As a working parent, it is important to have a good amount of breastmilk stored in your freezer before you return to work. This will ensure that your baby has enough milk to drink while you are away. The general guideline is to aim for a stash of 3-5 days’ worth of milk, which translates to approximately 36 to 80 ounces of milk.
The specific amount of milk you should aim to save will depend on several factors, such as how long you will be away from your baby each day and how often you plan to pump. If you are going to be away from your baby for shorter periods of time or if you have the opportunity to pump more frequently, you may not need to store as much milk.
To determine how much milk you should stash, consider the following:
1. Length of time away from your baby: If you will be away from your baby for a full workday, typically around 8-10 hours, you will need to provide enough milk to cover all of your baby’s feedings during that time. On average, a breastfed baby consumes 1-1.5 ounces of milk per hour. So, for an 8-hour workday, you would need to have at least 8-12 ounces of milk stored.
2. Pumping frequency: The more often you pump, the less milk you will need to store. If you have the opportunity to pump during breaks or at lunchtime, you can keep up with your baby’s milk needs more easily. However, if you are only able to pump once or twice during your workday, you will need to have a larger stash of milk.
3. Baby’s feeding patterns: Consider how often your baby typically feeds during the time you will be away. Some babies may feed every 2-3 hours, while others may go longer between feedings. If your baby feeds more frequently, you will need to have more milk stored.
4. Milk storage capacity: Take into account the average amount of milk you are able to pump in one session. This can vary from person to person, so it’s important to know your own milk production capacity. If you are able to pump a larger amount of milk in one session, you may be able to reach your stash goal more quickly.
It’s important to note that these guidelines are just general recommendations and every situation is unique. Some parents may feel more comfortable with a larger stash of milk, while others may be able to get by with a smaller amount. It’s ultimately up to you to determine what works best for you and your baby.
In my personal experience, I aimed to have a stash of at least 40-50 ounces of milk before returning to work. This allowed me to have a buffer in case of any unexpected changes in my pumping schedule or if my baby needed more milk than usual. I found that having a larger stash provided peace of mind and reduced any stress or worry about not having enough milk for my baby.
A good goal for your milk stash as a working parent is 3-5 days’ worth of milk, which is approximately 36 to 80 ounces. However, the specific amount will depend on factors such as the length of time you will be away from your baby, your pumping frequency, your baby’s feeding patterns, and your own milk storage capacity. It’s important to find a balance that works for you and your baby’s needs.