Pros and Cons of the “Freezer Stash”
Is a freezer stash necessary or just a lot of extra work?
As a lactation consultant, I often encounter new mothers who are concerned about building a freezer stash of breast milk. While having a supply of stored milk can be helpful in certain situations, it is not necessarily a requirement for all breastfeeding mothers.
First and foremost, it's important to focus on establishing a strong breastfeeding relationship with your baby. Building a freezer stash should not take precedence over ensuring a good latch, monitoring your baby's weight gain, and addressing any breastfeeding challenges you may encounter.
PROS:
In most cases, breastfeeding mothers are able to meet their baby's needs directly from the breast. However, there are certain scenarios where having a freezer stash can be beneficial. For example, if a mother is returning to work or school, having a stored milk supply can provide peace of mind and ensure that her baby continues to receive breast milk in her absence.
Additionally, a freezer stash can be helpful if a mother needs to be away from her baby for medical reasons or other unforeseen circumstances. It can also serve as a backup in case of a temporary dip in milk supply due to illness or other factors.
CONS:
I find that a “freezer stash” can be interpreted very differently from mother to mother so I sit and discuss what the need and expectation is for each mother. Realistically, if you are not going back to work, or working from home and able to feed baby, there is no reason for more than 3 or 4 bags of extra milk in the freezer.
Pumping too soon or utilizing the Haakaa can bring in excess milk. Some may feel like this is a good thing, but babies can become overwhelmed with the flow of milk and sputter, cough, and reject the breast. Excess milk in the breast can also lead to increased risk of mastitis and clogged ducts. Many find that leaking worsens when milk is increased and often wake to wet sheets and drenching of breast pads.
Having a “stash” of milk in excess can take up a LOT of space! Many of my clients have had to buy HUGE deep freezers for their garage, just to store milk! This not only increases cost for energy, but the cost of the freezer it’self and the milk bags adds up.
Pumped/frozen breast milk can have what is called “high-lipase”. What is that? Look for another blog post about high lipase in milk and how to check for it and prevent it! Babies have been known to refuse this milk due to smell and taste. It is difficult to find a place to donate excess if there is high lipase.
Freezers take electricity which can go OUT!! You could lose all of it in 24-48 hours! Think about how hard you had to work for that and why? Does your baby really need it? What are you doing it for?
Babies know how to regulate a milk supply and taking the time to love and cuddle your baby is far more important than being hooked to a pump or washing parts. IBCLC’s can teach you how to regulate supply AND save a stash that is appropriate for your needs for going back to work.
A couple “tips” for storing the normal stash that you will now put away are:
Freeze milk FLAT. There are products on amazon that can assist with this. (Feel free to text me about it!)
De-frost one bag of milk in the refrigerator overnight and then sniff it and even taste it. If it smells “metallic” or “soapy” or tastes funny, you may have high lipase!
I recommend measuring the milk you are going to freeze in a bottle FIRST, then place it in the bag and label the bag with “3 oz” or “4 oz’s”, it is more accurate. Place a date and time on the bag. As you get 10-20 bags, and they are frozen flat, put them in a gallon zip-lock freezer bag and label that with the full amount. Utilizing the oldest milk first, if needed. If not needed, feed fresh pumped milk or do a mix of fresh and pumped, as babies need the antibodies for what they are exposed to at THAT time.
Store in smaller increments in several bags so you can give an extra 2 oz for your care-giver, if baby needs an extra ounce or two.
As lactation consultants, we encourage mothers to focus on establishing a strong breastfeeding routine and seek support for any breastfeeding challenges they may encounter. While a freezer stash can provide reassurance in certain situations, it is definitely not necessary for all breastfeeding mothers.
If you have specific concerns or questions about building a freezer stash, I encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your individual breastfeeding journey and determine the best approach for you and your baby.
Katie :)
