freezer bags: for breastmilk

Being a first time mum, there was a lot of things I didn't know existed especially when it comes to milk pumping.

For those of you who are as lost as I used to be, after you pump, there must be somewhere or something you can store your breast milk in. 

Introducing the freezer bags.

There are a variety of freezer bags out there. But all the bags follow these simple steps:

LMM baby steps:

1) Pump into a bottle (some bags can be attached to the pump so the milk goes directly into the bag)
2) Pour milk from bottle into bag
3) Lock it so the milk does not spill out
4) Place in freezer

To use milk
1) Defrost bag by soaking it in hot water
2) When milk is fully thawed and warm, transfer to bottle

Things to Note:
1) Always wash your hands before you pump to ensure clean hands while transferring milk
2) Never place freezer bags in microwave for heating
3) Never mix milk from different pump sessions unless milk is already frozen and you are topping up. I recommend to just stick to a new bag
4) The measurements on the bag is to give you a better idea on how much to defrost for bub. Use that. Defrosted milk should never be thrown back into the freezer. Breast milk IS like gold. You do not want to waste it. Mums would understand this. It is NOT a walk in the park when we  wake up in the middle of our sleep just to pump.
5) Always freeze the bags in a compartment of their own OR at the back of the freezer. 
6) I personally won't freeze the milk for longer than 6 months. 3 months was what I went with.

The pic on top shows the type of bag that requires a "strip lock". After you transfer the milk, you will use this clip to push down any milk at the top and remove air. The strip is then placed at the top of the milk. You roll the clip with the bag until the milk, then you fold the strip across the bag to lock it. I assume this type is the older "model".

There are now ziplock bags which makes it super easy. You just need to transfer the milk and zip it up. There are also a place where you can jot down the dates on when it was pumped. Also, these bags has a base at the bottom (it opens up a bit at the bottom). This is good as it helps the bag to stand in the freezer. 

LMM advice: I would go with a bag that is easy to lock and has a base at the bottom. The base help the bag stand proper in the freezer so it's easier to store and organize. The bags are fairly cheap. So go with convenience. The whole process of breast pumping is already exhausting enough to have to juggle freezer bags as well. 

Here's the top three things to look out for when buying a freezer bag: 
1) Base for easy storing
2) Easy locking of bag
3) Space to Jot down dates for monitoring

Hokkien Corner: I read that freezing breast milk will kill some of its antibodies. But it is still heaps better than formula milk. Guess that is why all mothers do it. Not to mention how expensive formulas are these days! I would invest in good freezer bags or even bottles for breast milk storing. I have not used milk bottles for freezing but I know some mothers have.

I know it's tiresome but it's not a permanent chore. So while you can, just try to enjoy it. Part and parcel of being a mum I guess. My breast pumping days are over but it has been an experience I have not forgotten.