How to start pumping and build a milk stash while breastfeeding?

Starting Your Pumping Journey
Building a milk stash while breastfeeding is a practical approach for many parents, especially those planning to return to work or wanting to ensure they have a backup supply. The process of pumping and storing breast milk can seem daunting at first, but with the right strategies, it can become a manageable part of your routine.
When to Start Pumping
Experts recommend beginning to pump around two to four weeks after birth. This timing allows you to establish a solid breastfeeding routine with your baby before introducing a pump. Starting too early can interfere with your baby’s feeding patterns and may affect your milk supply.
Techniques for Effective Pumping
Pumping After Feeding
One of the most effective methods to build your stash is to pump after breastfeeding sessions. This technique allows you to collect any excess milk your baby may not have consumed. It’s important to wait about an hour after nursing to pump, as this timing helps ensure that your breasts have had time to refill.
Frequency and Quantity
Setting a goal for your stash can help guide your pumping sessions. A good starting point is to aim for 15-30 ounces of stored milk, which can provide enough for several feedings, as babies typically consume 2-4 ounces per feeding. Remember, building a stash takes time; it’s unrealistic to expect to pump large quantities overnight. Consistency is key, and even a few ounces collected over time can add up significantly.
Storage Tips
Proper Storage Techniques
Once you’ve pumped milk, it’s crucial to store it correctly to maintain its quality. Use freezer bags specifically designed for breast milk, and always label them with the date and time of pumping. This practice helps you keep track of how long the milk has been stored. For longer storage, breast milk can be kept in the freezer for up to six months, while refrigerated milk is best used within four days.
Cooling Before Storing
If you’re pumping multiple times a day, consider cooling the milk in the refrigerator before transferring it to storage bags. This method helps maintain the milk’s freshness and allows you to combine smaller amounts into larger bags.
Maintaining Supply and Avoiding Burnout
Listen to Your Body
While the goal is to build a stash, it’s essential to avoid overtaxing yourself. Pumping should not replace breastfeeding sessions but rather complement them. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break from pumping. Your health and well-being are paramount, and a stressed parent can affect milk supply.
Support and Resources
Don’t hesitate to seek support from lactation consultants or breastfeeding groups. They can provide personalized advice and encouragement, helping you navigate the challenges of pumping and breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Building a milk stash while breastfeeding is a rewarding endeavor that requires patience and planning. By starting to pump at the right time, employing effective techniques, and ensuring proper storage, you can create a reliable supply of breast milk for your baby. Remember, every ounce counts, and with consistency, you’ll find a routine that works for you and your family.

How to combine breastfeeding and pumping to increase milk supply?

For the first feeding of the day, when your milk supply is highest, nurse baby on just one breast. Pump the other breast. If you need to nurse baby on both breasts for this feeding just pump afterwards for 15-20 minutes and collect the leftovers.

How much breastmilk do I need to stockpile?

Take the number of feedings you’ll be missing (in this case four), and multiply that by an average of 3-4 ounces per feeding (this is the average amount for breastfed babies between 1-6 months), and you’d need something like 12-16 ounces per day.

How to build a breastmilk stash?

Stick to a schedule

1. Exclusively pumping. Pump for 10-15 minutes at 2-3 hour intervals.
2. Pumping for work/nursing at home. Pump three times daily AFTER you’ve nursed your baby. Once back at work, pumping at 2-3 hour intervals. Nurse on demand at home.
3. Increasing your supply. Pump once a day AFTER you’ve nursed your baby.

How many times a day should I be pumping if I’m breastfeeding?

If you’re exclusively pumping or trying to establish a supply to match that of a newborn’s feeding schedule, aim to pump every 2-3 hours, or about 8-12 times in 24 hours. Newborns typically eat frequently, and matching their feeding rhythm can help stimulate your milk production effectively.

What is the best schedule for pumping while breastfeeding?

But it’s best to choose a time of day when your breasts are ordinarily full. If you’re pumping because you’re away from your baby and missing feedings, try to pump at the same times you would normally feed, about once every three hours.

How much breast milk is a good stash?

How much milk should you save. As a working parent, a good goal for your milk stash is 3-5 days (or 36 to 80 ounces) of milk in the freezer before starting back to work, although the amount ultimately depends on how long you’ll be away from your little one each day.

How to pump and store breast milk while breastfeeding?

What has worked best for me is buying additional storage bottles. I pump into two bottles and then combine the milk into one bottle, put on a lid, then place in a cooler in the fridge. The empty bottle and both flanges also go into the fridge in a gallon ziplock bag.

When should I start pumping to build a stash?

In order to do so, it is most recommended to breastfeed your baby on demand for those initial few weeks and hence it is great to wait out for at least 4-6 weeks before you start pumping as by then you will be able to have a feeding schedule for your little one in place.

How do I stockpile my breast milk while breastfeeding?

You can store breastmilk in breastmilk storage bottles or breastmilk storage bags. Any plastic or glass bottle with a screw-on lid or zip-seal storage bag will work. If you use regular zip-seal storage bags (not designed for breastmilk storage) double-bagging is a good idea in case of leaks or tears.

What is a good pumping and breastfeeding schedule?

If you’re pumping because you’re away from your baby and missing feedings, try to pump at the same times you would normally feed, about once every three hours. If you’re pumping at home to stockpile milk or to increase your supply, try pumping an hour or so after your baby’s morning nursing session.