Why to Store Breast Milk
Mothers store breast milk for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is to supply cabregivers with bottles while the mother is at work, on a trip, out to dinner, or finally sleeping through the night with Dad in charge of baby. Some mothers face an upcoming medical situation that would require they not nurse their babies for a time, so the baby receives bottles while the mother pumps and dumps. Some try to encourage greater milk production by temporarily increasing the demand on the breast, and then store the results of their efforts. Finally, many like the security of knowing that a little bit of Mama is in the freezer for baby, whenever the little tyke might need it.
Where to Store Breast Milk
Store all breast milk in sterile bags or sealed containers. Some sterile milk storage bags offer convenient zipper seals, such as Gerber’s Seal and Go. Dr. Brown’s sealable storage bags tout a doubled zipper seal and dual-layer thickness for extended freezer life. Companies like Avent and Medelah, among numerous others, provide storage systems to accompany their model of breast pump. Look for PBA-free storage products and bottles, now readily available from most breastfeeding supply companies. If you plan on freezing the breast milk, only use freezer safe storage containers that will not leach harmful toxins into your baby’s next meal.
How to Store Breast Milk
Either pump into a sterile bottle or directly into a storage container. If pumped into a bottle, transfer the milk to a sterile storage container or bag. Store the milk in small quantities, from 2-4 ounces, to avoid wasting your milk and pumping efforts. Seal the container and mark it with the date it was pumped. If the milk is to be consumed within the next few hours or days, include the time as well. Companies such as Lansinoh manufacture medical-grade milk storage bags with a convenient label built in. Use ink rather than a permanent marker which can leach into the milk if using a bag.
To avoid bacterial problems, do not add fresh milk to previously stored milk, and do not reuse or freeze milk that the baby has partially eaten.
As you increase your supply of stored milk, always keep the oldest milk to the front and use it first.
How Long to Store Breast Milk
Different sources will site different lengths of time for proper breast milk storage. You will need to determine for yourself by consulting your child’s pediatrician, a local La Leche League advocate, or the information that comes with your milk storage supplies. Following are the general ranges.
- At room temperature: 4 to 8 hours
- In the refrigerator: 2 to 3 days
- In a freezer within a refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
- In a freezer outside of a refrigerator (like a side-by-side): 3 to 4 months
- In a deep freezer: up to 12 months
- When freezing, store the milk in the coldest region in the back of the freezer, and not in the door.
How to Use the Frozen Supply
Thaw the frozen milk in the refrigerator, under running water, or in a pan of warm water heated indirectly. Never boil or microwave breast milk or any other item you will be feeding your baby. Not only does the heat damage the nutrients in the milk, but it poses a burn risk to the baby due to hot spots in the bottle. Always test the temperature of the milk on the inside of your arm where you are more sensitive.
Don’t worry about the unusual appearance of the milk, whether blue, yellow, brown, or separated. This is normal. Remember, breast milk is a natural product which has not undergone any form of processing. It will vary.
Storing baby’s liquid gold is a simple process.
