subject: Using And Storing Your Breast Milk [print this page] Many breastfeeding mothers must return to work while they are still actively nursing. When that's the case, they can choose to pump their milk and store it.
Whether you're a mother on the go or you're taking care of a new mother's child, pumping, freezing and storing breast milk for later use proves to be a convenient way to keep a newborn infant nourished. Breast milk offers more adequate nutrition to infant, and, when stored properly, it can feed your infant even when you're no longer lactating.
Wash your hands with warm soapy water before you pump and collect. Make sure all parts of the breast pump and the collection bottles are clean.
Collect the milk you pump into BPA-free storage containers or breast milk storage bags. These containers and bags can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Wash the containers in hot, soapy water and rinse well, allowing them to air dry before using. Do not fill the containers completely to the top.
Breast milk freezer bags are sterile, safe and can be purchased in grocery and department stores. Fill as many bags as you need and seal them firmly before placing them in your freezer.
Assemble the breast pump by attaching the pumping device to the accompanying bottle. Attach the nozzles to both of your breasts, centering each over your areola and nipple area.
Relax and lean forward to allow gravity to assist you in pumping. Switch on the breast pump, and allow it to extract from both of your breasts.
Once the bottle is filled, switch the pump off and remove the nozzles from your breasts. Fill the specialized freezer bags with the breast milk from the bottle.
It can be stored at room temperature for four to six hours. It's important to keep it as cool as possible during this time.
Breast milk can be stored in a cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours. The refrigerator can keep it fresh for five to seven days.
It can be stored in a freezer for three to six months and for six to 12 months in a deep freezer. If you are using the specialized storage bags, be sure to get all the air out of the bag before sealing it to prevent freezer burn.
Allow about 1 inch of space at the top so the milk can expand when it freezes. You can also use freezer bags that are designed for storing breast milk.
Put 2 to 4 oz. into each container. Refrigerate or freeze it right after you express it. It can be kept in a freezer for six months, ideally, or up to 12 months.
It can be kept in a refrigerator for three days, ideally, or eight days, which is acceptable. Breast milk stays good at room temperature for between four and six hours.
Do not boil it when you are warming it. Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or under cool, running water, gradually increasing the temperature of the running water until the milk is at feeding temperature.
It shouldn't be too hot or it can burn the baby. When refrigerated, it can be warmed up under warm running water; you may also put the milk container in a pan of water that has been heated on the stove.
Some infants may even drink it straight out of the refrigerator. Do not microwave it; this will cause the milk to lose important properties.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds that microwaving does not allow the milk to evenly heat. Bottles can also explode if they remain in the microwave too long.
When thawed from a frozen state it can be kept in your refrigerator up to 20 hours. Do not refreeze milk that has already been thawed, because this results in loss of antimicrobial activity and components.
Thawed breast milk must be used within 24 hours and must be refrigerated until use. Never refreeze breast milk.
Give a baby the oldest breast milk first. The milk will separate in the refrigerator, the fat rising to the top, so swirl the bottle to mix the two layers together.
