|
It is
important to know the guidelines for storing breast milk properly so that you
always give your baby fresh milk. Any container used to store milk should be
clean and sterile. Always try to leave an inch or so from the milk to the top of
the container since frozen milk expands. After pumping your milk, it is helpful
to label the storage container. Always use the oldest dated milk first.
Colostrum, or the first milk expressed in the first few days after
delivery, can be stored at room temperature for up to 12 hours. Mature milk, or
breast milk that comes in six days after the birth of your baby can be stored in
the following ways:
At Room Temperature:
-
At 60 degrees F for 24 hours
-
At 66-72 degrees F for 10 hours
-
At 79 degrees F for 4-6 hours
-
At 86-100 degrees F for 4 hours
In the Refrigerator:
In the Freezer*:
-
In a freezer compartment contained within the refrigerator for up to 2
weeks
-
In a self-contained freezer, either on top of or on the side of the
refrigerator for 3 - 4 months
-
In a deep freezer with a constant 0 degrees F for 6 months or longer
-
*It is helpful to freeze the milk in small
amounts, such as 2 to 4 ounce servings, so there is less waste and you
can choose the amount of milk depending on the baby's hunger.
Bottles and Containers
 You
can store breast milk in bottles that fit directly onto your breast pump. After
pumping, simply remove the pumping tubing, cover with the bottle lid, label the
milk, and put it in the refrigerator. Many breast pump carrying cases also come
with built-in, cooler-type compartments for storing ice pack and/or the freshly
pumped bottles of milk. If used correctly, these do stay cold enough to leave
your pumped milk in until you can get home to store the milk in the refrigerator
or freezer.
Research
is conflicting about the advantages and disadvantages of storing milk in glass
versus plastic. However, glass bottles or containers are best for freezing
breast milk because it offers the most protection from contamination. The second
choice is clear, hard plastic, and the last choice is the cloudy hard plastic
containers. Wait to tighten the caps or lids until the milk is completely
frozen.
Storage Bags
If you
want to freeze your breast milk in bags, you can purchase storage bags that fit
directly onto your breast pump and that are made for freezing milk. They are
pre-sterilized, thick, have an area for labeling, and seal easily. After
pumping, simply remove the pumping tubing, fold the bag over, making sure all
air is out of the bag, and seal it. Make sure to label the bag with the date
before freezing. When you want to use the milk, you can cut the storage bag with
sterile scissors. If the storage bag has a built-in pouring spout, it is easy to
pour the milk into a bottle. Other storage bags can be used in the kind of
bottle that uses disposable liners, so there is no need to transfer the milk.
Thawing and Handling
Stored Breast Milk
It is
normal for stored breast milk to separate in its container into two parts, what
looks like cream and then a lighter colored milk. Some human milk also varies in
color and can be bluish, yellowish, or brownish. Just gently shake the milk
before feeding to mix it back together.
Breast
milk doesn't take long to thaw or warm up. Never place a bottle or bag of breast
milk in the microwave. Milk doesn't heat uniformly in the microwave, so you
won't have control over the temperature and could burn your baby. All you have
to do is hold the bottle or frozen bag of milk under cool and then warm water
for a few minutes. If warm running water is not available, you can heat up a pan
of water on the stove. Remove the pan from the heat and place the container into
the warm water. Never warm the container directly on the stove. Shake the milk,
then test it on your wrist to see if it's warm enough for your baby.
Once
frozen milk is thawed, it can be refrigerated, but not re-frozen.
|
