What should it look like?

[imissredwine]

Have just expressed breast milk for the first time... half hour for 40 mls? Didn't seem worth the effort!

Anyway, having left the milk overnight, it's kind of separated. Is this normal? What should it look like?

Also, anyone know if I express again today can I tip that into yesterdays effort or do I need to store separately?

Many thanks all

Yep its normal for it to separate - just give it a shake before you use it. I think the guidelines are that two batches can be mixed but its not recommended to mix more than that. Hopefully somebody else will be along soon to clarify as I'm not sure.

I know you can mix two sides iyswim if you express them both at the same time. Not sure about two batches. It's definitely normal for it to separate.

When I was expressing, I used to feed DD twice on one side then express the other side, as it would be really full.

yep, it takes me about half anhour to express 2 ounces max. i wouldn't mix milk from two different days tbh. you can get good milk storage bags from tescos.

Swirl don't shake.

I do 30mls a day, bung it straight in the freezer and keeping adding it until I have 180mls so 6 batches together, seems fine tastes/smells fine, baby not had an issue.

Bloody great service this web site...

better info here than from hospitals, MWs, HV etc

A huge thanks everyone

IS there a 'coping with a new born' forum? Or do questions fall under other categories like feeding/ sleeping etc

Thanks again everyone

ps: managed 60 mls today in 20 minutes.

Mooo

the separation shows the diff between fore and hind milk btw.

Post q's under relevant topics, and/or in your post natal club if you joined one.

oh, and you can drink in moderation whilst bf just in case your moniker is a reflection of how you feel.

Thanks Can't sleep

I have waited months for a glass and the irony is now I don't even enjoy it so much. Makes me too sleepy and seems to have the opposite effect on her!

...bugger

Oh and another thing. Managed to express many oz yesterday so was sent to bed at 9 and husband stayed up with baby until 4, feeding and changing so I could sleep... bliss!

Actually feel a bit more human now!