help please!!

[crisvow8]

my daughter is 8 months, EBF. I am stressing out and need some help!

My husband & I are supposed to go overnight next Friday. I started pumping to get enough milk for when we are gone and I have two problems. (1) I am having a hard time getting enough milk out and (2) when I store my milk and freeze it, it appears to "go bad" with a metal like taste. I have read about this problem and you are apparently supposed to scald the milk prior to storing. Not really sure how to do this. I know how to "scald" I mean do you cool the milk prior to freezing it? If so, how? In the fridge or at room temperature? And does scalding take away the good nutrients?

Thinking maybe I should supplement with formula maybe? Do 1/2 breastmilk, 1/2 formula, but what kind of formula? Will the formula upset her stomach? She has never had formula before. I am super stressed. If anyone could give me any kind of advice, I would really appreciate it!!! TIA!

[Heba]

Quick question - have you offered the EBM to your daughter? It is still safe to drink, and some babies will take it despite the taste.

[Youngfrankenstein]

I'm sorry you're having trouble pumping! I have never really pumped at this age. My dd is 8 months too. I agree with Heba about not worrying about the taste.

Do you know anyone who has a double electric pump or something heavy duty? I know you can rent them but I don't know how much money you want to put into a pump for one trip.

I guess if I were in your shoes and could afford it, I'd rent the hospital grade pump.

[crisvow8]

I have a good Medela Pump but I think something is wrong with it. Borrowed my friends and I am going to try that today. Then I plan just to scald the milk and freeze immediately just to be on safe side. My frozen milk smells like metal...can't risk my daughter not eating while I am away for the night. She has taken an EMB plenty of times but the milk has been fresh. We will see! Thanks for responding!

[ParisApril]

I'm just wondering if there is any way you could take baby with you? My baby's first sleepover was at 15 months and I hardly slept I worried about her so much. She was fine, my breasts we not though they were very used to frequent feedings and they were painful and engorged. I was very happy to be reunited with my DD in the morning.

[maddymama]

Hi Mama,
Also, it takes your body a few days to respond to a new demand, in this case pumping. For the first 3 or 4 days, you might not be able to pump alot, but on day 4 or 5 pump out a full bottle.
Scalding the milk and then freezing is a good idea, as is trying to pump right up until you leave. You might be able to get more fresh milk and then not have to worry about freezing it. http://www.llli.org/FAQ/milkstorage.html LLL says you can store BM in your fridge for up to 8 days, but 72 hours is ideal.
Good luck! I know it's difficult, but worth all the effort you are making to provide the best for your LO in your absence.
Don't forget to take your pump with you (or learn how to hand express) so you don't become engorged while you are gone.
~maddymama