question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

Im debating purchasing a deep freezer...since currently I have 5 GALLON size zip lock bags FILLED with 8oz baggies of BM and there is no room AT ALL in my freezer for anymore...

I want to get the freezer for the space (And because it will keep the milk longer) but Im wondering if I will still be able to freeze as much once I go back to work and are pumping 80% of the day..

Right now I nurse at wake up (after feeding DS) and at night before I go to sleep (since DS is already asleep and sleeps through the night) I pump/freeze and extra 12-24oz/day...

At this rate I will need the freezer, but if thats is going to drastically go down after returning to work, I dont wanna spend the $$$

TIA

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

Before I went back to work, I only pumped once per day after the first morning feeding. I didn't really count, but I had probably 200-300 ounces when I went back to work. I pumped 2-3 times at work at the beginning, but then I started going longer between pumping sessions b/c I had meetings and was away from the office a lot. DS also started taking more in his bottle.

My supply decreased from not being as religious about pumping and I should have been and it also decreased shortly after DS started solids. After the first month of working, I basically started producing enough milk for the next day, but didn't really have any extra to freeze.

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

Once I started to work, I was able to pump enough for the next day and had a few ounces left over. I would have 4 or 5 bags by weeks end. Then it dropped. I was producing only enough for the next day. Two and a half month of doing this and now I am producing a lot more. 6 - 8 bags (5oz) a week. I plan to quit pumping during the day next week and we will be going through the frozen milk.

My advice is wait a month to see where your supply is at and then decide.

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

since u asked about freezing.....i have 20 bags...and still pumping, & will still pump when i go back to work....i still EBF when i'm at home...with the exception of a bottle or 2 when DH is home....u think i shoudl stop pumping until i go back to work...is those 20 bags too much to have? i need to pump cuz i'm engorged

Message edited 8/20/2009 2:15:52 PM.

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

Posted by MrsS2005

Posted by jennyal

since u asked about freezing.....i have 20 bags...and still pumping, & will still pump when i go back to work....i still EBF when i'm at home...with the exception of a bottle or 2 when DH is home....u think i shoudl stop pumping until i go back to work...is those 20 bags too much to have? i need to pump cuz i'm engorged

Why would you think 20 bags of milk is too much? How many ounces do you have in each bag? When did you freeze the milk and when will you be going back to work?

I had way more than 20 bags when I went back to work. Starting around 6 weeks, I pumped once per day after the first morning nursing session in order to build a freezer supply. I'm really glad I had a pretty large freezer stash by the time I went back to work b/c there are days when I don't produce enough milk for the next day.

BM typically lasts in a freezer (one with a door separate from the refrigerator) for 3-4 months. Once it's thawed, it needs to be used within 24 hours of thawing. When I use frozen milk, I put that into the first bottle of the day b/c I know DS will get that bottle at daycare. There are times when he goes a little longer between bottles and may not get the third bottle before I pick him up. Since I use fresh milk in the 3rd bottle, I can just use the bottle the following day.

If you are able to pump more than enough milk at work and are worried about the freezer stash going bad, you can rotate the milk. Thaw a bag of frozen milk and freeze some of your freshly pumped milk. That way, you never waste the milk.

As far as being engorged, it takes about 3 months for your supply to regulate. The more you pump/nurse, the more milk your body will produce. If you just want to pump to get some relief from engorgement and don't care about building a freezer supply, you shouldn't pump to empty the breast. Just pump for a few minutes to relieve the engorgement.

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

Posted by jennyal

Posted by MrsS2005

Posted by jennyal

since u asked about freezing.....i have 20 bags...and still pumping, & will still pump when i go back to work....i still EBF when i'm at home...with the exception of a bottle or 2 when DH is home....u think i shoudl stop pumping until i go back to work...is those 20 bags too much to have? i need to pump cuz i'm engorged

Why would you think 20 bags of milk is too much? How many ounces do you have in each bag? When did you freeze the milk and when will you be going back to work?

I had way more than 20 bags when I went back to work. Starting around 6 weeks, I pumped once per day after the first morning nursing session in order to build a freezer supply. I'm really glad I had a pretty large freezer stash by the time I went back to work b/c there are days when I don't produce enough milk for the next day.

BM typically lasts in a freezer (one with a door separate from the refrigerator) for 3-4 months. Once it's thawed, it needs to be used within 24 hours of thawing. When I use frozen milk, I put that into the first bottle of the day b/c I know DS will get that bottle at daycare. There are times when he goes a little longer between bottles and may not get the third bottle before I pick him up. Since I use fresh milk in the 3rd bottle, I can just use the bottle the following day.

If you are able to pump more than enough milk at work and are worried about the freezer stash going bad, you can rotate the milk. Thaw a bag of frozen milk and freeze some of your freshly pumped milk. That way, you never waste the milk.

As far as being engorged, it takes about 3 months for your supply to regulate. The more you pump/nurse, the more milk your body will produce. If you just want to pump to get some relief from engorgement and don't care about building a freezer supply, you shouldn't pump to empty the breast. Just pump for a few minutes to relieve the engorgement.

its an avrg about 3-4 oz of milk per bag...i started the bags this month and plan to go back to work on Sept, which i am DREADING!!!!! i just thought its too much and i would never end up using it all....

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

I have no idea about freezing BM - but I can say that us having an extra freezer has been an absolute lifesaver. I say get it if you have the room for it!

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

I have a ridiculous supply and being off for the summer definitely made my free standing freezer about to burst, so I would definitely say that an extra freezer comes in handy. We use it for other food when my BM is not taking over.

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer

Somewhat related question...do you girls keep track of the milk you have in the freezer? I have been pumping for 6 weeks now while I am home but I have no clue how much I have, yet some people post that they have 200oz and etc... How do you keep track? Just wondering if there is something I should be doing.

Thanks!

Re: question re: freezing BM and getting a deep freezer