Moms who pump-do you think a cooler with freezer packs

is just as effective as a fridge?

Trying to plan. DH and I are driving up to NY (11 hours) and I would like to leave baby with my mother for about 12 hours. That is like 6 bottles...no way I can pump that out in the day that we get there. If I pump 3 days before we leave, put them in a cooler..when I get to NY do you think I can just throw them in the fridge?

tia!

also, fridge storage..some say 8 days, some say 6...how long is too long?

Re: Moms who pump-do you think a cooler with freezer packs

Once they deforst you have to use them pretty quickly. I think you can check the LeLech league website for guidlines on storage.

Re: Moms who pump-do you think a cooler with freezer packs

you can also go on Kellymom.com They have tons of great nfo and anwsers to any BF question.

Message edited 2/17/2007 10:48:10 PM.

Re: Moms who pump-do you think a cooler with freezer packs

Absolutely. I drove from NY to NC and back again twice while I was pumping. What I did was freeze the milk and then JUST before I left I put the milk into a cooler with those ice packs, some ice cubes and a bit of water (because I think it surrounds it better). By the time I got to my destination, the milk was still mostly frozen, so I put it into the fridge when I got there to finish thawing. I also pumped during the trip with a manual pump while DH drove. That milk went directly into the cooler. That way, I had more milk to rotate my stock with. If I remember correctly, thawed milk has to be used within 24 hours but freshly expressed milk is good for 4 days (I think).

Re: Moms who pump-do you think a cooler with freezer packs

i think LLL mentions 24 hours in a cooler and 8 days in a frige. I think you should be more than fine. And like the AP mentioned - if you freeze it first - there should be no problem (although you are supposed to use defrosted milk within 24 hours of it defrosting, so keep it in the freezer at your MILs and have her defrost it in a cup of cool water for 10-20 minutes)

Re: Moms who pump-do you think a cooler with freezer packs

great thanks! I got a great Cinco de Mayo bartending offer..just trying to work it out in my head before I commit.