I found that it was easier to go back to work after having a baby than I expected because there were other women going through the same thing, even storing their breastmilk in the communal refrigerator just like me. I would certainly do it again and would probably encourage myself to go a bit longer than the 6 months I accomplished next time. 
Storing your Breastmilk
Label the containers with the date the milk was pumped and your baby’s name (if your baby goes to child care where there is more than one infant or if more than one mom is pumping at work).
Month 1 – 6 store 2 – 5 oz per container.
Some children never take more than 3 oz the entire time they are breastfeeding others will take 4-5 as they are starting solids. This depends on the calorie content in the mother’s milk and the amount that they are accustomed to taking from the breast.



Thawed milk can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours but it should not be refrozen.

| Fresh Breastmilk | Thawed Breastmilk | |
| Fridge | 5 days | Do not refreeze |
| Freezer | 3 months | Do not refreeze |
| Deep Freezer | 6 months | Do not refreeze |
| Portable Cooler with Ice Packs | 24 hours |

If you would like to read the science behind the storage guidelines, read the most current Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocol.