Quick expressing question...................

[fannyannie]

I'm still undecided with what to do with DS3 and his feeding - so am trying to get as much expressed as possible to ensure that if I do decide to switch FF I have enough ebm in the freezer to at least enable him to have breastmilk for a bit longer......however I don't get much out each time - 2-4oz - usually around 3oz - and it's using up storage bags pretty fast - if I express some in the morning and put it in the fridge and then express again in the evening can I add the two together and then freeze - or should I use a new bag for each 'load'???

Also do I have to sterilise the breastpump before EVERY use (there's usually a gap of 8-10 hours between expressing sessions as I do one first thing in the morning - and another last thing at night.....so my norks don't explode in the bed ). Or can I just wash it well and re-use??

I could never get much more out than 4oz at a time. Used to express then re-sterilise expresser. Then I used to just add to the bottle in the fridge during the day every time I expressed. Never made my dd's ill.

so I can just do a 'days' worth of expressing then freeze rather than wasting bags with just a few ounces in then - thanks

hi,
you can freeze a days worth in one go but you should also remember that freezing in small amounts means you are less likely to waste any precious ounces. and they defrost quicker in smaller quantities.
also, if you are not going to freeze but use milk within so many hours/days, it would help to keep morning and evening lots seperate as you need to ensure you use the oldest lot first. you could waste a bottle if you don't get to it in time....12 hrs could make a big difference . hope that makes sense.
the amount you can express can vary greatly for each individual and even you will find that you express more or less according to what time of the day you express and if you lo decides to have a growth spurt. 3oz sounds normal to me.
i ended up NOT sterilising the pump everytime but instead put the pump in the fridge (taking off battery piece if appropriate). be careful doing this as the pump may fall over , so it might be an idea to decant any milk into a bottle so the pump is empty. if your pump doesn't have a cap for the boob end then you could always cover with clingfilm for peace of mind. i didn't.
i would ALWAYS give it a good wash and sterilise over night though.