How to store breast milk?

If a young mother decides to store her breast milk in the fridge or freezer, she must remember to provide appropriate supplies. These are primarily disposable or pre-washed and scalded - glass or plastic - containers. It is important that containers or pouches, which are also used to store breast milk, are suitable for food contact.

It is a good idea to make sure that the bottles or pouches are tightly closed: Most breast milk storage containers hold about 150 ml, but it is worth having smaller ones too. Sometimes your baby will need less milk, so there is no need to thaw out more, says Dr Hightower, a certified lactation counsellor.

Young mothers should remember to write the dates on containers and pouches that contain milk. This way, she will always be sure not to use expired milk. The generally accepted rule is that breast milk can be stored:

at room temperature for 4 to 8 hours (depending on the season),
in the fridge, at the back of the fridge - up to 4 days,
in the freezer at a temperature down to -10 degrees Celsius - up to 14 days,
in a freezer at -18 to -20 degrees Celsius - from 3 to 6 months.

Storage of breast milk - in the refrigerator

Storingbreast milk in the fridge is a tried and tested and safe way to do this, but it is worth following the guidelines below.

The most important thing about this storage method is that the milk should be cooled as quickly as possible after expressing. Store breastmilk in special bottles or pouches made from BPA-free materials. Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the manufacture of plastic containers. Many manufacturers are phasing out its use due to its uncertain effects on the human body.

Breast milk should be stored in the coldest part of the fridge - at the back, on the shelf above the vegetable compartment. It is discouraged to keep it on the fridge door, where the temperature is not so constant.

Storing breast milk - for premature babies

The storage guidelines for breast milk for premature babies are slightly different from those for babies born at normal term. Babies born prematurely are more prone to infections, so it is important to handle and store breast milk with special care. Freshly pumped milk can remain at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Freshly pumped milk, on the other hand, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Conversely, previously frozen but completely thawed breastmilk can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Breast milk can remain frozen for up to 3 months or up to 12 months in a separate freezer.

Storing breast milk - in a bottle

Storing breastmilk in bottles is perfectly appropriate. However, it is advisable to choose ones that are made of glass or hard plastic with fitted lids.

When feeding the baby with a bottle, bacteria from the baby's mouth enter the bottle and eventually spoil the milk. However, there is no clear information on how quickly this happens, so it is not recommended to store food that is left over from previous feedings. If the baby often leaves the bottle unfinished, it is advisable to prepare smaller portions.

Storing breast milk - in a jar

It is not advisable to store breast milk in ordinary jars. This is because the milk can react chemically with the metal cap. Contact with metal can result in changes in the composition of the milk, which is dangerous for the baby.

Storage of breast milk, photo: panthermedia

Storing breast milk - in the freezer

Freezing breast milk is one of the most common ways of storing it. However, before freezing a larger quantity, it is worth making sure that the baby is willing to drink the thawed milk. Sometimes thawed milk will take on a soapy taste or smell as the enzyme lipase starts to break down the milk fats. The milk is still safe and is drunk by most children.

Storage and thawing of breast milk

It is not recommended to thaw or heat breast milk in a microwave oven. These appliances do not heat evenly and can create hot spots that can consequently burn the baby's mouth.

If the frozen milk is not needed immediately, simply transfer it to the fridge, where it will take 24 hours to thaw. Thawed milk should be used within 24 hours.

Storage of breast milk - after heating

Milk after heating should be consumed by the baby within one hour. If the infant does not drink all of the prepared portion, the leftovers should be poured out because of the bacteria in the baby's mouth that have found their way into the bottle.

way4cure.com

Breast milk - learn about storage methods!

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