Got Milk?

Found this quote

Breast milk is better than any udder milk :)

and thought it is kinda cute.

Like most working moms who exclusively breastfeed their babies, I need to express my milk at work. This time around, I thought I should start early. As mentioned earlier, with Zara there was no real need to pump since I was not working until she was about 14 months. So, she has her milk direct from the source. With Umar, I started to pump 3 weeks postpartum partly to release engorgement as well as building my freezer stash in preparation for work. I didn't set any target when I started expressing and just thought that I'll pump and save as much as I could. At the end of my maternity leave, I only managed to build a small stash of EBM (expressed breast milk) which I thought was adequate at that time. Later I regretted not having built a bigger stock. When Umar was about 8 months old, I had to go for a 10-day training abroad. Due to my insufficient frozen EBM, we had to supplement him with formula during my trip. On my return, my supply dwindled due to lack of pumping as the training schedule was packed. Umar on the other hand, was getting used to having formula that sometimes he rejected nursing but we continued breastfeeding and just barely survived the 1 year mark.

This time around, I don't plan to make the same mistake. I want to fully breastfeed Hariz until he is 2. Currently on the 2nd month of my 3-month maternity leave, I have started to pump again. My target is to have at least 10 days supply in my freezer for emergencies. From previous experience, I've learned that there will be days when the milk production suddenly drops, there will be times when I won't be able to pump as often due to trainings, outstations, emergencies, et cetera. With enough supply in the freezer, I'll be more relaxed should the occasion arise.

At first, I wanted to continue to pump using my good old Spectra3 breastpump. I've used it for a year whilst breastfeeding Umar and later lent it to my sister but according to her the suction was not as good as before and it was time to send it for service and fix. She in turned bought a Medela PISA and loved the pump so much until she heard of Medela Freestyle. The retail price for FS is RM2k++. Quite a hefty price for such a small pump. It took me several months to decide to go for FS. I bought mine online from Ajasu at http://www.mybreastpumpshop.com and her price is among the cheapest I've found in Malaysia.

Here's how the pump looks like. It is small and can fit in the palm of your hand easily.



The Medela Softfit funnels are kind to the breasts. Below is my 2nd attempt with the pump. Just a mere 1.2oz in 10 minutes. However, don't be discouraged with the small supply. I've learned that when you just started pumping, it will take awhile for you to get used to the pump and in time your production will increase. Trust me :) Practice makes perfect.



I've decided to continue using TechniIce to transfer the milk from the office to home later. Like before, I bought some and placed them into our freezer box as a precaution should there be power cuts at home. In theory (and tested by me!), my milk can last about 8-10 hours with TechniIce. You don't want to loose your milk due to a power failure at home, so take precaution!

For first time use, cut to size. Then immerse the techniIce sheets into warm water and scrunch them with your hands. The cells will absorb water and swell. Then place them in the freezer and they're ready for use.



Last but not least, this time I use Autumnz Milk Storage Bag to store my milk. Previously, I've used Avent milk liner but there were several unfortunate occasions that the edge of the bag leaked and I've lost some of my precious milk. Then, I've switched to Playtex milk liner which in my mind is so much stronger and stuck with it for almost a year. I normally bought the liners at Babyland SS2 but when I went to get the liners the other day, they no longer sell them. Instead I saw Autumnz bag and decided to give it a try.



It comes with a zip lock which is handy as I don't have to use a rubber band to tie it up like the liners. However, by God when the milk is frozen, it is bulky and takes quite a space in the freezer. Though the bag can take up to 7 oz of milk, store a small amount (enough for 1 feed) for better usage. Once the milk is thawed, it cannot be refreeze again. I've packed 3.5oz per bag.


Since my freezer box is small, I almost give up on it and wanted to switch back to Playtex until I found a tip. It is best to lay them flat when freezing so that they can stack up nicely in the freezer and consume less space :) Wallaa ...



And my stash last week for a bit of motivation. Almost reach half of my target.


Review on breast pumps in my next entry especially for Nik. Sabar yer Nik.