Would it be ok to express milk before bub comes?

[hayleysmummy]

I'm stil breastfeeding my 17 month old and was just wondering if it would be ok to express breast milk before the new bub comes and freeze it to save some time when we come home? I want to bottlefeed next bub EBM. If it is ok when do you think I should start I was thinking about 3wks before baby arrives. Any advice or suggestions Please

[SassyMummy]

I've never done it (because I only have 1!), but I remember the lady in the hospital bed next to mine (after I had DD), said she'd been doing that. She had a 12 month old already, and was expressing during her pregnancy to make sure there was plenty there for her new baby.

She also said that her 12-month-old kept wanting to drink it, which she thought was gross... and at the time, I agreed...:o... which is totally off-topic, you just reminded me.

Does the breastmilk change at all as your child gets older? That would be my only question... because if it does, the nutritional needs of your newborn will be different than those of your toddler I imagine...

Bit I don't think that happens - people tandem feed all the time.

Bleh - I dunno. Don't listen to me. :o

[MummaBear03]

You can freeze breastmilk for 3 months, or 6 months if it's in a deep freeze, so any time really so long as it's marked with the date and given within that time. I sucked at expressing, so it took me a very long time just to express enough to use on dd's cereal in the mornings, so starting early can let you get some practice in before bub comes along too. It will probably change to colostrum before bub comes, possibly even a couple of weeks beforehand.

[Mamalicious]

That's what I thought Sassy, that breastmilk changes to sut the nutritional needs of the child...which is one reason why it's such wonderful stuff. :D

[the_queen]

I would be hesitant, only because breastmilk changes to suit the needs of the child drinking it. Your colostrum will be perfect for the newborn, and the milk following that will be perfect again for the newborn. The milk you've got now is perfect for a toddler. And if you tandem feed, your body is aware of it and in fact can tell who is sucking and gives the right kind of milk to the right child. Amazing, hey!!

Can I ask why you're wanting to bottlefeed this next baby? Exclusive pumping is a hell of a lot of work and not something to be entered into lightly (sorry - I don't mean that to sound so full-on but can't think of how else to say it) (:hugs: I only ask because perhaps me or other BFers can help with any issues you have :hugs: :hugs: :hugs: )

[Mamalicious]

And if you tandem feed, your body is aware of it and in fact can tell who is sucking and gives the right kind of milk to the right child. Amazing, hey!!

Far out...I am gobsmacked. :D

[the_queen]

Yep - because of the strength of the suck, and the speed of the suck. The child sucks a few times before the milk is letdown, and it's those first few sucks which communicate with the body :D It is gobsmackingly amazing isn't it!! :D

[punkbaby]

Wow thats pretty cool the_queen, is that why when dd3 tried to attack my boob when i was sleeping she didnt get much (LOL long story) but when indie latches on it oozes?

Just a thought though hayleysmummy maybe you can express for your older bubs so the newborn gets all the good stuff? Well its all good but ykwim just so your newborn gets colostrium etc

[UmmInayah]

Far out...I am gobsmacked. :D

Same here! That is absolutely amazing!! :yelclap:

[MummaBear03]

The body sure is an amazing thing isn't it. I'm so glad to have breastfed, giving the baby the milk that was designed for her and only for her :flowerz: