DS just took expressed milk from bottle - so proud! need some expressing advice though

[kelbel]

Hi - as a new mam (ds 5wks) I'm currently amazed by my boy and breasts! DS has taken wonderfully to bf and is a v efficient feeder, with excellent weight gain. Only possible grumble is that he feeds all the time, not bad during the night - generally goes 3-4 hours, but during the day he want it all the time.Have only used avent shells to collect milk on 1 while feeding on other so far - had an ice cube tray full and tried him with few ounces tonight and he loved it. Just want some tips on expressing, storing, defrosting, taking bottles out (what temp and how heat? - can't use microwave)? I know I sound clueless - have read up, but just wanted your tips - find mn much more straightforward!

that was meant to say body n breasts!

Firstly congratulations on your new arrival and your successful start to BF! Your ds' feeding will calm down, just try and go with it. He is obviously ensuring you produce lots of milk if you've collected so much from nipple shells!
I would advise investing in an electric pump if you are hoping to give whole bottles on a regular basis esp as your baby's appetite grows. I had the Medela Mini which was good. I always used to express after my baby had finished feeding and add to it until I had a full bottle. You can store this milk in the fridge or freeze it (I can't remember the exactly how long for.. ). Your best bet is to look up the guidelines online.
Defrost by placing in water, hot if you need the milk quickly. Warm up by putting in boiling water in a jug. Erm, don't know what else except think about giving your ds a late feed with bottle as it may help him go even longer.
Enjoy BF while you can... they grow up so fast!

fab, thanks. when you were expressing after each feed - did you then put it in freezer storage bags? did you just add a bit at a time? I'm not sure but seem to think i've read something that says you can't add fresh milk to previously frozen?? could be wrong

next problem is getting him to sleep anywhere but on us - won't be put down even when in deep sleeps - wakes as soon as put him in crib or basket, so he sleeps on our chest all night, is a good sleep, as in 4-5 hours at a time but no where but on us. Same during day, wont go in sling, bouncer, basket!

Hi
I used to put the milk in the fridge and add toit until I had a good amount to freeze. You can add fresh to frozen but don't then re-freeze it. As for the sleeping - have u tried swaddling?

Another vote for swaddling here. The miracle swaddling blanket (we got ours from mothercare but I'm sure you can get them elsewhere) was ace if you can't get the hang of it with sheets or blankets. Dh used to do it incredibly tight to dd, but she loved it!