When is it best to pump breast milk
23 Pumping and Storing Breast Milk
- If you have to be away from your baby for any reason
perhaps you're going back to work or school
you'll need to purchase a pump
if you want to continue with breast feeding.
There are so many different brands and types out there
that of course you're going to want to make sure
you have the right one.
There are hand pumps, electric pumps
battery powered pumps, single pumps
and double pumps.
The ones used in the hospital
are double electric pumps
and they are a closed system.
Which means that milk will not get into the motor
and it can be used for all women.
Most pumps you purchase for use at home
are not closed systems
and milk will get into the motor
and cannot be sterilized.
For this reason, it's best to not share or borrow pumps.
When pumping, be sure to pump as frequently
as your baby will eat while you're gone.
For example, if your baby eats every three to four hours
try to pump every three to four hours
to mimic your baby's schedule.
This will help to maintain your supply
while you're gone from your baby.
In your book, there's a guide to storing breast milk.
Breast milk can be stored for up to eight hours
at room temperature
in the refrigerator for up to seven days
and a deep chest freezer
for up to six months.
If you're using a traditional freezer
it can be stored for three to four months
in the back of the freezer
where it will stay frozen solid.
You'll also want to store your breast milk
in small increments like one to three ounces.
And this will help to minimize waste.
Because once a baby sucks on a bottle
you need to throw the leftovers away.
To warm or thaw your milk
do not use boiling water
and do not use the microwave.
Instead, use hot water from the sink.
Put a bowl or pan in the sink
fill it with hot water
and then put the frozen bag in it.
Swirl the bottle or bag around in the hot water
until it appears to be thawed.
And then test the temperature of it on your wrist
to make sure it's not too hot.
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