questions about pumping/freezing/storing

I'm heading back to work. I've been pumping nearly every night when DS sleeps. I've been using the Medela original pump and have only been storing the milk in bottles in the fridge for daily use. Now that I need to pump a lot more, here are my questions:

How long does the typical battery pack last for pumping?

Do any milk storage bags work? Or do they have to be Medela?

Do the bags attach to the pump or do I pump into a bottle, then pour into bag?

Where can I get bags?

Where can I get more of the pumping parts? (tubes, valves, etc.)

Do you have any words of wisdom for storing?

Please answer anything you know!! TIA!!

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

I can answer the extra parts question: BRU, I saw everything there the other day , b/c i purchased a Storing kit for when i go back and they had EVERYTHING for medela there.

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

def. freeze smaller amounts per bag... I froze 6 oz per bag and it takes forever to thaw... I used lansinoh and first years bags and liked them equally...

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

can you pump directly into the bag?

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

My pump is the PIS.

How long does the typical battery pack last for pumping? Don't know. Mine uses an outlet. There is a battery pack but I've never tried it.

Do any milk storage bags work? Or do they have to be Medela? I use the ones made by Lansinoh. They freeze pretty flat.

Do the bags attach to the pump or do I pump into a bottle, then pour into bag? I pump into the bottle and then transfer to the bag when I get home.

Where can I get bags? Target, BRU, Buy Buy Baby, google on-line

Where can I get more of the pumping parts? (tubes, valves, etc.) same places as I listed above.

Do you have any words of wisdom for storing? None for right now.

I leave my pump in my desk since I BF only when with my DS. However, I also purchased an inexpensive hand pump to keep at home. I pump more than my LO eats at daycare. I use it if I get engorged during the weekend and then I freeze what I pump. (I also recently found it very helpful at a wedding I was attending.)

ETA:
*I never freeze more than 3 oz in a bag. (His bottles at daycare are 3 oz)
*I think that you can pump into the medela bags, but most people seem to prefer pumping into the bottles.
*Also I marry the bottles while at work so that each one is 3 oz at the end of the day. Then when I get home, it either gets pored into a bottle for the next day (I use the Adiri Natural Nursers) or into a freezer bag.

Message edited 10/12/2007 9:26:24 PM.

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

Hey Kelly:

How long does the typical battery pack last for pumping? Can't help you, I use the wall outlet

Do any milk storage bags work? Or do they have to be Medela? You can use any brand; I like Lansolin over Gerber

Do the bags attach to the pump or do I pump into a bottle, then pour into bag? I was confused w/ this too. You pump into the little containers or bottles & then transfer into the bags to freeze. Once you thaw you transfer back to the bottles.

Where can I get bags? As AP said, Target, Walmart, BRU, etc.

Where can I get more of the pumping parts? (tubes, valves, etc.) See above stores

Do you have any words of wisdom for storing? Definitely write w/ a sharpie the date, try to keep upright

Good luck!

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

Cindy-

I do just the opposite with my bags when I put them in the freezer. I lay my bags flat So many different answers to the same question.

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

The battery pack doesn't last long, maybe a few times or a couple days depending. If it's rechargable they go within a day. I would find a plug. Use an extension cord if you have to. The battery pack is a good backup.

I use Lansinoh bags-they are great. I store 4 ounces at a time. It takes 8-12 hours to thaw in the fridge from the deep freezer.

I pump into the bottle and then store into bags so then I can combine from multiple feedings if I have to.

I was the queen of pumping multiple times a day since I worked up to 30 hours straight. I bought multiple pump parts and assembled them into ziploc freezer bags (minus the horn thingy). I brought a few bags in the pump and one set of horns. I pumped, rinsed out the parts with water (or not at all of no sink), and then washed the horns to use again (either with soap and water or with the sterilizing wipes). It saved a TON of time. I got home and washed the parts and let them completely dry before packing them up again.

Words of wisdom? You're doing this for your baby, don't let anyone make you feel bad for taking the time to pump at work.

It ALL gets easier with time!

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

i am a sahm, so i haven't really needed to pump outside of home, so i don't know about the battery pack.

as for the bags-the medela ones are made to attach to the horn. i have never done it. i like to pump into the bottle, so i can get an accurate idea of amount pumped. the measurement lines on the bags are WAY off. i recommend you always write on top of the bag the amount and date with a sharpie.

i also recommend you make bags with small amounts and some variety. like a couple of 1 or 2 oz bags along with the amount dc usually drinks. sometimes you need a little more and you don't want thaw out a lot and have it be wasted.

best of luck to you!!!

i also wanted to add that i got a milk storage organizer for the freezer from bru. i think the brand is first years. i like keeping the milk separate from everything else and i don't want bags falling out of the freezer.

Message edited 10/14/2007 12:34:39 AM.

Re: questions about pumping/freezing/storing

Broken record time...my only words of wisdom for pumping is try a sample, freeze it and defrost it. I had a lipase in my milk which when frozen made all my milk go rancid. It was a HUGE disappointment as I had to throw away almost 8 months of BM. Read Kellymom to find out more about pasturizing your pumped milk.