Hi Becky,

Well, if this is going to be a natural birth you're not going to be in the hospital very long. So an ice chest will do nicely. You can keep the milk in that for about 12 hours without a problem...maybe even 24. Your milk is good in the fridge for just about a week and in the freezer for a year if you keep it set at 0 degrees F.

My first suggestion is to just let your SM breastfeed your baby until you're all released from the hospital or until parental rights are properly transferred. You can do the night feedings to give her a break. But if that idea is difficult for you, how about if she pumps and you breastfeed with a supplementary feeding tube system? You can fill it with her collostrum mixed with a little of your breastmilk to help it get through the tubing...collostrum can be a bit thick.

When I was providing milk for my son before he could take the breast (he was two months premature), I brought it fresh to the hospital in a little lunch box with an ice pack. It was transferred to a fridge and he was fed by gavage initially until he could get to the breast. I was very lucky in the fact that he was one of the rare babies that could go from bottle to breast and back again so my husband did the early morning feeding after I pumped so I could get some sleep before spending 18 hours at the hospital.

For pumping and storing, you can use the PlayTex bottle liners that come in a roll for about $4. Use two, one inside the other for added strength. Freeze in 1-2 oz portions so that you don't end up wasting any later when your milk is well established. Remember to chill in the fridge first and then freeze.

It's a good idea to find out what the hospital policy is on providing expressed breastmilk. And remember, you won't be there for long. Once you're all released you can pretty much do as you wish. <img src="http://www.asklenore.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hope this helps.
Fondly,