Going back to work next week

[knepacena]

Hi,
I go back to work on Monday...

I hope to keep up the fresh supply of breastmilk for my DS as I pump at work, (worries about supply and such) but in preparation for returning to work, I have a frozen supply stored for the Nanny. My question is do I thaw out a few bags in the fridge for her the night before and prepare the bottles (to save time when she has to give bottles during the day?) For others who leave frozen milk supply for childcare providers, do you bring it in frozen and they go ahead and prepare it/thaw as they use it? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Crabbie]

I took my daughter's milk frozen to the sitter each day.

I'd send four bags (this was hard to figure out because I didn't want to send too much but I didn't want to under-send either) of milk and they'd thaw it as they needed it. I used a small soft sided lunch bag. It held the milk and two ice packs. You milk will store easiest if you lay it flat in the freezer right when you put it in the freezer. There are time guidelines for breast milk usage. I'll see if I can find them for you.

[Crabbie]

here ya go


How long can I store my breast milk?
The following are some general breast milk storage guidelines:

* At room temperature (less than 77°F) for 4 to 8 hours
* At the back of a refrigerator for 3 to 8 days
* At the back of a freezer for up to 3 months



http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/birth/828.html#ArticleParsysMiddleColumn0008

[knepacena]

Great, thanks! I figured she can thaw as she needs it, but just wanted to make sure. I know that when my dh has to thaw and give a bottle when I am gone or sleeping, it takes awhile and ds gets very upset and hungry during the wait!

I have a copy of the milk usage guidelines, but thanks for offering!

[maksmom]

If you freeze the milk flat it will thaw super quick. I was able to use what I had pumped the day before for the next day that I worked. It really did work well and my sitter rarely had to use her frozen stash. I would not thaw too much for Monday, maybe enough for the first 2 feedings. Remember that if your DS does not finish a bottle on the first feed, your Nanny can save it in the fridge and let him finish at the next.
Good luck on your first day back at work, for me it was always the hardest. :hugs: