When's the Best Time to Send Your Milk?

This is one of the questions we're asked most, and there's no single right answer - but there is a right answer for you, and it usually comes down to three things: how you're feeding now, how you feel about weaning, and how much milk you actually need to send.

If you're currently breastfeeding or pumping
You don't need to wait until you've stopped. Most people send milk while still feeding, simply because it's easier to set a little aside along the way than to save a special "final" session. As little as 5ml is enough - this means there's no pressure to express extra just for this.

If you're in the process of weaning
This is when the question tends to come up most, often with a bit of urgency attached - a sense that the milk, and the chapter, are both slipping away. If that's you: there's no deadline. Breathe - you have more time than it feels like.

If you've already stopped, months or years ago
If you have any milk frozen from before, it's very likely still usable. You can defrost it and pop milk into the vial that comes along with your collection kit when you order. If you don't have any saved, that's all right too - it's one of the most common questions we get, and it's a genuinely kind thing to ask before assuming the moment has passed.

A note on quantity
You need far less than most people expect - 5ml minimum. This isn't a piece that asks you to sacrifice your freezer stash; it asks for a trace of it.

Whatever stage you're at, the honest answer is: now is a good time, because now is when you're thinking about it. 

For more information on our processes and milk guidelines, please see our FAQs.