Best way to build a breastmilk stash?

Question

I plan to breastfeed my baby due in December, but I also want to use bottles. I would like to build up a big stash of frozen breastmilk, just in case I decide not to breastfeed anymore(or can't). Im not 100% certain I want to breastfeed for very long. I at least want to try though and maybe build a stash in the process. Also to save on formula if I decide to stop. Thanks!

Answer

I highly suggest waiting until at least 6-8wks to pump anything for a stash. As your supply will be in over supply at first already as it has to regulate to what baby’s needs are. There are also many problems that can happen with pumping on top of nursing before those 6wks. Higher chances of clogged ducts and mastitis for just a couple and much more. So for the first 6-8wks just let baby nurse before worrying about pumping. 
Also pumping is exhausting and time consuming. So much easier to just let babe nurse.

Answer

I used my Haaka on one side with my first. I was able to build up a pretty big stash before my supply adjusted around 3 months PP. unfortunately my son had a dairy intolerance so I had to donate all that but still.

Answer

Haakaa. I built up well over 1,000 over 12 weeks of using it on and off. On average I was collecting about 10oz a day in just letdown.

Answer

Haakka on the opposite side. I have a huge stash saved thats mostly haakka stash without pumping!

Answer

Haaka! I used mine to catch let down on the opposite side the baby was feeding. It helped so much with my stash

Answer

Do not have expectations. I wish I didn’t. I nursed and pumped from the beginning and never overproduced. I’ve always had to add a few ounces of formula a day for my LO because I just never produced more than what he needed on a daily basis (minus the few ounces of formula complemented). Took me weeks to get over the failure feelings. Baby is 3.5 months now and I have never frozen one bag of breast milk. I wish I didn’t have such huge expectations before giving birth. Everyone is so different.

Answer

I only pumped after the first morning feeding. I had the most “extra” milk at that point. I started at 3.5 weeks and did that every day until I went back to work at 12 weeks. It was an easy way to build a healthy supply with out getting and over supply. 
You don’t need a ton of milk stashed. At a minimum you need a days worth because you will pump to replace the missed feedings.

Best way to build a breastmilk stash?

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