Pump it, Store it, Save it for a rainy day!

I started pumping and saving about 1 week before I went back to work. I frantically tried to pump and store but I always felt that I was doing it wrong... then one day, I googled, googled, and googled some more on how to save and store breast milk and I've only found a handful of helpful step by step sites... So I hope this blog post helps some of you mamas out there!!

STEP 1: BUY PUMP

We have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Electric Breast Pump with Backpack. I started using the pump at the hospital after delivery to help my milk come in. I love this pump!

STEP 2: WASH YOUR HANDS & PREP

YES.. WASH YOUR HANDS.. I also pre-prep all my pump accessories. It's always ready to go! Make sure you have all your essentials ready, ex: grab some water, get a photo of your baby or your phone to watch a video of him to help stimulate your milk. (Creepy but it works!)

STEP 3: PUMP PUMP PUMP

pump your heart out!! I pump for as long as he feeds. About 15 minutes on both sides. There are days where he will only feed one side, so I'll pump the other side and store. I also prefer to store milk in 2oz, 3 oz and 3.5 oz. Never store more than 4 oz at a time!

STEP 4: STORAGE BAGS

Decide how you want to store milk. I started off storing in bottles but it takes longer to defrost milk and it took up too much space so I changed to these handy Medela bags. I like them because they freeze flat and it's easier to organize!

STEP 5: LABEL STORAGE BAG

Always label with the Date & Amount. I like to add the time as well. If your little one is in daycare make sure you add their name!

STEP 6: OPEN BAG & FILL

Be careful & don't spill your liquid gold!!

STEP 7: CLOSE BAGGY

Best way to close the bag is to seal the ziplock bag 3/4 of the way and then remove all the air from the bag.

you can squeeze it with your hands and to remove the air and then close the bag OR remove the air by rolling the bag over the counter.

the main goal is to remove the air and prevent air bubbles. the second method over the counter works the best!!

STEP 8: LAY FLAT TO CHECK

STEP 9: STORE IN FREEZER

Store your milk flat in the back of the freezer. **DO NOT FREEZE MILK on freezer door!!**

Once your milk is completely frozen, you can stand it up with the earliest date first.

**Before I started freezing this way, My freezer looked a HOT MESS**

That's pretty much it!! Happy Pumping & Saving!!