Breast Milk Basics for Intended Parents: Pumping, Storage, and Feeding After Surrogacy

If you’re new to surrogacy and breast milk, you might be wondering: How does this even work?  Most Intended Parents have never had to think about how breast milk is made, how to keep a supply going without direct breastfeeding, or how to safely store and feed it once it arrives at home.This guide breaks it all down, step by step, so you can feel confident about giving your baby all the benefits of breast milk.

How Breast Milk Production Works After Birth

Breast milk doesn't come in all at once. Your surrogate's body will follow the same natural timeline as other birthing individuals:

Day 0–3: Colostrum

• What it is: Thick, golden “first milk” that’s small in volume but rich in immune-boosting antibodies and nutrients.
• Why it matters: Colostrum is often called “liquid gold.” A single teaspoon can provide powerful protection for your newborn.
• Volume: Only a few teaspoons at a time.
  
  

Day 3–7: Transitional Milk

• What it is: Breast milk shifts from colostrum to a creamier, higher-volume supply.
• Why it matters: The balance of fat, protein, and lactose evolves to fuel rapid newborn growth.
• Volume: Increasing noticeably. Pumping sessions begin yielding more ounces.
  
  

Week 2–4: Mature Milk

• What it is: Fully established milk supply. Looks thinner at the beginning of a pump (foremilk) and creamier toward the end (hindmilk).
• Why it matters: Provides complete nutrition, consists of proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies.
• Volume: Regular pumping yields enough milk for consistent shipments.
  
  

Beyond 1 Month: Stable Supply

• What it is: Breast milk production adjusts to a predictable rhythm based on pumping schedule.
• Why it matters: Consistency allows Intended Parents to plan breast milk storage and feeding confidently.
• Volume: Varies by surrogate, but typically stabilizes to steady milk shipments.

Most of the breast milk you’ll receive from your surrogate will be frozen mature milk, perfect for helping your baby grow.

Pumping After Surrogacy

For surrogates, a breast pump takes the place of direct breastfeeding. Pumping tells the body to keep making milk.

• Frequent pumping sessions: In the beginning, surrogates often pump 8–10 times per day, for about 15-20 minutes per session.

• Consistency is key: Skipping sessions can cause milk supply to dip.

• Everyone’s supply is different: Some days will yield more milk, some less. That’s completely normal.

Think of pumping as the engine that powers breast milk production. It’s what keeps the milk flowing.

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines for Surrogates

Breast milk is perishable, so safe storage is a big part of the process. Your surrogate will freeze their breast milk before shipping with Milk Stork. These are the general breast milk storage guidelines they should follow:

• Room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C): Breast milk can be stored for up to 4 hours.

• Refrigerator (≤40°F/4°C): Breast milk can be stored up to 4 days.

• Freezer (0°F/-18°C): Breast milk can be stored for 6–12 months (best quality within 6 months).

By the time it reaches you, the breast milk will usually be frozen solid and ready to be stored in your freezer until your baby needs it.

Safe Breast Milk Shipping for Intended Parents

Getting frozen breast milk from a surrogate to IPs takes extra care. When your surrogate ships with Milk Stork, our medical-grade coolers keep breast milk cold for the entire journey, no dry ice required.

Managing Breast Milk Shipments at Home

When frozen breast milk arrives at your door, a little organization goes a long way:

Safe Ways to Thaw Frozen Breast Milk

When it’s feeding time, here’s what you need to know about thawing and using breast milk safely:

• Thawing breast milk:

  • Best method: in the refrigerator overnight.

  • Faster method: place the sealed bag in a bowl of warm water.

  • Never microwave breast milk. This can destroy nutrients and create hot spots.

• After thawing:

  • Use within 24 hours.

  • Never refreeze thawed milk.

• During feeding:

  • Any leftover milk in the bottle should be discarded after 2 hours.

  • Use the right nipple flow for your baby’s age. Newborns usually do best with a slow-flow nipple.

FAQs About Pumping, Storing, and Feeding Breast Milk

How long is frozen breast milk good for?
Frozen breast milk is best used within 6 months but can be kept up to 12 months if stored in a deep freezer at 0°F (-18°C).

Can thawed breast milk be refrigerated again?
Yes, once thawed in the fridge, it can be kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours. But it should never be refrozen.

What should I do if my baby doesn’t finish a bottle?
Any leftover breast milk must be discarded within 2 hours after the baby starts feeding.

Does breast milk look the same every time?
Not always! It can vary in color (sometimes more yellow, blueish, or creamy) and thickness depending on time of day and stage of milk production. This is completely normal.

Do I need to shake breast milk before feeding?
Gently swirl (don’t shake) thawed or stored milk to mix separated fat back in. Shaking too hard may damage some of the milk’s proteins.

As Intended Parents, learning the ins and outs of breast milk might feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to be an expert overnight. With your surrogate pumping regularly, safe storage and shipping in place, and a few simple feeding guidelines, you’ll be fully equipped to give your baby breast milk with confidence.

Breast milk may take teamwork in a surrogacy journey, but the rewards for your baby’s growth, health, and connection, are worth it.