The Lowest-Maintenance Way to Build a Breast Milk Freezer Stash (Without Pumping)

This is for the exhausted new mom who doesn't want to pump, doesn't want an oversupply, and doesn't want another thing on their to-do list — but does want a little backup milk for emergencies, errands, or mental health breaks. 

I am always looking for ways to work smarter, not harder. If you’re like me, this hack is for you. It’s truly the lowest-maintenance way to build a breast milk freezer stash without pumping. 

My sweet baby girl was born little. Even though she was full-term she came out 5 pounds 10 ounces. Because she was so tiny, we had to have her blood sugar monitored every 2 hours before feeds to make sure it was high enough to keep her out of the NICU. 

For the first 24 hours postpartum, after a traumatic 48 hour labor that ended in an unplanned C-section, I pumped after every feed so my husband could supplementally syringe feed our baby in order to keep her out of the NICU. So for 72 hours we did not sleep. The things we do for our babies. 

Fast forward to our second night home and baby girl decided to have her first cluster feed. I’m tired, on the verge of a mental breakdown, and my baby is in a seemingly never-ending cycle of feeding. I needed a lifeline but we didn’t have any way for my husband to step in and feed her because we had no milk supply on hand!

After the experience in the hospital, the last thing I wanted to do was pump after feeding to build up my breast milk freezer stash so I had to find another way.

Enter the hero of the story: Haakaa. 

I’m here to tell you the lowest-maintenance way to build a milk supply without pumping using this must-have tool — and without becoming an overproducer, because… ouch.

This isn’t about building a massive breast milk freezer stash — it’s about creating just enough flexibility so feeding your baby doesn’t fall entirely on you, every single time. 

Also, quick note: this pumping alternative works best if you already have a natural letdown and are breastfeeding directly. If you’re exclusively pumping or struggling with natural supply, this may not be for you.

How to Build a Breast Milk Freezer Stash Using a Haakaa

1. Get a Haakaa with a suction bottom and a lid. This is the one I have and it’s amazing. Why bottom suction? To avoid spilling your liquid gold. Why a lid? To make your life so much easier. Keep reading and you’ll understand why. 

2. Figure out your two morning feed times. This is key. Morning is when your letdown is the strongest and you’re going to get the most out of using the Haakaa. Mine are typically around 8:30am and 11am. 

3. Put the Haakaa on the opposite breast that you’re feeding. If you’re starting on your right breast, place the Haakaa on your left for no more than 10 minutes. Once you’ve caught your let down, offer your baby the left breast to finish her feed.

4. Put the lid on the Haakaa and put it in the fridge until the next feed. This part is nice because you don’t unnecessarily dirty anything else or waste a storage bag for 1oz of milk. Added bonus: the cold Haakaa feels amazing on the boob. For best results, place the Haakaa on the opposite breast for this feed.

5. Place the Haakaa back in the fridge for the day. Having the milk in the fridge just in case you need to go to the doctors or run a quick errand and baby is home with dad and gets hungry, he’s set! Or if baby decides to cluster and you need a minute to recoup, thank you Haakaa! If you don’t use it by the end of the day, place it in a storage bag in the freezer for another day. 

This method works so well because if you don’t use the milk that day you can save it for later and you can wash and sterilize your Haakaa (I use this sterilizer and dryer) before bed so you have it the next morning. 

Knowing I had milk in the fridge changed how trapped I felt during those early weeks — and that alone made this worth it.

The reason why I say no more than 10 minutes is to prevent oversupply while breastfeeding. The last thing you want is full swollen breasts unnecessarily. 

I hope this hack works for you the way it’s worked for me and if anything provides you the little cluster feeding relief we all need. You got this, mama!

If you’re already noticing early clogged ducts, breast tenderness, or swelling (been there), I’m working on a post about what actually helped me relieve them early without pumping myself into oversupply or ending up with the dreaded mastitis — I’ll link it here when it’s live.

You can also check out my top twelve nursing must-haves (which of course includes the Haakaa) which every new mom needs to add to their registry today. And if you don't want to do all the research that I already did for my firstborn, here's my low-tox registry to make your life easier and lower tox without getting overwhelmed.

FAQ:

Q: Why doesn't this cause oversupply? You’re only catching passive letdown, not actively pumping. You’re limiting use to two morning feeds, when milk production is naturally higher. You’re capping Haakaa use at 10 minutes, not emptying the breast. All of this keeps your body from thinking it needs to produce more milk around the clock.

Q: Can I combine milk from the same day? I personally combine Haakaa milk from the same day into one container — it’s realistic, efficient, and hasn’t caused any issues for us. If you’re more comfortable pouring the first feed’s letdown into a separate container before collecting the second feed’s letdown, that’s fine too. Just make sure it’s been sterilized.

Q: How long can breast milk stay in the fridge? Up to 4 days, but I personally freeze by day one if I don’t use it.

Q: How much milk do you usually collect this way? Anywhere from 0.5–2 oz per session, which adds up quickly without stressing your body.

As always, follow storage guidelines you’re comfortable with and talk to a lactation consultant if you have concerns.