I have some Q's about EBM

[ellismum]

I hope someone can help me clarify a few things, I've searched and read threads but still confused so apologies if this has been covered recently

I have decided to give Ellis some EBM in the evenings and at night to give me a break and the OH a chance to feed him and let me rest during the night when he has not got work the next day. It feels like he is never going to slow his feeding down, it's currently every 2 hours day and night, he went longer whe he was a week old, I need a break I am confident my milk is estsblihed and Ellis latches perfectly. Managed to pump 2oz yesterday which is not bad for my first attemp, esp as I know it can be a lot less and this is currently sat in the fridge. I have just put Ellis down after his feed and about to pump some more but need to know:

1. Is it OK to combine what I mange to express today with yesterdays?

2. Do I need to chill it first?

3. Will I need to disguard this milk if it is not used any sooner than usual?

4. I am still scare-dy cat about feeding in public and resort to giving Ellis a ready to go bottle I was given by the hospital (he had really low blood sugar levels when he was born so was tube fed and we were sent home with some jars and packages sterilised teats) These have now all gone so I am hoping to take bottles but need to know if I can out the milk into a sterile bottle before we leave? If yes, how long does it keep for?

Sorry if it's a little long winded and I hope I have made myself clear!

Thanks in advance x

 

[AnnaBanana9]

This link has information to help you - it's a wonderful BF resource:

https://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage.html

The table at the bottom confirms you can indeed combine milk from pumping sessions; just use the date of the first of the sessions to calculate safe storage times It also tells you how long breastmilk will keep if you bring some out with you in a bottle in a coolbag, etc.

x

 

[ellismum]

Thanks, that's brillant and all added to my favourites for future reference

 

[AnnaBanana9]

You're welcome!

 

[Jelly Bean]

After 2 months expressing, I really believe that BM should be chilled as soon as possible, regardless of websites saying it can last at room temperature for up to 6-24 hours. I'm very sensitive to smell and dislike the musky scent that BM gets after sitting out for a couple of hours, I've noticed that LO prefers BM with the freshest smell. The extra step of warming the bottle under warm tap water is really not a hassle, it usually takes the length of time of a diaper change and that way I can be absolutely sure of safety.

This is a piece of advice I would've liked someone to give me about EBM when I was just starting out.