FACT: My work hours are crazy (managing projects and a new team is exhausting).

Therefore, I've been thinking for weeks how I'll manage to take care of my baby and supply breast milk . As my daughter's big debut comes closer, I've decided to tell my boss about supplementing my maternity leave with all of my un-used leaves and asking about "better" work arrangement (see, our company only allows 8 weeks for normal delivery which sucks big time and the office is a far drive from home. Anyway, I'm thinking about finding a role closer to home with an earlier shift).

I plan to only give breast milk for the first 6 months and I'm praying I'll have sufficient supply. Our birthing class guru said there is no need for solids before then. Here's a simple summary of how beneficial breastfeeding is:

It's going to be extremely tough because I work full time and I'm always in meetings. But, I'm very determined to do it (as the cliché goes, breast milk is best for babies!) I'm glad that my hubby is very supportive and my in-laws also got me the Ameda Purely Yours Double Electric Pumps and the Ameda Cool N' Carry Storage system. They got this from buybuybaby.com (we purchases all the "pricey" baby stuff from US because the cost here is triple).


As for the milk storage bags, I had to look for good ones available locally. My friends recommended Spectra from Baby Mama PH. I was so surprised to see the price - only P280 for 30 pre-sterilized storage bags (to compare - Ameda storage bags are P950 for 40 pcs)!!! And, to avoid nipple confusion - got these Avent feeding bottles (also recommended by friends and colleagues).

Here's a guide on how long you can store breast milk, how do you actually store it and how do you thaw it. I intend to print this and post on our giant white board so the nanny & everyone assigned to feed the baby know what to do.

Storage life:

I made this table, based from Breastfeeding Made Easier at Home & Work, womenshealth.gov

Important Reminders when storing:

• Make sure hands are clean and dry before handling expressed milk
• Try storing milk in single-serving sizes of 2 to 4 ounces
• Label each container with the date the milk was pumped
• Breast milk that will be frozen should have at least one inch between the milk and the container lid (because liquids expand when they freeze... duh)
• Store milk in the main refrigerator or freezer, away from the door to avoid changes in temperature that may compromise the milk
• Use milk that has been in the refrigerator or freezer the longest

... when thawing:

• Always make sure to check the date on the milk's container before using
• Don't use undated milk or milk that has been stored too long
• Thaw frozen milk under cool, running water
• heat milk under warm, running water & gently swirl the container, to mix the milk
• Never microwave breast milk - it can cause dangerous hot spots that could burn the baby (& it destroys the nutrients)
• Always test temperature of the milk on the inside of your wrist before feeding the baby
• After thawing, milk should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours
• Never refreeze thawed milk

There you go! If you have more tips and tricks to make breastfeeding easier, I would appreciate your feedback. :)