n00b question about pump + bottles/storage

[hildare]

hi-- i know nothing. I'm going to stay home for 3 mos, have to go back to work after that. I know I want to build a supply in the freezer while I'm home & will be pumping at work.
Several people recommended the Madela Pump n style, which is on my registry. I registered also for the Lansinoh bags... I know I want to use glass bottles, too.
My questions: can you freeze the milk in the bottle or do you have to use the bags & thaw them and put them in the bottle?
Are there better bottles/bags/nipples that work with that pump system?
One more: my dh is taking the baby to work with him after my mat. leave is over. How can we set up our system with the thawing/feeding, etc?
I know no microwaving, but can the bm sit out and thaw or does it need to be warmed? none of the bottle warmers sold seem to work with glass, either.
thanks, y'all.

[justKate]

Originally Posted by hildare

hi-- i know nothing. I'm going to stay home for 3 mos, have to go back to work after that. I know I want to build a supply in the freezer while I'm home & will be pumping at work.
Several people recommended the Madela Pump n style, which is on my registry. I registered also for the Lansinoh bags... I know I want to use glass bottles, too.
My questions: can you freeze the milk in the bottle or do you have to use the bags & thaw them and put them in the bottle?
Are there better bottles/bags/nipples that work with that pump system?
One more: my dh is taking the baby to work with him after my mat. leave is over. How can we set up our system with the thawing/feeding, etc?
I know no microwaving, but can the bm sit out and thaw or does it need to be warmed? none of the bottle warmers sold seem to work with glass, either.
thanks, y'all.

Here's what you do:
1. Get a pump. Hopefully, someone else will buy it for you. I like, use, and abuse the Medela PISA, but as long as you have a pump, you'll be fine. People will tell you not to worry about having one until you need it or go back to work, but IME if you don't have it, you'll need it. I'll send you my birth story if you have any doubts.
2. Get a single box of bags.
3. Put pump and bags away where you can't see them.
4. Do not think about pumping again until your LO is a month old.
5. Bond with your baby!

Thinking too much about going back to work can interfere with your ability to get attached to your baby. Yes, you need to prepare for it, but you have time to work out the details. Focus on getting a soild BFing relationship and getting attached to your LO. The rest will fall in to place.

Congrats on your pregnancy, mama! Pumping and working is a big committment, and your baby is lucky you're planning to give him that gift.