Alternatives for storing breast milk? (PIOG)

[bhwrn1]

I EBF. I work 4 days a week. I pump three times a day at work. I usually bag three to four three ounce bags a day. This seems like a lot of plastic to use. I was wondering if anyone else had ideas for storing the breastmilk to make my use of these bags less. I don't have a huge amount of room, although we do have a seperate freezer in our garage (that is where I store the milk). I only have door space in the freezer to store (about 1 1/2 shelves). My DH suggested rinising the bags and reusing them, but I was not sure if this was an option. Plus, I date the bags, so I would have to figure out a different labeling system.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[kellyv22]

You could pump into those little bottles while at work and then combine the bottles into a bag once they are all cooled to the same temp.  Thats what i do during the day.  I have those little medela pump n store bottles.  I pump into those and put n the fridge.  at the end of the day, I combine the bottles into bags in the amount I need (usually 6 oz) and then go to the freezer.

[Heather881029]

I bottles to pump into a lot so I am not using so many bags.  I pump into Medela or Evenflo storage bottles. 

[Lovemybrayden]

You don't have to freeze right away, you can keep the milk in the fridge for at least 5-8 days. Make sure to put it in the back of the fridge to ensure it stays cold enough. To save room, add to already expressed milk. Try not to add warm milk to milk that has been in fridge chill then add to bottle. That way you aren't useing as much plastic and you have milk right on hand.  Check into bags that you can boil so they are germ free. That's the only problem with the ones that are already sterile, you can't just clean them and be totally sure they are germ free and leak free.

[bhwrn1]

I do pump into the bottles and combine. I make 3 ounce bags b/c I don't want to waste. Sometimes he doesn't even drink all the bottles I send to daycare. I was thinking about making them into 6 ounce bags and using those for daycare and then having some three ounce bags to use if DH is home and I am away. Thanks.

Quoting kellyv22:

You could pump into those little bottles while at work and then combine the bottles into a bag once they are all cooled to the same temp.  Thats what i do during the day.  I have those little medela pump n store bottles.  I pump into those and put n the fridge.  at the end of the day, I combine the bottles into bags in the amount I need (usually 6 oz) and then go to the freezer.

[bhwrn1]

I would use the fresh milk, but I have a freezer stash and I want to rotate so that it does not go bad. I already combine the milk.

I didn't realize that they might sell bags you can boil. I will have to look into that. Thanks, that's a great idea! I was worried about the leaking thing b/c I have had a few bags leak on me in the past and it is hard enough to get out what I need without having it wasted.

Quoting Lovemybrayden:

You don't have to freeze right away, you can keep the milk in the fridge for at least 5-8 days. Make sure to put it in the back of the fridge to ensure it stays cold enough. To save room, add to already expressed milk. Try not to add warm milk to milk that has been in fridge chill then add to bottle. That way you aren't useing as much plastic and you have milk right on hand.  Check into bags that you can boil so they are germ free. That's the only problem with the ones that are already sterile, you can't just clean them and be totally sure they are germ free and leak free.

[Mom2Bria]

Avent has storage containers that you can wash and reuse! They are the size of a bottle, but they are washable! I stored my BM in the small avent bottles because it was easier for me to grab the three bottles she needed for daycare and go!! I used the bags at first too, and like you I thought this is just so wasteful! I did not have a seperate freezer for storing though! So my freezer was packed full of boobie juice!  

 this is what I suggested

 

[bhwrn1]

How did you label them?

Quoting Mom2Bria:

Avent has storage containers that you can wash and reuse! They are the size of a bottle, but they are washable! I stored my BM in the small avent bottles because it was easier for me to grab the three bottles she needed for daycare and go!! I used the bags at first too, and like you I thought this is just so wasteful! I did not have a seperate freezer for storing though! So my freezer was packed full of boobie juice!  

 this is what I suggested

 

[Tea4Tas]

Quoting bhwrn1:

How did you label them?

Quoting Mom2Bria:

Avent has storage containers that you can wash and reuse! They are the size of a bottle, but they are washable! I stored my BM in the small avent bottles because it was easier for me to grab the three bottles she needed for daycare and go!! I used the bags at first too, and like you I thought this is just so wasteful! I did not have a seperate freezer for storing though! So my freezer was packed full of boobie juice!  

 this is what I suggested

 

I would suggest buying a pack of small stick on avery labels at Staples or office Max-you can peel off and re-use

[Mom2Bria]

Clear labels or tape!! I kept a rotating stock, so milk didn't sit long in the freezer...I also used the actually 4 oz bottles to store with as well....again washable! These vias can only be reused a couple times.....So the most cost effective thing for me was the 4 ox bottles! Plus my DD never ate a bottle larger then what the bottle could hold!

Quoting bhwrn1:

How did you label them?

Quoting Mom2Bria:

Avent has storage containers that you can wash and reuse! They are the size of a bottle, but they are washable! I stored my BM in the small avent bottles because it was easier for me to grab the three bottles she needed for daycare and go!! I used the bags at first too, and like you I thought this is just so wasteful! I did not have a seperate freezer for storing though! So my freezer was packed full of boobie juice!  

 this is what I suggested

 

 

[bhwrn1]

You know, I have a ptouch machine so I could probably just use that. Although, I am not sure how well they will stick to the containers once they are frozen.

Quoting Tea4Tas:

 

Quoting bhwrn1:

How did you label them?

Quoting Mom2Bria:

Avent has storage containers that you can wash and reuse! They are the size of a bottle, but they are washable! I stored my BM in the small avent bottles because it was easier for me to grab the three bottles she needed for daycare and go!! I used the bags at first too, and like you I thought this is just so wasteful! I did not have a seperate freezer for storing though! So my freezer was packed full of boobie juice!  

 this is what I suggested

 

 

I would suggest buying a pack of small stick on avery labels at Staples or office Max-you can peel off and re-use