Do you need to separate AM and PM breast milk?

Understanding AM and PM Breast Milk
The question of whether to separate breast milk pumped in the morning (AM) from that pumped in the evening (PM) has garnered attention among new parents and caregivers. This inquiry is rooted in the understanding of how breast milk composition can vary throughout the day, influenced by factors such as hormonal changes and the baby’s circadian rhythm.
Variations in Breast Milk Composition
Research indicates that breast milk is not a static substance; its composition can change based on the time of day. For instance, milk produced in the morning tends to have higher levels of certain nutrients and hormones that can energize a baby, while evening milk may contain components that promote sleepiness. This variation is thought to be linked to the development of a baby’s circadian rhythm, which is influenced by both breast milk and environmental cues.
The Role of Circadian Rhythms
A baby’s circadian rhythm begins to develop in the early months of life, and breast milk plays a crucial role in this process. The hormones present in breast milk, which fluctuate throughout the day, can help signal to the baby when it is time to be awake and when it is time to sleep. Therefore, some parents believe that separating AM and PM milk could help align feeding times with these natural rhythms, potentially aiding in better sleep patterns for their infants.
Practical Considerations for Storage
From a practical standpoint, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines on breast milk storage that emphasize the importance of proper handling and storage techniques, regardless of the time of day the milk was expressed. While there is no strict requirement to separate AM and PM milk, parents who choose to do so should ensure that they label and store the milk appropriately to maintain its quality.
Conclusion: To Separate or Not?
Ultimately, whether to separate AM and PM breast milk is a personal choice for parents. While some may find it beneficial to align feedings with their baby’s natural rhythms, others may prefer the convenience of mixing milk from different times. The key is to ensure that all breast milk is stored safely and used within recommended time frames to provide the best nutrition for the baby.

Should I label my breast milk AM and PM?

There’s no reason to indicate time of day on breastmilk when storing, but you should only combine milk that’s cold.

Does AM and PM breast milk make a difference?

Milk in flux
Breast milk changes dramatically over the course of the day. For example, levels of cortisol – a hormone that promotes alertness – are three times higher in morning milk than in evening milk.

What is the difference between morning and afternoon breast milk?

You make more watery or thirst quenching milk in the morning, and less volume but fattier milk in the evening. This is why your baby may want to cluster feed or fuss feed in the evenings. Your milk producing hormone prolactin is highest in the middle of the night.

Should you separate morning and night breast milk?

Don’t bother separating! I would just add whatever I pumped from morning to night. Anything left when babe went to bed I would use to prep bottles for night / next day. Just don’t mix from more than a 24 hour period.

Can you combine milk from different pumping sessions?

According to Verywell Family, it is safe to combine breast milk from different pumping sessions if the milk is collected and stored under clean conditions and the baby is full-term and healthy. However, it is not recommended to combine milk that has been stored for more than 24 hours.

Does breast milk have to be the same temperature before mixing?

The American Academy of Pediatrics previously stated: “Mothers can mix warm milk and cold, or even consider pooling milk from 24 hours together, which may help even out variability in nutrients due to pumping time or breast emptying (which influences fat content of the milk).”

Will my milk dry up if I only nurse at night?

breastfeeding at night can be important for keeping a mom’s long-term milk production steady and strong and may actually mean less pumping during the day for working moms?

Can I mix breast milk from different hours?

Combining breast milk: According to the CDC’s and AAP’s most recent statements, breast milk should not be combined at different temperatures. However, you can combine breast milk from the same day.

Can I breastfeed morning and evening only?

Breastfeeding is not an all-or-nothing process. You can always keep one or more feedings per day and eliminate the rest. Many moms will continue to nurse only at night and/or first thing in the morning for many months after baby has weaned from all other nursings.

Will my milk dry up if I only nurse once a day?

Your body will adjust. Even parents who decide to nurse just once or twice a day can typically maintain their milk supply. All experts agree that, however you decide to wean, it should happen gradually.