A Pumping Mama’s Guide to Building a Breastmilk Freezer Stash
Building a freezer stash of breastmilk while exclusively breastfeeding is something a lot of new parents wonder about. And it’s nice to be able to plan for when you want or need to be away from your baby for an extended period.
This guide can help you navigate breastfeeding and building a freezer stash, without running the risk of having an oversupply. You might think that having too much milk is a good thing, but it can cause many breastfeeding issues for you and your little one. You can read our blog on managing an oversupply here.
After birth, your milk production transitions from hormonally driven to supply and demand. It is important that if breastfeeding is going well with your healthy, full-term baby, to let your baby in control of your supply. Following their cues is paramount; they will demand the amount of milk they require from you. It takes about 4-6 weeks to establish breastfeeding and regulate your milk supply, so try to avoid extra pumping unless necessary. In the early days, if you were to pump after every breastfeeding session, your body will think that your baby needs double the amount of milk and start to overproduce, which can be just as frustrating and troublesome as undersupply.
How can I start to build a freezer stash while breastfeeding?
If your baby is exclusively breastfeeding and it is going well, you want to start by introducing one extra pump per day. One pump session will allow you to gradually increase your supply without worrying about getting an oversupply.
The best time to pump is in the early morning, when your prolactin level is typically at its highest. This will yield more volume than pumping later in the day. Try pumping right after your first morning breastfeed for about 15 minutes on both sides using a well-fitting, high-quality, double electric breast pump.
Remember that it takes several days to notice an increase in supply so it will take time to build a freezer stash. If you find that your breasts are very full in the morning and your baby only tends to feed from one side, you should still pump both sides after the feeding session. You will notice more volumes right away because you are pumping one full breast. A lactation consultant can help you with selecting an electric pump and ensure that the flanges are fitting correctly, so that you can remain comfortable and make the most of your pumping sessions.
How do I store my pumped milk?
The best way to store your pumped milk is in breastmilk freezer bags that are widely available online or in stores. Here are some tips for storing your pumped milk:
Write the date and time you pumped on the bag (and your name if sending it to daycare, etc.).
Store milk in small quantities (2-3oz) so that you don’t waste unused milk once thawed.
Lay the bags flat on their sides to take up minimal space in the freezer.
Do not store your milk in the door of the freezer to ensure it stays frozen and isn’t affected by fluctuating temperatures.
When ready to use, use the oldest milk first to make sure it doesn’t expire.
Do not thaw your milk in the microwave; breastmilk thaws quickly under running warm water or a bowl of warm water.
Review the milk storage guidelines from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for details on storing, freezing and thawing breastmilk.
If you are looking to incorporate bottles with breastfeeding, especially in the first few weeks postpartum, make sure to reach out to a lactation consultant. This is the time when your milk supply is being established and can easily result in under or oversupply. With both virtual and home visits, our team at PUSH can help guide and support you in your unique feeding journey.
