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Infant feeding

Breastmilk storage in freezer

17 replies

wineapotamus · 24/05/2017 07:53

Do I need specific breastmilk storage bags? Can I use regular freezer bags?
Thanks

OP posts:
AlfieTheRailwayCat · 24/05/2017 08:10

Breatmill storage bags are sterile so they are probably better to store milk in. Plus the stack really easily.

wineapotamus · 24/05/2017 08:34

Thanks!

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 24/05/2017 08:36

Apparently they're also a bit stronger so they don't split or break easily.

BrightBlueStar · 24/05/2017 08:38

Use breastmilk storage bags, they are sterile. They are also smaller which is useful as you don't want to have huge bags of frozen milk (takes ages to defrost and you might end up wasting loads as well).

You can also freeze plastic bottles which you could then reuse. This might be an economical option as the bags are quite expensive.

wineapotamus · 24/05/2017 08:54

Thank you! This is helpful.
When you say plastic bottles,what sort do you mean?

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 24/05/2017 09:11

As a tip, freeze the bags flat so that they defrost really quickly, and then put them in a plastic box stood up in date order. This way the edges don't get bumped in the freezer and split, and you can easily take the right ones out

MrsBadger · 24/05/2017 09:39

I had one (specialist BM freezer bag) split and it was soul-destroying.
After that I used Axifeed bottles - they stack neatly as they're rectangular, go in the dishwasher (or steriliser), never leak and create no waste.
[searches]
And they've been discontinued Sad.

MrsBadger · 24/05/2017 09:43

<a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Sterifeed-Reusable-Sterile-Breast-Storage/dp/B01H2276F0/?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">these seem to be the replacement but won't stack as neatly.

wineapotamus · 24/05/2017 14:03

Thanks all. Ordered the breast milk storage bags-they aren't needed for exclusive expressing or anything so should be fine. My baby is sleeping through (😳🙌🏻) and I'm going to express a bit to help keep supply up, so it's just to keep the milk, seems gutting to throw it away, even though this one says a firm non merci to the bottle.

OP posts:
Kingseye123 · 24/05/2017 15:16

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NameChange30 · 24/05/2017 15:30

How old is your baby? Have you tried different teats?

If she won't take a bottle at all, and you still want to express, you could always donate your breast milk. I think the milk banks might provide bags/bottles.

I don't see why you'd need to express to keep up supply, though - surely it works on a supply and demand basis, so if you breastfeed your baby when she wants milk during the day, you will keep producing the milk she needs?

wineapotamus · 24/05/2017 16:19

She's 11 weeks. I don't mind about her not having a bottle, so that's ok-I'm happy to be with her all the time when she's so small. I'm sure you're right about the effect on my supply, but it reassures me to know I'll be keeping up with her demand if she starts waking for her dream feed again. I've tried waking her to feed but she's too sleepy to take much and wind and wriggles lots when I get her back down

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 24/05/2017 16:22

DS is the same age and I'm horrified at the idea of waking him up Grin I'd love him to sleep through the night - just let her sleep and enjoy it!

What do you plan to do with the expressed milk if you don't intend to try a bottle again? If you don't donate it that is. It only keeps in the freezer for 6 months.

AlfieTheRailwayCat · 24/05/2017 16:24

You can use it in his food when you start weaning too. In porridge and baking for example.

wineapotamus · 24/05/2017 16:34

That's what I was thinking Alfie. Or I could try her with a bottle again when she's older. I know re: the sleeping. I darent tell anyone irl! I fully expect to get slapped by the 4 month sleep regression though...

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 24/05/2017 16:41

Keep trying with the bottle! DS wouldn't take one at first but does now and it's great to have the option of a break. DH has been taking him to baby massage for dads, and I've been going out to an exercise class all by myself once a week - heaven Smile

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