Pumping for freezer stash questions

[penstamon]

DS is only 3w and I am not returning to work for at least 4-5 months, but I wanted to start building a freezer stash now so I wont be so pressured toward the end of my SAHM time.

1. Will this affect my supply if I pump once a day? I finally stopped having engorged boobs as supply and demand leveled out.

2. Will I have to pump every day or can it just be now and then?

3. Will the milk keep 6+ months in the freezer?

4. When will it be "OK" to give DS a bottle now and again if I have to be away from him for over 2-3 hours occasionally?

Thanks wise BFing mamas!

[*jacksmama*]

I do the same thing. With DS, I pumped dry after most feedings starting when he was a newborn. When he started sleeping through the night, I pumped when he used to wake up for a feeding. Doing both of these things built my stash. I had an oversupply until DS was 3 months so part of my reason for pumping was to relieve the discomfort of full breasts. With DD, who is 8 weeks today, I only pump dry after her evening feeding. I have an oversupply again so I get a decent amount of milk. She started going long stretches at night about 3 weeks ago so I also pump at the first feeding she started sleeping through, at about 10:30 pm. I've read the BM stays fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. A deep freeze keeps it safe for 6+ months. I have found that increasing my pumping sessions increases my supply, which is when I try to pump at a feeding that has been eliminated. Good luck building your stash. It's hard not to think about.

HTH
Erin

ETA- DS and DD both started once a day bottle feedings at a few weeks so DH could get in on the action and so DB's could take bottles. DS was a bottle and boob champ, DD not so much. I just bought the Adiri nurser and she did really well for the first time.