It’s no secret that breastfeeding can be tough in the early days—and nights. Between feedings, there’s hardly any time to take a shower, let alone pump breastmilk. So when’s the best time to pump and store breastmilk? Keep reading to find out!
Understand the benefits of pumping and storing breastmilk.
When it comes to breastfeeding, there are many benefits for both the mother and child. Breast milk is packed with nutrients that are essential for a baby’s growth and development. It also contains antibodies that help protect infants from infection. One challenge new parents face is figuring out how to pump and store their breast milk so they can continue to provide their child with these benefits when they return to work or school.
Start by planing ahead whether that’s writing out a day-to-day schedule for when to pump, or purchasing the best products to assist you like a hands free breast pump. At Simple Wishes, you can get an adjustable pumping bra that slips on easily over your nursing bra. This feature allows you to keep your bra and shirt on. They even have an adjustable velcro panel at the back to accommodate your breast size as they change.
Pumping and storing breast milk is a process that takes some practice but can be done successfully with a little bit of planning. The best time to pump and store breastmilk is during the early weeks after giving birth when your body produces the most milk. During this time, you should aim to pump at least eight times per day. If you are not able to pump that often, try to at least express milk once in the morning and once at night so you have enough stored up for when you need it.
Once you have built up a supply of breastmilk, you can freeze it in small amounts using freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label each bag or container with the date so you know how long it has been stored. Frozen breastmilk will remain safe for use until the expiration date on the container or bag.
How to safely store pumped milk.
When you are pumping, it’s important to store the milk in a safe manner. Milk that is stored in a cooler with ice packs will remain safe for up to 24 hours. If you are using a refrigerator, milk can be stored for up to five days. It’s also possible to freeze breastmilk. Milk that is frozen will be good for up to six months if it is stored in a deep freezer and twelve months if it is stored in a regular freezer.
Tips for storing expressed milk in the freezer.
When you are pumping, always pump enough milk for one feeding. If you will be away from your baby for more than three hours, express and store the milk in a freezer bag or container. Label the container with the date and time it was expressed. As mentioned above, frozen breastmilk can be stored for up to six months. Thaw frozen breastmilk in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave-safe container and defrost on low power for no more than 15 seconds at a time. Never thaw breastmilk by putting it in hot water or placing it under running water.
Timing is key for successful pumping and storing.
The best time to pump and store breastmilk is when your body produces the most milk. This varies from person to person but typically occurs in the morning hours. If you can, try to pump within two hours of your baby’s last feeding for the best results. Pumping at this time will help ensure that you have a good supply of milk stored up for your little one.
Overall, the best time to pump and store breastmilk is when your baby is feeding regularly and has a good milk supply. Pumping at this time will help you maintain your milk supply and ensure that you have enough milk for your baby.
