Proper storage and handling of breast milk help ensure that your baby receives safe and nutritious feedings. Freshly expressed milk needs to be stored under the right conditions to maintain its quality, and following hygiene guidelines prevents contamination. Here are a few techniques mentioned by a breastfeeding specialist that you must follow.
Expressing and storing breast milk correctly:
Before expressing milk, wash your hands thoroughly and ensure that all pumping equipment is clean and dry. Use BPA-free storage containers, such as breast milk storage bags or glass or plastic bottles with tight-fitting lids. Avoid regular plastic bags, as they may leak or break.
Safe storage guidelines:
Breast milk can be stored at different temperatures depending on how soon it will be used:
- Room temperature (Up to 25°C): Safe for 4 hours.
- Refrigerator (4°C or lower): Safe for up to 4 days.
- Freezer (-18°C or lower): Safe for 6 months (up to 12 months is acceptable, but quality may decline).
Label each container with the date it was expressed and use the oldest milk first to maintain freshness.
Transporting breast milk:
If you need to transport expressed milk, use an insulated cooler with ice packs to keep it at a safe temperature. Refrigerate it as soon as possible upon arrival. This is especially helpful for working mothers who pump at the office.
Thawing and warming breast milk:
To safely thaw frozen breast milk:
- Place it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Submerge the sealed container in warm (not boiling) water.
- Run warm water over the bottle.
Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth and destroy beneficial nutrients. Swirl (do not shake) the milk gently to mix the fat layers before feeding.
Handling leftover breast milk:
Once your baby has started drinking from a bottle, any leftover milk should be used within 2 hours. Discard any unused milk after this period to prevent bacterial growth. Following these storage and handling techniques ensures that your baby receives the best possible nutrition. For additional support, a breastfeeding specialist can provide tailored advice based on your needs.
