It is very important to know the ins and outs of storing breast milk. Proper
storage can make all the difference in how nutritionally complete and
health-boosting the breast milk is for your child.
What safety precautions should I take?
Be sure to wash your pumping equipment, containers and your hands with hot,
soapy water. You may also want to make sure your breast is clean.
Date your milk before you store it. This will ensure that you give your baby
fresh milk and get rid of expired milk.
When should I pump my milk?
Most women's milk is fullest in the morning, so it's a good time to pump. You
can shower right before you pump to ensure the cleanliness of your breast.
How much should I pump?
It may be a good idea to pump in smaller amounts, as this means that you'll be
providing fresher milk for your baby with the frequent pumping. Two to four
ounces is an ideal amount.
What type of container should use?
Get a tough plastic or glass container. Make sure that your containers have
tight lids to keep your milk fresh. You can also purchase specially designed
freezer bags made for human milk. Bailey's breast milk storage is specially
designed to preserve your breast milk's nutrients. Be sure not to use disposable
bottle liners. Lastly, either get containers with a labeling system, or buy some
tape so you can write down the date and stick it onto the container. Some of the
special freezer bags have a place to write the date on the bag and come with
plastic seals.
What's the ideal storage temperature?
You have several options depending on where you store the milk.
* Room temperature: up to ten hours
* In the refrigerator: up to eight days
* Freezer within fridge: up to two weeks (temperatures fluctuate when you open
and close door)
* Deep freezer: up to six months
Please note that milk stored at room temperature or in a refrigerator will
retain more nutrients than milk stored in a freezer. Again, storing milk in
small amounts in the fridge will ensure that all those wonderful health-boosting
properties of breast milk can still benefit your baby.
How do I warm my milk?
It's time to feed your baby, and you're going to use the milk you've stored. If
you've put milk in the freezer (or even if it's a little cold after being in the
refrigerator), you should thaw your milk by running some warm water over the
container. Never microwave your milk and don't put it in a pot to bring to
boiling temperature! Before you put it in the bottle, test it for temperature.
Shaking the milk before you test its temperature will help mix the cream and
milk back together again.
Can I refreeze thawed milk?
While you should never refreeze thawed milk, you can refrigerate it for up to 24
hours after it has been thawed. If you're pumping at work, feel free to store
your milk in the workplace fridge; the Center for Disease Control has declared
that human milk is not a dangerous body fluid.
Source :
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/breastfeeding_storingmilk.html
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