expressing - the basics pls

[darlingbabs]

hi, i really need info on the basics of oumping and how to store the milk afterwards, can you mix 2 separate loads of milk from different times in the day?
how long can you leave a sterilised bottle of bm by your bed for a night feed (ie out of fridge?)
my pump didnt seem to come with any info on all these things so advice really appreciated

as long as your breast milk is kept in the fridge between pumpings, then it can keep in the fridge for up to three days. HOWEVER I would advise that you don't keep it for longer than 1 day if you are mixing otherwise you won't be able to keep track of how old each load is.

I would advise you to buy a cool bag or mini-fridge to keep by your bed to keep the milk fresh, as most formula milk brands advise that milk shouldn't be kept out of the fridge (once opened) for more than 2 hours. i would assume the same would apply for breast milk. otherwise be prepared for bleary-eyed trips downstairs to the fridge at 3 in the morning to collect the milk and warm it up using an electric bottle warmer.

See kellymom for advice. In fact that entire site is fantastic.

You can mix different loads, just make a note of the oldest date and time.