I would need to express if i was away from my LO for a night and a day, but it depends on how much you usually feed in that time. I would definitely pack the pump.
I think babies take around 750ml in 24 hours, so if you divide by number of feeds in a day you will get an estimate of each feed. Do you know if your little one will take expressed milk? Some babies don't, and this could be your first hurdle.
When i express for freezer milk, i aim for early morning (before bub is up), or night after he has gone down. i am not coordinated enough to feed and express, but if you can that can be a great way. I don't get huge amounts but they all add up and are ok for what i need them for.
It is best to store it in smaller amounts (50ml or 80ml) so that you don't waste any by defrosting more than what baby will take.
Also coordinate with your Mum when you will be back and if your LO will need a feed. Nothing worse than getting back and being full to burst, and finding out bub has just had a full bottle.
I would definitely start ASAP - it's better to have the required amount of milk ready early than not have enough at the time. I agree with the suggestions above to freeze the milk in small amounts. I have ice cube trays with larger than average cubes (27ml) so we can just defrost in small amounts (maybe 2-3 to start with and then more if needed) and have minimal wastage. Oh, once the cubes are frozen I pop out and store in snap lock bags.
I would definitely express whilst away as you don't want your body thinking the milk is no longer needed - besides, you'll probably start feeling quite uncomfortable if you don't. I'd try and express at least every four hours if it were me.
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