As of right now I probably have about 5 gallons of breast milk in my freezer. I know this is excessive but after having to give Carter formula and feeling like I wasn't producing enough to meet his needs when he was nursing I just can't stop pumping and storing milk. I've been told by several people to just stop pumping after I nurse him and Dave tells me I'm pretty much producing for twins but I just can't bring myself to stop. I worry that one day I will run out and have to use formula which is rougher on my poor baby's already refluxy tummy and also stains much worse. I guess I want opinions. Does anyone out there agree with me? Or should I stop?
Add a lasagna sized pan stuffed full of milk with bags stacked on top and 11 bags I have stored at my friend Erin's and you get the picture...
6 comments:
I think it is a good idea to have some stored. I think maybe you could pump a little less now that you have all of that stored though. If he is nursing good and regular, that stimulates milk production. If you feel like you are drying up you could start pumping more often.
I agree! Just go with your gut (or boob) on this one.. I stopped producing after 6 months and that sucked so pump until you can't pump any more! You go girl! Just don't get it confused with regular milk, no one will want to eat at your house ever again!! hahaha! j/k!!
Just be mindful that breast milk stored in a freezer attached to a fridge only has like a 3-4 month shelf life (not sure exactly but I know it's significantly shorter than if it was stored in a stand alone freezer). I still nurse Ella (10 1/2 months old) and have hardly touched any of my milk supply and have had to throw out a ton that was too old but I'm sure you'll use it up while you're at work since he'll be using that milk while you're gone.
A reason to continue to pump though is that I hear that working women tend to lose their milk faster due to stress and less nursing/pumping so I would continue if you can. You might seem overstocked now but it will start to dwindle when you do go back to work.
Brook I am so jealous. I am going through what you did with Carter- not producing enough milk. I am having to nurse, then give him about 4 oz. of formula, and then pump what tiny bit I have left (the results are pathetic) so I say that if you can keep producing like that go for it!
And if you come up on the deadline or shelf life you could donate before the milk has gone bad. You get peace of mind, keep production up and maybe really help someone else out. :)
Make sure it is dated and throw it away when it gets old. Rotate the milk and keep pumping as long as your body is up to it--watch for dehydration and exhaustion. Otherwise, why not?
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