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Building Your Breast Milk Stash: A Working Parent's Guide
Returning to work while breastfeeding requires careful planning and strategy. Here's how to build a reliable milk stash that will give you peace of mind during the transition.
Start Early, Start Small
Begin collecting milk 3-4 weeks before returning to work. Don't feel pressured to pump huge amounts at once – small, consistent additions to your stash are more sustainable and won't interfere with your regular nursing routine.
Key Strategies:
Morning Pumping
- Take advantage of naturally higher morning supply
- Pump after the first morning feed when milk production is typically most abundant
- Even collecting 1-2 ounces extra per day adds up quickly
Power Pumping Sessions
- Choose one hour per day
- Pump 20 minutes, rest 10 minutes, pump 10 minutes, rest 10 minutes, pump 10 minutes
- This mimics cluster feeding and can help boost supply
The "One for One" Method
- Pump one extra session each day
- Store this milk specifically for your return-to-work stash
- Aim for about 1-1.5 ounces per hour you'll be away from baby
Breastmilk Storage Tips
- Label milk with date and volume
- Store in 2-4 ounce portions to minimize waste
- Use the oldest milk first (first in, first out)
- Keep milk in the back of the freezer where temperature is most stable
How Much Is Enough?
For a typical 8-hour workday, aim for:
- 1-1.5 ounces per hour away = 8-12 ounces per workday
- Build a 2-3 day backup supply = 24-36 ounces total
- Remember: Many parents continue to build supply while at work
Maintaining Supply at Work
- Plan to pump every 2-3 hours
- Look at photos/videos of your baby while pumping
- Keep a consistent schedule
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished
Remember, every parent and baby is different. Focus on what works for your situation and don't hesitate to adjust these strategies to fit your needs. Success looks different for everyone.
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Who is Simple Wishes?
We are a certified women-owned business, founded by two sisters, and moms, over a decade ago to grant their own simple wish to make the experience of using a breast pump hands-free and easier.
We own 15 patents on designs that have won awards from third party, trusted parent resources such as Parent Tested Parent Approved, Mom's Choice Awards, Twinnie and Baby Maternity Magazine, Good Housekeeping and more...
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