1. For when you get sick.
Ofcourse its best to really take care of yourself as a mom, as a breastfeeding mom (yes, I meant to put those on separately), and having just been pregnant and in your postpartum phase – we should all take care of ourselves. But unforeseen circumstances still occur and we may need to take antibiotics and I have heard tons of stories about this. Sometimes you wouldn’t able to breastfeed because the medicines are too strong. An ideal way to deal with this is to continue to pump (if you still want to continue to breastfeed once you get better) and dump or use it as a milk bath for your baby (or even for you, actually).
2. When you get your period.
Oftentimes our milk supply dips when we get our monthly visitor, so its just best to be prepared.
3. Growth spurts.
They drink more milk during growth spurts and if you want to go along your business like chores, or your prepared bottles while you’re away at work might not be enough. So it’s best to have some extra milk in the fridge or freezer so you wouldn’t be too worried that he’s hungry and the babysitter can tap into the stash.
4. When you have to go away.
For work or just for you, in general. Just a breather a short vacation or even just a day trip, maybe a second honeymoon with the husband.
5. Date night!
You are parents now but you are still a couple and don’t lose touch or sight on that.
6. When you have to step out and do some errands and need your hands free.
And lets face it we just get more things done when were alone.
7. For baby’s bonding time with dad.
8. For baby’s bonding time with others, grandparents, godparents, etc
9. On special occassions.
On a wedding when your gown isn’t breastfeeding friendly, or even when you just want to get dressed or wear a dress or something that isnt breastfeeding friendly for a change. Nothing’s wrong with getting in touch with your old self.
10. When going back to work from maternity leave.
They say you would only need enough milk for a day or the time that you are away. But when you’re back to work, you would never have the time like you have on your leave to build your stash. So why not? But you don’t have to stress over having that stash, but a couple of bottles wouldn’t be so bad to have as a back up, right?
11. For providing breastmilk longer than what you would like.
If and when you’re already planning to stop breastfeeding, it’s nice to still have a stash so you can still give your little one breastmilk even when you have weaned off the boob! Free milk? Who can say no to that? And extended ‘breastfeeding’ has tons of benefits too – even if it is from the bottle – it’s the best thing for your little babe.
Tips
- If you have a small freezer,
to optimize your space, it’s best to use breastmilk bags. And use one that is trusty and sturdy! You wouldn’t want a bag breaking on you – first of all, it would be a hot mess and second of all, it would really make you tear up! I know it’s happened to me once or twice and it was horrible! Pumping a full bag of milk is a lot of work that is why I suggest using Orange and Peach‘s breastmilk bags. They have a couple of bags with different measurements for when your baby is younger or just simply eats less. It’s nice to have an exact amount of what baby eats in a bag so you wouldn’t waste any milk! - Be prepared with contact numbers of dry ice deliveries in your area in case of power outtages. Its always best to have a back up plan when storing such precious liquid gold!
See more of me here:
whatthefatishappening.wordpress.com 