Breast Milk: Too much of a good thing?

[truthrowan]

So, Douglas is 24 days old, I've had my milk in for exactly three weeks, and I've run into a problem. I have over 100 ounces frozen in my freezer (gotta take them to Moms deep freezer tomorrow), and another 80 in the fridge. I've just run out of freezer bags, and I'm out of bottles to store in the fridge until he finishes the one he's on. He takes four to five ounces every three to four hours. I'm pumping eight to nine ounces every two to three hours. Have the numbers run together on you yet? So unless he drinks two bottles (4 ounces each) between now and my next pumping, I will have NOTHING to put all the milk in!

I'm wondering if I should start giving some to Tegrim between now and tomorrow afternoon when I can go to the store for more freezer bags. Tegrim is about to be two, and I don't know if that would be weird or what. I know he LIKES the way it tastes, he stole his baby brothers bottle, drank it, and then started requesting "Yum milk". We explained that the "Yum Milk" that mommy pumps for baby is for babies, and he's a big boy, so that's why his milk comes from the fridge and he drinks juice and water when brother doesn't. He whined, but we finally got him to understand that it's not for him. But now, I'm about to have too much breast milk, and I don't know what to do.

I don't want to waste breast milk, it's precious stuff, and honestly, I suffer to make it, wasting it would be stupid. Pumping hurts, and I sit there wincing and crying until I get used to it every time I start, sometimes even crying while Tegrim asks, "Okay Mommy? You kay?". My boys are worth it, I pumped for Tegrim until my appendix went (BTW, my gall bladder surgery went AWESOME, and I'm 100% better!) and would like to pump for Douglas until he's two.

Douglas was up to 8lbs 13oz at his last weight check. He was 7lbs 11oz at birth, and had dropped down to 7lbs 2oz in the hospital, so he's put on a total of 1lb 11oz, and that was last Wednesday, I KNOW he's gained more since then. I'm worried about starting back to work and my supply dropping because I won't be able to pump as often, which is why I'm pumping and storing so much. Still, what I have is only enough to keep him for about a week, probably less, if anything happened. Since I only started freezing milk on 9/3 (my supply dropped after my surgery, had to pump every two hours to get it back up) I am glad to have as much on hand as I do, but still.

So ladies, am I crazy? Should I go ahead and give it to to the toddler and start supplementing his regular milk and water and juice with breast milk? Should I dump it, can I store it in a sippy cup in the fridge till I get more freezer bags? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tags: breast feeding, breast milk, milk storage, toddler, infant, lactation, too much of a good thing

Add A Comment

[SRiveroC]

Sep. 10, 2009 at 1:09 AM

I don't know babe. I'm not sure Tegrim would go for it. I wanted to say congrats though :) I want to see a picture!

[truthrowan]

Sep. 10, 2009 at 1:23 AM

See, he already loves the taste,  because he keeps stealing bottles, or was until he had his fifth time out for it and realize he was getting in trouble, but Jericho actually suggested it. My SIL made nasty comments this weekend about my BF'ing, because I spent like an hour and half out of 6 hours at the family reunion pumping, and she was really sarcastic and witchy about weather or not I was still BF'ing Tegrim. Douglas is eating now, hopefully he'll pig out so I can put away what I make. Thanks for the comment. *HUGS*

(Original Poster)

[Liansmommie]

Sep. 10, 2009 at 1:24 AM

Many moms do extended breatfeeding up to and past the toddler years even when the child's main nutrition is from other sources. If you don't the space to store it and would throw it out anyway, I can't think of a reason not to give it to your two year old.

http://www.cafemom.com/group/5540 This is a link to a group about breast feeding toddlers and preschoolers. I have never been a part of it but I have discussed other kinds of issues the owner on occasion, in a general way, and I am sure either she or a member of her group could answer your question. GL

[Damali0812]

Sep. 10, 2009 at 2:47 AM

Don't throw it away. Ask the hospital about giving the breast milk to other moms who cant BF or dont produce enough of it. I know when i had my youngest DD they had mentioned this to me.

[truthrowan]

Sep. 10, 2009 at 11:23 AM

thanks dama, i hadn't thought of that. I'm gonna call now.

(Original Poster)