https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 23 May 2026 19:46:42 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-999288 Thu, 08 Aug 2013 11:28:42 +0000 jedeve 999288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes have a stash!! I had to go to the hospital for food poisoning and they gave me medicine that knocked me out. DH gave ds a bottle that night. It's also not a bad idea to try bottles occasionally to see if he'll take them. DH really enjoys it. And it's nice to know if I run out for an errand or want to go on a date night, there is back up in the fridge for DH or grandparents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-997367 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 17:07:05 +0000 tororojo 997367@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I stay at home, LO is 5 months old and I have never had a freezer stash. I usually keep 1-2 bottles in the fridge so I can grab them when we go somewhere for awhile without having to try and pump a full bottle at the last minute. I pretty much only feed LO from bottles while we're out, unless we're at grandparents' houses or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-996982 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 15:12:45 +0000 allison 996982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO has only taken about 4 oz from a bottle. Ever. He's 6 months old. But I try to pump 5-6 oz a day to have for emergencies. I keep two months, donate one. I found a mom through my local Human Milk 4 Human Babies FB page that I felt comfortable donating to, and her little girl gets about 130 oz of my milk every month! It's pretty easy to do (I pump at night after LO is in bed), I like the security of having that emergency stash in the freezer, and I also feel good knowing I'm helping out another baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-996796 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:35:38 +0000 littlebittyhouse 996796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am uncomfortable not having at least 20oz in the freezer. It is nice for emergencies, date nights and some mama time if/when I need it. For me it helps to ease the 'what if' stress and allows for some spontaneity! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-996764 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:25:48 +0000 immabeetoo 996764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sslm: Oh gosh you should be fine then. Don't sweat it! I personally don't mix it into purees because I've been doing more chunky "mashes" that aren't really liquidy but I've used it with oatmeal a few times. You could also bake with it, like pancakes. I'd think adding it to sweet potato, squash, even a hummus type thing would be fine! You won't have to waste it :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-996740 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:19:48 +0000 sslm 996740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@scg00387: she's 3.5 months, the oldest milk I have is from late may, so... Not even 3 months yet! What type of purées do you mix it into? I'm thinking squash for sure, but what else? I definitely want a plan for not wasting it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-996733 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 14:15:59 +0000 immabeetoo 996733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sea_bass: I think it's personal preference. I'd personally rather have my LO have "old" milk than formula. He just had a bottle from January last week and was just fine :) </p> <p>I had emergency surgery when LO was itty bitty and it was SO stressful because we were moving in 2 weeks and I hadn't frozen any milk. We had formula as a back up, and thank goodness the timing worked out so I nursed before surgery and then he slept until I came out but.. yeah it was stressful. So I built up a little stash, 2 days worth roughly, and try to give a bottle a week. Whatever i pump that feeding goes int he freezer and the oldest milk is served to him. </p> <p>If you're keeping it in a deep freeze, it can be good up to a year.<br /> @sslm: If you end up not using it, you can always donate it! I forget how old she is, but you could also use it to mix in purees if you go that route. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-991311 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 18:18:48 +0000 mrbee 991311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@highwire: great point on stashes and emergencies! I was reminded of when Sunglasses' son came down with croup and had to go to the hospital, but she thankfully had a stash ready for her bf'ing daughter:</p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/07/20/from-2nd-birthday-to-the-hospital/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/07/20/from-2nd-birthday-to-the-hospital/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-991294 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 18:12:48 +0000 JerricaBenton 991294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had the same question as you some months back! LO is just about 6 months and I've never had a stash. I've pumped a bottle at a time if I thought I might need it. LO doesn't like bottles (possibly because she's never had one consistently), I can never pump that much to make it worth it even though I know I have enough milk, and I just never felt the need. If you are EBF, pumping to build a stash is a lot of time and work! When I'm not BFing, my nipples need a rest! It's all worked out fine for us so far. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-991257 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 17:57:26 +0000 Kemma 991257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a SAHM who's EBF and I have maybe 300mL in the freezer? I've mainly attempted to use if when LO has either gone on a nursing strike or a biting rampage! I don't have a pump but I can usually hand express 1-2 ounces if I need to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-991242 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 17:53:21 +0000 hilsy85 991242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a SAHM and am rarely away from LO...the most i had in a stash was about 10oz, and I only store milk when I know I have an upcoming appt...I do wish I had 1-2 bottles worth frozen all the time just for peace of mind! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990976 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 16:03:41 +0000 dolphin 990976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For emergencies, for when DH and I want to go out on a date and we have grandparents babysit, or for when I want to go out for some me time and DH stays home with LO. And mostly for peace of mind. Sure, I can always pump as I need to but sometimes I don't get that many ounces in one session so I would have to pump a few times just to get enough for one bottle and I hate having to feel that pressure! If I have milk in the freezer I don't have to worry! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990922 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:46:38 +0000 sslm 990922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: ok phewf! That makes sense. We are working on getting her to take a bottle so I'll start using the stash soon I hope!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990921 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:46:10 +0000 birdofafeather 990921@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sea_bass: i didn't start pumping until about 6/7 weeks because i didn't have a pump yet! so you have time to build one when/if you want! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990916 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:44:41 +0000 sea_bass 990916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: yes I can see that.. I might change when LO is older. Right now I couldn't bear to be appart from him for more than a few hours! Ok minutes... :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990915 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:44:27 +0000 Mrsbells 990915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sslm: no its not useless at all, it is good for up to 6 months I believe, it just that its better to not let it get to old, so you should cycle through it, which means give your baby the oldest ones first and keep adding to it</p> <p>@sea_bass: Yes that is right </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990895 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:38:11 +0000 birdofafeather 990895@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sea_bass: we swirl milk in warm water all the time to heat it up.</p> <p>i have a stash because i work weddings and i don't always get a chance to pump as regularly as i should be. i want to make sure i have enough for emergencies, for being away, etc without worrying about her having enough. LO is almost 7 months and i'm considering trying to up my stash so she can have milk for longer after 1 year. (i would cycle through the stash now with milk i pump during weddings). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990884 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:34:16 +0000 sea_bass 990884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok.. Ill think ill keep a small stash and try to add to it at interval. But I presume age inappropriate breast milk is preferable to giving formula to a BF baby...? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990876 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:31:16 +0000 sslm 990876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: crap. I didn't know that!! I have 80+ oz in the freezer because I had an oversupply. Now, M won't take a bottle. She's 3.5 months old. Is the milk I pumped basically useless? :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990861 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:24:34 +0000 Lozza 990861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>IF you're not going back to work, I don't think you need a big stash, but as others have said, it's nice to have a little one just in case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990853 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:21:28 +0000 sotofamilia 990853@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: wow, I didn't know that - I've definitely heated up milk in a pan of hot water that was straight from the freezer. Woops! Good to know for the future :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990840 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:15:59 +0000 NovBaby1112 990840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have never had a stash and so far, knock on wood, have never run into any problems. I work part time so I just pump at work what she needs for the following day. If we have a date night, then I will pump the previous night to make sure she has something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990835 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:14:26 +0000 kiddosc 990835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sea_bass: It's just recommended that you use defrosted milk within 24 hours, but you don't need 24 hours to defrost it. You can defrost in a glass of cool water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990829 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:10:59 +0000 MamaMoose 990829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sea_bass: It is preferred that frozen milk be defrosted in a fridge. But it is also OK to swirl frozen milk in a bowl of hot water to defrost it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990827 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:10:20 +0000 sea_bass 990827@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: yes I thought the same.. I am also pretty lazy and out I could keep on top of that </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990826 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:10:03 +0000 MamaMoose 990826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable without at least a day's stash because of the reasons @highwire: listed. If for some reason there was some sort of emergency (like a hospital visit) that kept me away from my LO I would rather have a stash than have to resort to someone giving her formula.</p> <p>@Mrsbells: is correct that the milk does change as your child gets older. But it's not like newborn milk will hurt an older infant. It's just not perfectly designed for that stage of development. It will still work to fill baby's tummy in a pinch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990822 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:09:17 +0000 sea_bass 990822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ahhh I didn't think of emergencies.. But doesn't the stash need 24 hours to defrost anyway? So it's unlikely it would help in a true emergency- but would be useful in a planned emergency... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990819 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:08:09 +0000 Bookish 990819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only reason I am trying to build a large stash is because I am going back to work and am worried I will not be able to pump enough during the day to keep up with her feeds. If I was a SAHM, I might have a dozen oz or so for emergencies/date nights, but that's it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990818 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:07:51 +0000 Mrsbells 990818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sea_bass: You dont have to because honestly when you have a stash you constantly have to rotate through it because the milk changes as your child ages so if you feed your 6 month old milk from w hen she was a newborn it wont have the same nutrients that she needs.<br /> I found it more stressful having a stash </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/am-i-making-a-mistake-not-building-a-stash#post-990808 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:03:53 +0000 kiddosc 990808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably build up a small one, maybe one day's worth, for emergencies. Otherwise, I don't really see a need for you to have a large stash. </p>