Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply storing pumped milk? help.

Hi,

I've been pumping for just over 2 weeks (was on the accelerated protocol) and am now up to almost 4oz per day.

What I had been doing was keeping a tightly closed bottle in the fridge with the milk I've pumped for each day (and adding to it after each pumping), and then storing it in the freezer once I have 5oz (which means the milk has been in the fridge for about 2 days).

I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing in terms of storage, and I want to make sure I'm not doing anything "wrong". I'm using the medela plastic milk storage bags for freezing. I just read that you should only freeze milk in 1-2 oz amounts (oops), and that it shouldn't go in the fridge before the freezer (something about it breaking down more that way).

HELP! How should I be storing this?
Thanks so much.

Hi KKB. I have been doing something similar... adding thoughout the day and then freezing at night. I do this at the end of each day and write the date and amount stored on the bag. I don't know if that is wrong or not, but it is the way that works best for me. Great news on your volumes!! Mine are similar, so its great to know that we are heading in the right direction.

Bernice -
Glad to know you're right there with me : )
Let's hope we're doing it the "right way", if there is such a thing.
When is your due date again?
Karma

Hi Karma. We are due June 19, but we have just found out that baby girl has tachycardia (racing heartrate) so may have to come early. Very worrying time. Will let you know how things go.

Bernice -

Our due dates are back to back!
I'm sorry to hear about the tachycardia - did they say how early she might have to come? I'm sure you're worried, and I hope everything goes a-ok.
All the best,
Karma

Hi ladies,

I was told not to put warm / fresh milk into a bag of frozen milk. I store mine in the fridge until I have a baggie full (5 oz) and then freeze it.

I have a related question: do we have to freeze milk in the name brand breastmilk freezer bags ($5 - $6 for 25 bags) or will ziplock freezer bags work? I could spend a fortune on the name brand bags by the time we adopt.

Bernice - I hope everything goes well with your little girl's tachycardia. Any word on when she's coming?

Nancy

Hi Nancy, we have the specialist appointment on Monday so will hopefully have more direction then. I do the same with my milk, store in fridge for the day then freeze after the last pump. Not sure if you HAVE to use breastmilk bags or not sorry.

It is my understanding that ziplock bags are not of sufficient quality for storing breastmilk. You can get the lansinoh bag cheaper at amazon.com. They send 4 boxes at a time. If you sign up for automatic delivery there is a discount and no shipping.