Since Aubrey spent the first three weeks of her life being fed by gavage (tube-fed), I could not nurse her right away. I was still pretty determined to nurse her, but it took a lot of patience and a lot of pumping to get to that point. Which, right now is working great.
I kept bringing my pumped milk into the NICU, the nurses kept putting it into a fridge, and I never saw it again. Much to my surprise, when they discharged Aubrey, not only did I get to bring home an adorable little girl, but a huge bag of pumped milk. I have only added quite a bit to my "stash" since then.
In order to gain extra weight and get extra vitamins she needs, I have been mostly nursing, but twice a day I pump and give her a bottle with extra fortifier/vitamins in the bottle. My plan was to rotate through my milk supply, and so I always would have some on hand, and then use it up when I wean her.
Some plan!
Aubrey will NOT take any of the frozen milk. At all. She cries and pushes the bottle away. I even tried mixing in just a little bit of frozen. Nothing. So.... all that milk is basically useless. And a lot of it is about to go past the recommend date for freezer storage.
I haven't had the heart to throw it away yet. So I took it out today, and at least took a picture. It represents a lot of tired nights and a lot of work. I counted and it is currently at 254 ounces. Yikes.
I figure that most of my friends are also moms, so I am asking for help. Any suggestions? Is it all a complete waste?
9 comments:
sell it on ebay!
haha i've heard that some really crazy fitness people pay big bucks for breast milk.. gross, huh?
i had to throw sooo much out too. i totally know what you're feeling!
I fed one of my babies breast milk from my friend's similar situation! despite my efforts, i can't nurse very long, so i was SO thankful to my good friend for sharing her motherly vitamins with my child! (and, i KNOW she eats healthier than me!) some people might think that's gross or weird, but it's cheaper and healthier than formula! my vote is, don't chuck it!
I'm in a similar boat. I pumped a ton of milk back at the beginning while I was still on dairy before I realized it makes him sick. So, useless to me. I thought about donating it to a milk bank, but I take Prilosec for heartburn and I'm pretty sure you can't be on any medications. I haven't had the heart to throw it away yet just in case of an emergency, it's better than nothing. But congrats on being so productive. :)
I would look into the milk bank, I know NICUs use banked milk, or see if another mom wants it. I would think that would be a hot commodity.
There is a milk bank in Salt Lake. I'll bet there's something near where you are. That's too much effort to waste!
Paige, this happened to me with Jack! I had about as much as you. My friend couldn't nurse so I gave it to her and it fed her 6-month-old for a week! I would just ask your friends. It really isn't that wierd.
Actually you can use it to mix with the cereal when she starts around 6 months of age! maybe some will have to be discarded, but you can use the newer and it should last 3 months in a normal freezer or 6 months in a deep freeze.
That is a LOT of work! Way to go, Mama! I'm glad she's now a good little nurser.
I've heard of a recipe for Breastmilk Bread. I'm still not sure if I think that is really gross, or really cool. Probably nutritious, though.
What are the regulations for donating milk?
Save it to use in her cereal. My babies ate cereal a lot better with my milk than with just water. I love your blog and I am so glad that you are doing so well. Miss you at HCS.
Wendy
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