breastmilk and supplement the rest with formula. Some mommas choose to do this with two separate bottles, or feeding the breastmilk first, then putting formula in the empty breastmilk bottle to finish the feed. Others choose to mix the formula and breastmilk together in one feeding bottle. Try easing into formula introduction when baby is in a good mood. An overly tired or hungry baby is in no mood to try something new. Once you know that baby will accept the bottle of formula, you can gradually increase how much you offer them.
Can I mix breastmilk and formula?
The short answer is yes. Yes, you can mix breastmilk and formula as long as it is done safely. Breastmilk should never replace the water used to mix up powdered formula. If you plan to mix breastmilk and formula, prepare the formula as directed, and then add breastmilk to it. According to Dr. Bridget Young, there is evidence of proteases (enzymes that break down protein) in breastmilk helping to digest the proteins in formula, which can result in easier digestion for baby. This will happen if you feed the breastmilk and formula in the same bottle, or back-to-back in the same feeding. Are there any reasons NOT to mix breastmilk and formula? You should be sure your baby does not reject the formula you are offering. If they reject the bottle, you may be wasting that liquid gold (a.k.a your precious breastmilk!) Another reason is that once baby has started feeding from a formula bottle, you need to use it within an hour. With breastmilk, that rule is use within 2 hours.
Storing prepared formula
Once prepared, formula should be used within 24 hours. Mommas who prepare a pitcher of formula in advance should use the formula within 24 hours. If baby begins to drink from the bottle, it is advised to use that bottle within 1 hour, without putting it back in the fridge to save for later in the day.
You don’t know what you don’t know… you know? I’d never known anyone who had a baby in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and I certainly didn’t plan on having a baby need the NICU… so it was uncharted territory for us. With September being NICU Awareness Month, I’ve been reflecting on my experience and found some of it surprising! While most of the blog posts here at Pump Momma Pump are designed as helpful guides, this post is more of a reflection of my own experience. But hey… if you’re a NICU momma or a new mom in general, some of it may resonate!
Find yourself needing advice for pumping in the NICU? This blog post may help!
Born a month early, my son aced the APGAR test right away but quickly developed jaundice and needed to spend 2 weeks in the NICU gaining the stamina and skills to nurse or bottle feed. During those two weeks, I did some pretty curious things… and didn’t do some things people would assume I should do.
Surprising things I did while he was in the NICU
– Go grocery shopping
On the way home from the hospital, we went grocery shopping. I remember slowly shuffling through the store, careful not to disturb my painful stitches from my perineal tear. Why didn’t I go home to rest and send my husband? Or at least wait in the car? Silly of me. Hind site really is 20/20, isn’t it!
– Bake a cake for my mother in law
Like what the actual…? I distinctly remember that my mother-in-law was coming to stay for a few days, so I thought I should bake a cake. Me. The one who just had a baby a few days ago… Like, what?! Why didn’t someone bake a cake for me? I’m still sore about that. (My mother in law and I have a fabulous relationship, by the way…. still.)
– Build a crib
I was in no condition to build a crib (okay, well, assemble a crib) Who let me do that?
– Get a pedicure
A to-do list item in that last month before baby’s arrival was to get a pedicure. Since he arrived early, this didn’t happen in time. My husband even went with me! (though he didn’t get polish, lol) It felt indulgent at the time, but I am glad we did it! It was a nice distraction from the stress of the NIC
– Went to a rummage sale
Looking back on photos for this post, I just saw a picture of my mom and me at our local rummage sale. Totally forgot about that! I remember now, that my mom and I visited my son in the NICU, then went to Panera for lunch, and shopped at the rummage sale. I even have a necklace on?! Boy I was really livin’ it up! Why didn’t someone make me stay in bed? *shakes head* tsk tsk.
– Go on a date
We figured, heck… our baby’s not home yet, let’s get one last date night in while we can! We went to a local brewery and I got the best burger and fries, before rushing home to pump! This was 2 weeks postpartum, so I was not quite as sore. 5/5 would recommend.
– Had a sleepover with my husband in the NICU!
Our NICU had a “family room” right in the unit, which looked kinda like a hotel room with ensuite bathroom. You were allowed to test out your first night with baby before taking them home- it was really cool! The nurses didn’t even bother you all night unless you needed their assistance.
Surprising things I didn’t do while he was in the NICU
– I didn’t take any videos
Our NICU had a strict no-phones policy. I broke it a few times to snap a quick pic of our little one, but we definitely didn’t have time to sneak a whole video! I really wish we would have just closed the curtain and did it anyway! Ah well.
– I barely held my baby
99% of the time during our NICU visits I was pumping or cleaning pump parts. Greg did all the baby holding! For some reason we didn’t stick around… we did baby care, pumping, and feeding, and then went home. Having a baby still felt very surreal to me, especially a NICU baby. I didn’t get that initial bond that many others get. I hear about mommas staying all day to snuggle and even read to their babies, and I still give myself grief over not doing this.
– Didn’t see a lactation consultant
I saw three different ones back in the maternity ward before he landed himself in the NICU, but they just tried to help nurse, and didn’t even mention pumping. It was a NICU nurse who taught me how to pump and gave me the tough love I needed to get and stay on a strict pumping schedule. Exclusive pumping worked so well for my family that even when my baby gained the stamina to nurse, we kept right on bottle feeding.
– I didn’t change diapers
My husband, who had never held a baby, let alone change any diapers, got thrust into baby care right away. He’s thankful for it! We say the NICU was like, “How to parent 101 class.” They taught us how to feed, burp, change, and bathe our son… all of which I already knew how to do, but was a brand new experience for my husband!
If you currently have a baby in the NICU, or may have one in the future, here’s a heartfelt message from me to you: Your baby’s NICU stay is not your fault. I never understood why people would think it was, but this guilt can creep in anyway. You did nothing wrong. Feel your feelings, but don’t allow guilt to be one of them. Your baby is simply getting the help they need to thrive once they go home with you. Your baby is in the best possible place for them… right now. You have knowledgeable, experienced doctors and compassionate nurses caring for your sweet little one, alongside you and any family members there with you. It’s a team effort. You need care too. After all, you just had a baby! Make sure that you are getting enough to eat and drink, and give your body the rest it needs to heal while you wait for your baby to come home. Build your support system. Now is the time to call upon that church meal train, hire or ask someone to help with tasks around the house, make an appointment with a therapist, or join support groups online to find mommas who have been in similar shoes. The more you feel supported, the better. And lastly…. have grace with yourself. Let yourself feel whatever you’re feeling, whenever you feel it. There is no right or wrong way to react to having a baby in the NICU. Hang in there, momma.
I was asked this question today in a DM over on Instagram, and I’ll admit… it’s not the first time I’ve had a bewildered mother ask a similar question. Since Pump Momma Pump attracts mommas who pump, most are coming to seek pumping-specific answers they haven’t found elsewhere. Many times, all the experience they’ve had with lactation professionals is with the one who came to see them in the hospital after giving birth, if that. And I’ve found that most of those experiences were bad. But… Why?
I’d love to admit that the title of the blog was easy click-bait, but unfortunately I hear it frequently. So frequently, in fact, that I felt the question was worth devoting a blog post to. Have you yourself had a bad experience with hospital lactation staff? This post is for you! I hope that by the end, you understand why we hear this complaint so often, and hopefully, you leave feeling a bit more gracious toward them.
* No place for hate *
This is actually NOT a roast post. As a CLC myself, I cannot write a blog post promoting a negative view about fellow lactation professionals, especially ones that have higher credentials and more experience. It is not ethical and goes against the principles of respect and inclusion. We all know that lactation consultants play a crucial role in assisting mothers with breastfeeding and ensuring that the baby is receiving the best nutrition and care possible. They are trained and certified professionals who provide support and guidance to both the mother and baby during the breastfeeding journey. It is important to give credit where it is due and respect the professionals who work hard every day to ensure that mothers and their babies are healthy and happy. The point of this post is to acknowledge the elephant in the room and leave with a greater understanding of why women might not have gotten the specific help they needed.
Maybe you’re only hearing the bad stuff
First, let’s talk about why we hear this complaint so frequently. We usually hear more about what goes wrong than what goes right, right? Think of all the mommas who had a smooth start to their breastfeeding journey…. you don’t always hear those stories. In fact, some mommas feel guilty admitting how well things went, especially around someone who’s had a rough time. Misery loves company. It can feel comforting knowing you’re not the only one struggling, so we talk about our pain points to know we’re not alone.
Staffing and scheduling issues
I’d wager that most hospitals are understaffed. Lactation professionals (I don’t always say IBCLC because many hospitals allow professionals with other letters after their names!) have far too many patients and far too little time. With that many mommas on their caseload, it’s impossible to give each one thorough, personalized, extensive care. When a momma comes to me and says, “All they tried to do is get baby to latch, they didn’t even talk about pumping!” I wouldn’t call that a bad thing! If they have 15 minutes with you, and you express the desire to breastfeed, then yes, they are going to focus on nursing. They’ve got to make the most of the time they do have with you! *If you yourself work in hospital lactation, email or DM me, I’d love to hear your experience!*
Widespread lack of pumping education
Many members of hospital lactation staff are undereducated on pumping. Pumping was an incredibly small part of my own formal education and a CLC and also shamefully lacking in the IBCLC program as well, as confirmed by a fellow professional who recently sat for the exam. There is an even greater disparity if the shadowing hours they performed were with lactation professions who were not well versed in pumping, or perhaps not as up-to-date on flange sizing, etc. To gain knowledge about breast pumping, I used my continuing professional development hours to focus on pumping-specific topics, I read pumping-centered books and ebooks, and I learned through peer support and feet-on-the-ground experience. I don’t share this specific passion with everyone, I can tell you that! It takes desire, time, and honestly money, to educate yourself on pumping beyond formal lactation training.
“We have size 24 and size 28.”
Say the lactation professional is knowledgeable about using the hospital pump and getting on a pump schedule. That’s an awesome start! Even better if they understand how to fit a momma for a correctly sized flange. The problem then becomes… “We have size 24 and size 28. If one isn’t working, try the other.” Many hospitals only carry theses two sizes! These may be considered “standard” but they are not average. If I had to pick an average sized flange, I’d pick 17 or 19. Seriously! So it may not be the lactation care you take issue with, but the lack of resources they have to use.
Feed the baby
Coming back to what I said earlier about “respecting the professionals who work hard every day to ensure that mothers and their babies are healthy and happy….” That’s the goal! Feed that baby! If that baby isn’t latching, isn’t eating, and the lactation worker has 15 minutes to meet with the momma… do you think they are going to sit there and read your pump manual with you? I don’t think so!
Emotions run high
Giving birth is a wild experience, physically and emotionally. I remember asking one nurse not to touch me, and telling my husband that she was “too nice.” When a lactation professional grabbed my breast to make a “titty taco” to help my son latch, probably without much warning, I was like… wtf? To them, it’s something they do all day every day. To a brand new, highly hormonal, highly sensitive momma, it can seem invasive and unnatural. I am not gaslighting myself or any other new mommas. We had every right to feel whatever we felt at the time. I just know that I wasn’t exactly in the right mindset to offer much grace toward the lactation staff who did try and help.
Compassion and grace
Speaking of which… that’s the main takeaway here. Having compassion and grace. We don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes in these hospitals. We don’t know how many patients they have, how much experience they’ve had with pumping, what little supplies they are equipped with… We only saw one side of it. So, I encourage you to look back on your experience with hospital lactation staff through a more compassionate lens. To think about the overscheduled, probably underpaid, definitely overstressed staff and offer them grace.
Melissa’s own experience
When my son was born a month early, a team from the NICU was bedside and immediately whisked him to a station next to me to check his APGAR score and make sure he was okay. He didn’t get immediate skin-to-skin or do the “breast crawl” we learn about in breastfeeding class. While he did ace the APGAR test, he was on the small side, was very tired, and had verrrry little stamina for nursing. Nurses made sure I tried to latch him often, and three lactation consultants came into my room to help him latch (that’s unheard of!) However, he wasn’t transferring any colostrum/milk and he developed jaundice and landed himself in the NICU to be gavage-fed formula through the tube. It wasn’t until day 4, if I recall correctly, that I learned about pumping. It wasn’t from a lactation consultant (they didn’t even bring up the topic) It was from a helpful NICU nurse who taught me to use a pump and gave me the tough love I needed to get on, and stay on, a rigorous pumping schedule. The gratitude I have for that NICU nurse has far outweighed the bitterness I felt toward the lactation counselors. Several year removed from the situation, I can now look back on it with gracious compassion toward them and the work that they do.
Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)
How was YOUR experience with hospital lactation staff? Share with us in the comments!
You’ve heard the phrase “don’t quit on a bad day,” right? This helpful phrase can apply to many areas of your life- a bad day at soccer practice, a bad day at work, a bad day attempting a new hobby or trying a new recipe… and it can definitely apply to breast pumping. For new, or even experienced pumpers, there can be some days when you just want to throw in the towel and pack up that pump (Or smash it to pieces, LOL) Here’s why I don’t think you should quit just yet…
Emotions Are Temporary, Decisions Are Permanent(ish)
When you’re having a bad day, your emotions are heightened. Stress, frustration, and exhaustion can cloud your judgment, leading to decisions you might regret later. It’s easy to feel like the only way out is to quit, but this decision is made under the influence of temporary emotions. Once the storm passes, you might find that the situation isn’t as dire as it seemed. Also… relactation is hard, sometimes impossible. It’s not always possible to just start lactating again after your body has weaned.
“It’s all right to cry; Crying makes you feel better”
There’s a song I used to listen to on a record *record scratch* yes, a RECORD at my grandma’s house. It was from 1974 (No, I’m not THAT old.) by Rosey Grier called “It’s all right to cry” from the album “Free to Be… You & Me” This was waaaaaay before “social emotional learning” was a legitimate science. This was back when kids were told to stop crying, that crying was for babies, that crying doesn’t solve anything. Way ahead of its time, for sure. The point is- It IS alright to cry. In the song, Rosey says “Feelings are such real things, and they change and change and change. It’s alright to know that feelings come and feeling go. It’s alright to cry, it might make you feel better.” That’s what I want you to keep in mind. Feelings come and feelings go. They change and change and change. How you feel right now is VALID, and it’s okay to cry, but you won’t feel that way forever.
You WILL have a bad day, that’s part of the journey
Every breastfeeding journey, whether exclusive nursing, exclusive pumping, or a mixture of both, has its ups and downs. You will spill the milk, we all do at some point. Bad days are inevitable, but they are also a part of growth. They teach resilience, patience, and the ability to navigate challenges. Bad days tell you that there’s a problem to solve. They can actually be useful in helping you realize what you need. (Getting what you need is a whole ‘nother story, though.)
Clarity Comes with Time
On a bad day, it can feel like the challenges you’re facing are insurmountable. But taking a step back and giving yourself time to reflect can bring clarity. There might be a lot going on that can add to your bad mood (your baby is crying, you are tired, you’re hungry, and you need a shower) Going into a pumping session when you’re already in a bad mood suuuucks. Making a decision to quit when you’re in this mood can be a rash decision, and giving yourself time may help you approach the decision with a clear mind. You might realize that the problem is solvable or that it’s not as significant as it initially seemed. By giving yourself time, you’re allowing your rational mind to take over from your emotional one. Sleep can also help. There’s a reason “sleep on it” is common advice. One of the most comforting thoughts on a bad day is that tomorrow is a new day. Things can change dramatically overnight. A good night’s sleep (or even good stretch of sleep), a conversation with a friend, or simply the passage of time can make a world of difference. When you wake up with a fresh perspective, the problems of today might seem much more manageable.
You’re Stronger Than You Think
I’m not gonna sit here and pretend that everything is just dandy and slap on the ole “You Got This, Mama!” smile. Maybe you don’t “got this.” Bad days can make you feel weak or inadequate, but they also reveal your inner strength. Pushing through difficult times builds resilience and confidence. By not quitting, you’re proving to yourself that you can handle challenges, which will serve you well in the future. Not feeling strong? Talk to someone who has been on a similar journey. How did they work through it? What problems did they face and how did they solve them? If you don’t know any pumping mommas personally, hop online. In the online pumping community, there are maaaany mommas eager to share their struggles and successes with you. As you solve your pumping problems, you might identify strengths in yourself you never knew you had! Give yourself GRACE, and then when you are able, give yourself a high five.
Save now on Baby Buddha breast pump with code PUMPMOMMA
Why “Don’t quit on a bad day” isn’t good enough advice.
I realize I just spend an entire blog post telling you not to quit on a bad day. Don’t get me wrong, “Don’t quit on a bad day” is GREAT advice… It’s just not good enough. Why? So you’re having a bad day… a really bad day… you’re at your wits end… you wanna stop pumping. But you don’t, because you heard to “never quit on a bad day.” So you go to bed, hoping for a better day tomorrow. And often, sleeping and waking refreshed DOES help. But what if it DOESN’T HELP? Then what? Here’s my advice: YES, sleep on it. Making an important decision on heightened emotions is never a good idea. THEN, if things aren’t magically better, vent and problem solve. What we call “venting” is simply sharing your emotions with someone, can be your partner or mother or cousin or friend or an online mom group. Share how you are feeling with SOMEONE. preferably, someone who shares a similar experience. THEN, problem-solve. What isn’t working? How can you make it work better? Do you need to have a discussion with your partner about how they can support you better? Do you need to outsource something like ordering groceries or getting a cleaner? Do you need to find a better system for pumping and feeding? Do you need to change your pump schedule or drop a pump to increase your sanity? Do you need to begin supplementing with formula or donor milk? Do you need to begin the weaning process and bring your pumping journey to an end? With a rested, clear mind, you CAN make important decisions. You CAN do hard things, momma. I believe in you. 💛
It’s OKAY to quit if you need to. I repeat, It’s okay to quit if you need to.
Momma. *Takes your hands in my own, and looks you straight in the eyes.* If your mental or physical health is at stake, it’s okay to quit. Yes, I just spent an entire blog post giving you reasons why quitting on a bad day is a bad idea… but quitting, when you have really thought it through, is OKAY. You need to take care of yourself. A happy, healthy momma is waaaay more important than feeding your baby breastmilk. Here’s my best advice on weaning from the pump, to help the transition go as smoothly as possible for you.
Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)
As the summer heats up, we’re all wondering the same thing- How do I keep my breastmilk cold when I’m out and about? Here are some tried-and-true ways to chill out about keeping your liquid gold safe from the heat. (And some answers to the burning questions I know you’ll have!)
Storing breastmilk in a cooler
Breastmilk can be stored safely in a cooler with ice/ice packs for 24 hours. This time range is a bit arbitrary because it doesn’t take into account ice melting/outside temperatures. If you are concerned about how cold your cooler is, consider buying a digital or analog thermometer to keep inside the cooler with your milk. The inside of your cooler should be able to keep milk at approximately 40 degrees. It’s a good idea to refresh ice frequently if you’re using lose ice as opposed to a frozen ice pack.
Is a hard-sided or soft-sided cooler better for storing breastmilk?
As long as you keep frozen ice packs or refresh your lose ice, it really doesn’t matter which kind of cooler you get. I have found that hard-sided coolers usually have the best ratings for keeping food colder longer. Splurge: Yeti Roadie Cooler Save: Coleman Chiller Series. There are really quality soft-sided coolers available nowadays, too! Splurge: Ice Chest Box by RTIC. Save: OPUX Soft Cooler Bag. While these coolers are larger and can store more than just your breastmilk, you may wish to get a breastmilk-only cooler like the ColdGold by Sarah Wells (save at sarahwells.com with code PUMPMOMMAPUMP15). As with anything you purchase online, I suggest reading through the reviews thoroughly. If you will be out in the sun all day (Like at the beach) or in a hot car, I suggest getting a quality cooler with great reviews for keeping cool the longest. (Pricier coolers generally have better quality insulation, in my experience.) You can always do a test-run at home with the cooler and a thermometer.
Storing breastmilk in a CeresChill chiller
Keep your breastmilk chilled in the Ceres Chill. In my opinion, their breastmilk chiller is a MUST-HAVE for pumping mommas on the go. You can put up to 24 ounces of breastmilk in the outer chamber with ice in the inner chamber, or you can put up to 12 ounces of breastmilk in the inner chamber and fill out outer chamber with ice! They even have a smaller version of their original chiller, but the original is the best seller. Learn more about this clever invention in my blog post titled: “Yes, you do need a CeresChill!” Use code: PUMPITUP to save at cerechill.com
Storing breastmilk in a mini-fridge
If you are staying in a hotel, call and see if there is a mini-fridge in your hotel room. If not, you may choose to bring your own mini refrigerator to store your breastmilk in. This refrigerator should keep your breastmilk at a safe temperature (35-40 degrees) just like your fridge at home. Breastmilk is best used or switched to a freezer within 4 days of being put into the refrigerator. For a smaller option, consider this personal sized mini fridge, or a plug-in cooler (This one has a car adapter or traditional wall plug option!)
Using dry ice to transport breastmilk
Dry ice is often suggested for use when transporting frozen breastmilk*, such as when you are moving cross-country and need to keep your freezer stash safe. Dry ice should never touch your frozen breastmilk bags directly, as it could burn through the plastic. Always use leather gloves when working with dry ice, and pack any free space in your freezer with newspaper or brown packing paper. * I would not recommend dry ice for daily use.
Gimmie the FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
What temperature is safe for storing breastmilk? The CDC recommends keeping milk at a refrigerated temperature of 35-40 degrees.
What temperature even IS “room temp” anyway??? “Room temperature” is defined as the temperature range from 68-74 degrees. Breastmilk is good for about 4 hours at room temp.
What do I do if I leave my breastmilk out in the heat too long? If your breastmilk sits out in the heat for longer than an hour or two, you should not feel it to your baby. Instead, give it a sniff. Smells like it’s gone bad? Toss it. Smells ok? Add it to their next bath! It’s terrific for their skin! (Or your own bath!)
Can my baby drink cold milk? Absolutely! Some babies may be hesitant to drink cold milk if they are used to drinking warm milk. Try room temp first, and then work your way to cold milk. Feeding baby cold milk is also a good way to cool them off on a hot day!
Will my baby get a cold from drinking cold milk? This is an old wive’s tale and not true. Cold milk is perfectly safe for your baby to drink. The common cold is a virus and babies cannot catch viruses from cold milk, so don’t worry!
Why can’t I just put my breastmilk in my Stanley cup? If you put warm, freshly pumped milk into a regular insulated cup, it will keep your breastmilk warm. If you put freshly pumped milk into a thermal cup and place that thermal cup into the refrigerator or cooler with ice packs, you are actually insulating your milk FROM the cold! Yup! You’re keeping it warmer, longer, and the cup will actually protect your milk from the cold, not chill it.
Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)
Freezer Stash- n. Collection of surplus breastmilk frozen for later use. Whether you are considering starting up a freezer stash or looking for advice on how to use yours, this post is for you! You might be wondering why it might be beneficial to freeze milk, how best to store it, when and how to begin using it, and how to figure out how long it’ll last! All this and more is coming your way. Read on, momma! *Trigger warning- This blog post contains images and descriptions of large breastmilk freezer stashes. If this troubles you, please close out of this blog post.*
Disclaimers: This post contains affiliate links and codes from trusted brands. All images in this post were either donated with permission or taken by me.
Do I need a freezer stash?
There’s no cut-and-dry answer for this.
Many mommas who predominately nurse baby at the breast do not choose or need to store extra milk. It may be wise, however, to save a few day’s worth of ounces in the freezer (breastmilk fed babies can take up to 30 ounces a day) in case of emergencies. One momma I worked with was admitted into the hospital with appendicitis without warning and was glad she had a bit of milk stored up! Saving a bit of milk can also come in handy if you’re planning to be apart from baby. If you are planning to be separated from baby over the time you’d nurse, you’ll need to leave milk for the baby, and pump at the time you’d normally nurse.
For exclusive pumpers with oversupply, it’s wise to keep a day or two ahead in the refrigerator, and freeze the rest. This milk can be fed when you begin to wean and extend the time you are able to offer breastmilk. Some mommas choose to donate their extra frozen milk formally (milk bank) or informally (mother-to-mother, directly.)
Mommas who supplement with formula can offer partial breastmilk and partial formula, and freeze the rest. This can actually help exclusive pumpers reduce the number of times they pump daily and have proven to pump for longer than they originally planned because their schedule becomes more manageable. A partial diet of breastmilk is still hugely beneficial to your baby, offering white blood cells and antibodies in addition to daily nutritional benefits.
My personal stash story:
With my first baby, I set a goal to exclusively pump for six months. When I hit the six month mark, I began to reduce my pumping schedule to gain a bit more freedom, and began supplementing with formula. Since my son was starting many other foods at this age, supplementing was not a huge mental hurdle for me- I grouped formula in with all the other foods nurturing my baby that I did not personally make. (You don’t give yourself a hard time for not producing pureed yams and apples with your breasts, right? Just group formula in with other additional nutrition!) I switched to 50/50 breastmilk and formula. I stashed my extra milk in the freezer and was able to not only surpass my original pumping goal, but to offer breastmilk longer than I imagined! With my second baby, who I also exclusively pumped for, I created an unintentional freezer stash because she was having trouble digesting my milk in addition to a milk protein allergy. I donated 1,000 ounces of frozen breastmilk that contained dairy to another baby. When we discovered that she was digesting my milk comfortably with a 50/50 breastmilk-formula ratio, I was able to stash extra breastmilk and once again feed greater freedom with my pumping schedule and offer breastmilk longer than I imagined.
Check for high lipase!
Lipase is an enzyme found in all breastmilk that helps break down fats. It’s a good thing! But some women struggle with high levels of this enzyme, causing their milk to smell or taste funny. You usually won’t notice the smell until you defrost your milk after freezing. High lipase can cause your milk to smell soapy or metallic. (Breastmilk without high levels of lipase usually has a mild smell or no smell at all, and slightly sweet taste.) High lipase milk is ok for baby to drink, but they may not want to. I strongly encourage you to TEST EARLY for high lipase before stashing away a ton of milk! Freeze and defrost milk early to test this out. How do you “test” your milk? Just thaw some breastmilk and give it to your baby! If baby takes it, no problem! If not, you’ll have to scald your milk BEFORE feeding or try one of the tricks listed in my blog post on high lipase.
How do I store all this milk?
Storing breastmilk in “bricks” can really help freezer space and organization…AND flat bags thaw quicker! I stored 5 ounces of milk per bag, removed as much of the excess air as possible, frozen flat on a tray, and then assembled into bricks of 50 ounces in gallon-size ziplock bags. When freezing super flat using a “freese-it-flat” or between boxes of fish sticks like me, you get reallllly flat bags capable of stacking together nicely in gallon ziplocks! This uniformity makes it very easy to stack and count. Check the image below and the storage page of my website for more information on the logistics of milk storage.
I highly suggest freezing in breastmilk storage bags instead of bottles. More and more companies are making silicone freezer bags as a reusable option. (Save on Junobie brand with code PUMPMOMMA10) Some mommas store smaller quantities of milk in silicone trays and then once frozen, transfer to larger storage containers. (Save on SouperCubes with code PUMPMOMMAPUMP10)
Many mommas end up buying a chest freezer for their breastmilk. I recently helped a friend stock their 5 cubic foot chest freezer with approximately 2,000 ounces of breastmilk. If you are a massive overproducer, you might need a larger chest freezer. We personally purchased a 3.5cu feet smaller model chest freezer and still call it the “milk freezer” to this date (even though it’s now full of chicken nuggets instead of breastmilk!)
How long will it last in the freezer?
Breastmilk is good for up to 12 months in the freezer. The CDC used to specify different lengths of time for different types of freezers. They changed their recommendations to “best by 6 months, good up to 12 months” regardless of freezer style.
First in, First out!
When it’s time to begin using your stash, think “First in, First out!” Make sure to rotate your freezer stash by feeding the oldest milk first, and freezing new milk. When doing the “brick method” as described above, write the MONTH really large on the sides/top of the brick- this way, you can immediately know what milk to pull from the freezer! (You can write a date range if you are really organized, but I find that the month is good enough.)
How do I begin using my stash?
This part is up to you! Here are a few ideas of how I’ve seen mommas use their freezer stash.
BOTTLE-A-DAY – Give one bottle of frozen breastmilk per day
FREEZER FRIDAYS – Choose one day of the week to use frozen milk
DAYCARE – Use frozen breastmilk on daycare days
SUPPLEMENT – Go 50/50 with thawed breastmilk and formula, either half bottles of breastmilk and
MIX IT UP- Combine frozen and fresh breastmilk in feeding bottles *must be used within 24 hrs of final thaw
DONATE – Consider donating excess breastmilk formally (through a milk bank) or informally (direct mother-to-mother donation)
EXTEND THE END – Extend the time your baby receives breastmilk by continuing to feed frozen milk after you have weaned from fresh milk production.
For more info on introducing a bottle after exclusively nursing, visit my blog post on the topic.
This beautiful momma donated 2,000 ounces to our friend’s baby after she passed away last November
Safely combining frozen milk with fresh breastmilk or formula
It’s completely fine to combine your frozen breastmilk with freshly expressed breastmilk or formula as long as you do it safely. It’s a wise idea to make sure your baby takes frozen milk first, so you do not waste whatever you mix it with. For mommas with high lipase, mixing it with fresh milk or formula may disguise the stronger flavor of the thawed milk!
When mixing thawed breastmilk with freshly expressed milk, temperatures don’t matter as long as you are feeding it to baby right away. You can even thaw larger amounts and combine with fresh in a pitcher, as long as you use this combined milk within 24 hours of complete thaw (going by recommendations for thawed milk here instead of fresh!)
When mixing thawed breastmilk with formula, prepare formula as directed first, then add thawed breastmilk. Use within 24 hours after mixing. *DO NOT use breastmilk as a replacement for water when preparing powdered formula!* Breastmilk can actually help your baby digest the formula!
Can I feed my older baby milk from when they were younger?
Absolutely! They will most likely need the same amount, or a tiny bit more, than they current drink. I suggest offering the amount you are used to offering, and heating up more if needed, so you do not waste milk. The only word of caution I have about this comes to colostrum. That thick yellow milk from the first few days after birth is still hugely beneficial to your baby, but may act as a bit of a laxitive if given in concentration, so I suggest diluting it in more mature milk. You can even give an older child your baby’s frozen milk! Some people use it in cereals, smoothies, or sippy cups!
Both my pumplings enjoying my milk!
How long will my stash last?
Here’s where you’ve got to do a bit of math. Take the amount of ounces you froze and divide it by the number of ounces your baby drinks per day. (Example- 1000 ounces divided by 30 oz/day = 33 days of milk.) Most breastmilk-fed babies continue to take the same daily total ounces until they are 12 months old, when most pediatricians suggest increasing solid meals and reducing milk to ~16oz/day.
What about a power outage?
The thought of losing an entire freezer stash is horrifying, isn’t it? I highly suggest equipping your chest freezer with a freezer alarm (they even make wifi freezer alarms now!), and taking the necessary precautions for impending outages. I have an entire blog post on what to do if your power goes out, so be sure to bookmark it incase your house experiences a power outage (especially during hurricane or winter storm seasons!)
Be sure to follow Pump Momma Pump on Instagram for education, motivation, and support! (And more great tips like these!)
