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I did not exclusively pump, but I am a WOHM so I do pump a lot.

Exclusively pumping is a lot of work. Have you tried to BF LO recently? Lots of women have issues like you are describing, but their supply regulates and their LO grows and what was a problem isn't a problem any more. Keep trying, it would be a lot easier for your to BF LO and not pump.

I froze the milk storage bags flat. If you want to freeze that much milk for that long, you will need a deep freeze. Milk is only good for 4 months in a refrigerator freezer, but longer in a deep freeze (6+ months). 2,000+ ounces of milk would take up a lot of room. It would probably be hard to store 1000 ounces in a regular freezer.

Another thing to think about, as LO gets closer to a year, she will drink a little less milk (because she'll be eating so much solid foods).

I think BF is really overwhelming if you think about doing it for a year. Its easier for me to just think about making it to the next month. Then thinking about the following month.

Good luck!

I also EP, but LO is only 16 days old, so I don't know that I'll be too helpful. I don't have a stash yet, but need to start one soon. My plan is to EP until she's about a year, but it does suck sometimes. To me it's a lot less painful than nursing though.

Good luck! You can do it!!!

@LaineysMom: hehe... of course there aren't any ice cream novelties stored in my chest freezer for easy access while upstairs in bed. of course not.

(1) How long did you make it exclusively pumping? Or how long have you made it if you're still in the process.. Started when he was 6 weeks, quit when he was 4 months b/c I couldn't stick with a dairy free diet.

(2) How big was your stash when you finished? Or how big is your stash now? 400 oz of frozen milk - I produced about 40 oz a day and he drank 24.

(3) Where the heck did (do) you store all of the milk? Freezer.

(4) How much room did (does) it take up? LOTS! Was considering a deep freeze but then gave up pumping.

GOOD LUCK!

@LaineysMom: I EP'ed because of some issues M and I had in her first couple of months. I started breastfeeding and pumping again at 2 1/2 months and things got better. Her reflux got better around 4 months and we now exclusively bf at night and on weekends and I pump while at work during the day on weekdays. Stick with it - I have a nice stash put away b/c of my EP days but it is not nearly what I wish it was (I had to use some when I was having low supply issues after being sick). Just keep pumping and think of all that awesome milk you are able to store away for her!!

(1) How long did you make it exclusively pumping? Or how long have you made it if you're still in the process..

I pumped until LO was about 6 months. I actively weaned because I was going on a trip and didn't want to bring the pump and parts with me, but I wasn't able to do so in time.

(2) How big was your stash when you finished? Or how big is your stash now?

LO takes about 28 oz per day, and I produced about 60 oz per day. I think I have a 3-4 month stash.

(3) Where the heck did (do) you store all of the milk?

Lansinoh bags in the freezer.

(4) How much room did (does) it take up?

A lot. It's getting better now that we've been feeding LO thawed milk, as you go through the stash pretty quickly. But a couple of months ago when I was feeding her fresh milk, our freezer was a complete sideshow.

You can do it! I had the same flow problem as you, which is why I turned to EPing. At first I thought pumping was so cumbersome but it got much better once I figured out an efficient system. Like you, I was hoping to feed LO breast milk exclusively but it looks like I'll have to feed her formula for 2 months or so. Oh well, I think whatever we can give our LO's is great! Good luck!

Hi, I am new to hellobee. Finding these boards extremely supportive.

DD is 7 weeks old. Been ep for 6 weeks after ebf for a week. Ebf just wasnt for me and I dont think DD got the hang of it since she lost a lot of weight that first week.

I produce about 55oz a day and DD takes 20oz so I am freezing a lot. Already up to 750oz. I asked for an upright deep freezer for xmas... 13cubic feet. I store them in soda boxes after freezing in lansinoh bags flat. They fit about 20bags each. So far, its taken up one entire shelf. I have two more shelves plus the door shelves left.

Planning to pump as long as I can. Returning to work in April, so building this stash early on is helpful. Its tough to tend to LO and pump when alone at home. We can do it!