[louiseos]

I've just done my first 'proper' express (anything else previously was to help reduce engorgement) so DH can try give DD a feed over the weekend and have produced around 80mls, which I think its good for a first go at expressing (plus bub has had two feeds this morning prior to expressing).

My question is:

I have been told she will need around 150mls per feed given her age. Is it ok to store my 80mls in the fridge and then add to it later today or should I store them separately? I want to give my boobs some time to replenish so there is milk for when DD wakes up.

Scary stuff sitting there pumping (feeling like a MooMoo) worrying that DD was going to wake up and there would be no milk for her!

This post has been edited by louiseos: 09/11/2012, 10:21 AM

[SqueakInCanada]

I would store them separately, so that if your LO decides they don't want much at feed time (or like mine, they don't like the bottle), you aren't wasting the whole lot.

This post has been edited by SqueakInCanada: 09/11/2012, 10:41 AM

[tick]

Yes I agree, store them separately ..... Baby may not drink as much as you think! My 4 month old will drink from a bottle but prefers the breast and so if she's being bottle fed she kinda just snacks to tide her over until I'm back.

... And unless you have supply issues don't worry about there not being enough milk for when the baby wakes up. It only takes around 20 minutes to make more (read that somewhere, kellymom I think, and have found it to be true enough for me at least) and the baby is always more efficient than the pump anyway so there should be enough for a feed even if you're feeling fairly empty!

[PippityRoo]

I would store them separately.

But if you do wish to add the 2 amounts together, leave the first lot out of the fridge at room temp (this is ok for 4-6hrs). Then add the 2nd lot to the first, & then put combined amount EBM into fridge/freezer.

[Lainskii]

I'd mix them together as breast milk can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days and I'm sure she'll drink it in that time.

[mibi]

You can put them together. If you were keeping them in the fridge I would let the second batch come to fridge temp first (or close to it) then pour it in. If you are freezing the first batch you can bring the 2nd batch to fridge temp again then pour it on top and freeze them together.
I used to freeze it in ice cube trays and then store in ziplock bags in the freezer.

And like PP said it only takes 20-30mins for your breasts to refill.