As a breastfeeding mom, you possess an incredible superpower: the ability to produce a precious liquid gold known as breast milk. Your body has the extraordinary capacity to provide all the nourishment and comfort your baby needs. However, there may be occasions when having a stockpile of breastmilk becomes a valuable asset. How do you pump that much milk?  What are the best practices for storing that much breast milk? 

In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why creating a breast milk stash can bring peace of mind and what you can do to successfully make your own stockpile.

Why Stockpile Breastmilk?

• Peace of Mind and Baby's Needs: One of the primary advantages of stockpiling breastmilk is the peace of mind it provides. Life as a new mom can be unpredictable, and having a reliable stash allows you to rest assured that your baby's nutritional needs will be met even in unforeseen circumstances. Whether it's a date night, a brief separation, or a day when you're feeling under the weather, a breast milk stash ensures your baby continues to receive the best nutrition while you're away.
• Flexibility for the Unexpected: Life is full of surprises, and being prepared with a stockpile of milk grants you the freedom to adapt to unexpected events. Whether it's a growth spurt, a sudden change the next day in your milk supply, or unforeseen circumstances that require bottle feeding, having extra milk readily available can be a game-changer. It allows you to respond to your baby's changing needs with confidence and without compromising their well-being.
• Maintaining Milk Supply: By pumping and storing breastmilk, you not only meet your baby's immediate needs but also support your long-term breastfeeding goals. Regularly expressing milk, even when your baby is not directly nursing, signals your body to continue producing milk. This proactive approach helps maintain your milk supply and ensures you'll always have enough milk to meet your baby's demands.
• The Best Time to Start: When should you begin stockpiling breastmilk? It's a question many new moms ask. The answer is: as early as possible. In the early days of breastfeeding, when your milk supply is abundant, it's the perfect time to start building your breast milk stash. This stage is when you typically produce more milk than your baby needs, giving you an opportunity to collect and store those extra ounces of milk for later use.

Creating a stockpile of breastmilk is an empowering decision for any breastfeeding mom. It ensures you can meet your baby's needs, provides flexibility for unexpected situations, and supports your breastfeeding journey. With the right tools, knowledge, and a little extra effort, you can store your liquid gold and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a breast milk stash. Remember, you are doing an amazing job nourishing your baby and providing them with the best start in life. Embrace the power of stockpiling breastmilk and continue on your incredible breastfeeding adventure.

How to Stockpile Breast Milk

 

As a breastfeeding mom, your liquid gold is essential for meeting your baby's nutritional needs. Building a breast milk stash can provide you with peace of mind, ensuring that your baby has enough milk even when you're away. In this empowering guide, we'll explore the best ways to stockpile breastmilk, from the early days of breastfeeding to establishing a large stash. 

Having a stockpile of breast milk offers numerous benefits, especially for breastfeeding moms who may need to be away from their baby for various reasons. It ensures that your baby's caregiver can feed them breast milk even when you're not available, promotes breastfeeding longevity, and allows you to enjoy date nights or return to work with confidence.

• The Right Tools for the Job: To create and maintain a breast milk stash, you'll need a few essential tools. An electric breast pump is a valuable investment, as it allows you to efficiently express milk with less time and effort. Make sure to use pump parts that fit you comfortably and consider using a hands-free pumping bra for added convenience. Proper storage containers, such as breast milk storage bags or containers specifically designed for freezing milk, are crucial to maintain the quality and safety of your stored milk.
• Choosing the Right Electric Pump:  Investing in a high-quality breast pump is crucial for efficient and effective milk expression. Also, consider what is convenient and comfortable for you.  

• Proper Storage and Handling: When storing breastmilk, it's essential to follow the right guidelines to preserve its quality and safety. Always label each container with the date of expression and use the oldest milk first to ensure freshness. Store breast milk in small amounts, usually 2-4 ounces, to avoid wasting any excess. Consider investing in a deep freezer for long-term storage, as it maintains the milk's quality for a more extended period. Remember to add ice packs to your cooler bag when transporting pumped milk to keep it at the right temperature.

• Pumping and Storing Milk:

1. Pumping Sessions: Find the best time of day when you produce the most milk and dedicate that time for pumping. Consider adding extra pumping sessions to build your milk supply, especially during growth spurts or if you're exclusively pumping.
2. Proper Storage Containers: Use breast milk storage bags or containers specifically designed for storing breast milk. These ensure the milk remains safe and free from contamination. 
3. Storing Guidelines: Label each container with the date of expression and store the oldest milk at the back of the freezer or fridge to maintain freshness. Follow state and federal laws regarding breast milk storage to ensure safety and compliance.  When it's time to feed your baby from the stash, prioritize using the oldest milk first. This practice ensures that the milk doesn't go to waste and helps maintain a good supply.
4. Temperature Considerations: Cool freshly expressed milk in the refrigerator before combining it with already chilled milk. Warm thawed breast milk by placing the container in warm water. Avoid using a microwave as it can create hot spots and destroy valuable nutrients.

Maximizing Milk Production

• Breastfeeding on Demand: Breastfeed your baby frequently and on-demand to stimulate milk production. The more you nurse, the more milk your body will produce.

• Pumping After Feedings: To encourage an ample milk supply, consider pumping for a few minutes after breastfeeding sessions. This extra pumping session signals your body to produce more milk.

• Stay Hydrated:  Breastmilk is 80-90% water.  If you are dehydrated, it can impair your milk production.  We recommend using EasyJug, the hands-free water bottle for breastfeeding moms.  It is large enough to keep you hydrated the whole day without having to worry about refills.  It’s a water bottle with a long straw that makes it easy to drink water when your hands are full holding your newborn. 

• Seek Support: Consulting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can provide valuable guidance and assistance tailored to your individual needs. They can help troubleshoot any breastfeeding challenges and offer advice on maximizing milk production.

Conclusion

Building a stockpile of breast milk is a valuable investment in your breastfeeding journey. With the right tools, such as your breast pump, and proper storage techniques, you can ensure that your baby's needs are met even when you're away. Remember, every drop of your precious milk is a testament to your commitment and love for your little one. Stay empowered, stay informed, and embrace the joy of nourishing your baby with the best nature has to offer.