I’ve had a number of people ask me how Some Boy gets fed when I’m out on date night with Nate or when Oma and Opa take him for the day. I simply pump extra breast milk ahead of time and store it for him to have when I’m not around. The Playtex Drop-Ins system makes this an absolute breeze, without any complicated bags to thaw out and transfer to bottles. The nipples on the Playtex Drop-ins system are wider than most bottle nipples, so Some Boy likes them and doesn’t have any nipple confusion when I return him to breastfeeding. Here’s how it works for us.
The system comes with four basic pieces: the disposable drop-in bags, plastic holder, lid and nipple.
The drop-in bag goes into the plastic holder, and I attach my pump to the holder with an adapter so I can pump breast milk directly into the drop-in bags. When I’m done pumping, I put a lid on the plastic container with the drop-in bag inside and freeze it upright. When frozen, I remove the bag of breast milk (fondly known as “boobsicles” around our place) and store it in the freezer in a plastic bag.
When Some Boy needs milk and I’m not around, relatives or a sitter can simply take out a frozen drop-in bag, pop it into the plastic container, and top with a nipple. The milk can thaw at room temperature or in a cup of warm water. The frozen drop-in bags come in a couple different sizes so I can store milk in larger quantities as Some Boy gets older.
I first learned about the Playtex drop-ins system from a customer service person at Babies R Us when I was creating my baby registry there. Everyone is so helpful at that store and knows a ton about baby needs. Plus, they have a nursing and changing room that comes in really handy when I’m shopping with Some Boy. I was there the other day picking up some Playtex Drop-In parts to keep at Oma and Opa’s house and Some Boy started getting fussy. Instead of panicking and debating whether to feed him in the cramped car or rush home with him, I got to lounge and nurse on a comfortable chair in their private Mother’s Room.
Considering what a rough start Some Boy and I had with nursing, it’s a huge relief to have a bit of freedom now and then without interfering with our normal nursing routine or causing nipple confusion.
I was really enjoying your blog that I signed up to follow when I registered for a contest. I love that you breastfeed as I am a huge advocate of it. I breastfed until my son was 2 1/2 and I miss every second of it (he’s 9 now).
I have to admit though. I am thoroughly turned off by just one simple statement “I was there the other day picking up some Playtex Drop-In parts to keep
at Oma and Opa’s house and Some Boy started getting fussy. Instead of
panicking and debating whether to feed him in the cramped car or rush
home with him, I got to lounge and nurse on a comfortable chair in their
private Mother’s Room.”
Yes mothers rooms are nice because the quiet environment can help a baby relax and make nursing easier. HOWEVER to think that your other alternatives are to feed him in a cramped car or rush home is hideous. Breastfeeding is natural. have a seat on your nearest bench and if you feel inclined gently lay a receiving blanket on the top portion of your breast. You never know what young mother to be or little girl you can influence to do the right thing for their baby one day too.
Hey Joianne, I’m a huge proponent of breastfeeding and frequently do it in public when I’m able to find somewhere to sit. However, I’ve found that it seems dang near impossible to find a bench or chair in most stores so I’m constantly having to go out to the car to feed him (with AC on, of course). Sorry that didn’t come across in the post! One of these days I’ll master the art of feeding standing up and it won’t be an even issue anymore.
Having that freedom to go somewhere for a while is great. I used bag systems like the drop in one you mention for my older boys when I needed to be apart from them.
I wasn’t able to breastfeed but posts like this are great… love that you are getting the word out.
I’ve said many times that breastfeeding is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Some Boy and I had quite a struggle getting the hang of it (I’m actually planning to post about that soon, too).
Great tips for moms. It’s good to have a mom’s perspective and your opinions. Enjoy motherhood!
What a smart idea! That lets you have the convenience of bottle feeding with the benefits of breastfeeding.
What a smart idea! That lets you have the convenience of bottle feeding with the benefits of breastfeeding.