What do you store EBM in?

[Samuel's mum]

Jen - I see you are in Chicago. There isn't a bank in Illinois but there are several in neighbouring states (Indiana, Iowa, Michigan).
Details here:
http://www.hmbana.org/index.php?mode=locations
Contact each bank directly.

In the USA you can't donate if you have lived in the UK for more than 3 months since 1980 (or anywhere in Europe for more than 5 years)!! Mad Cow disease risk.
There some other restrictions depending on where you donate - you need to avoid certain medications, they are often not happy about regular herb intake.
In the States it's a 100oz minimum (to justify cost of blood test and administration).

SUCH a special thing to do. If you can manage it that would be fantastic.

[AppleJacksMommy]

I use Medela products and they make bags you can store up to 5 oz in. The most I store is 4 oz because I don't want to waste. You can pump directly into the bags but I don't. I pump into bottles so I know exactly how much and somtimes I divvy it up in the bags. I'll make a bunch of 1 and 2 oz in case I need just a little bit more to add to my 4 oz bags. My LO eats about 6 oz now. I love the Medela products.

[knackered]

After posting on this thread earlier today - I decided I'd try and donate some milk. I live in the Republic of Ireland and there's only one milk bank and that's in Northern Ireland. So I rang but it turns out I can't donate because of that mad cow thing. I'm really disappointed!

x

[Samuel's mum]

Oh noo! That sucks. I didn't think there were any problems for people living within Europe and donating within Europe i.e. the whole area was infected so we're all going down.

[Meg's Mom]

this is off topic, but i really want to make up some stock (i had tons at the begining but have used it all)...when is the best time to pump so i can make some for the freezer?

[MamaC]

I usually pump after the first morning feed...like an hour after.

[Jocasta]

If you're a single side feeder, the best time to pump is during the feed - i.e. baby on one boob and pump on the other - that way you take advantage of all the hormones that baby causes mum to release...

If you're double side feeding, like Shannon said, I think it's best after a feed - if you're trying to boost supply I think directly after is best...

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

yes agree with pp.

Kate x

[lisi's mum]

I have a bit of a mean trick, but it leads to me getting some milk out - put dd on to have a play around just long enough for me to get a letdown then whip the pump out quick. It only works if she's really not hungry but I need to get a meal for her for later. Otherwise I do like Jo suggested - her on one side pump on t'other.

That's getting a bit tougher as she's disturbed by the noise

[AppleJacksMommy]

The lactation counselor at my hospital told me that it doesn't matter what time of day you pump, but that you should try to pump the same time every day and your body gets used to it and will have milk ready for you/baby at that time. I have done as she suggested and aside from my letdowns happening automatically every 3 hours, they also start to letdown at the morning time that I always pump.

[mum101]

I have a bit of a mean trick, but it leads to me getting some milk out - put dd on to have a play around just long enough for me to get a letdown then whip the pump out quick. It only works if she's really not hungry but I need to get a meal for her for later. Otherwise I do like Jo suggested - her on one side pump on t'other.

That's a good idea! Leobin would probably cope with that well. I had mega full boobs this morning so got my first 50mls pumped today! I don't think he'll be denied, he's put on almost 1 kilo since birth and grown from 54cm to 58!!

[Meg's Mom]

lisi, do you get more milk pumped that way ?  w/ your trick?

thanks for the all the tips ladies, i feed on both sides so pumping w/ my double pump after a feed is best for us.

I pumped today just before normal feed time (as i had a doc appt) and i had less then 2oz total!  I know a pump isn't as efficient as baby, but this seems like a huge drop!!  Maybe this a topic for a new thread?

[Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids]

Hi Michelle, don't worry about the pumping it really isn't an indicator to what they are getting. For instance, when Zanes feeding he can get 3 letdowns in 10-15 mins. When i pump i wait for 3 letdowns so that it is roughly the same and it takes me 30 mins. This says it all really!!!!!!

Kate x

[Tamar A]

I can also recommend the Lansinoh bags; I usually store 8 oz per bag, since if I'm going anywhere, I like to have at least one extra bottle available just in case. They're great, very easy to use, and not too expensive. The Lansinoh breast pads are good too.

[mum101]

If you're a single side feeder, the best time to pump is during the feed - i.e. baby on one boob and pump on the other - that way you take advantage of all the hormones that baby causes mum to release...

You inspired me Jo - I had particularly full boobs this morning and knew Leobin was only going to take one side, so I pumped the other! It was actually easier than I imagined! I even opened a jar for Rory with one hand and my knees.
Talk about a time saver, the let down was much quicker