How do you preserve breast milk for keepsake?

Preserving Breast Milk for Keepsakes: A Cherished Journey
The act of preserving breast milk has evolved into a meaningful way for mothers to commemorate their breastfeeding journey. This practice not only serves as a sentimental keepsake but also symbolizes the unique bond between a mother and her child. Here’s a detailed look at how to preserve breast milk for keepsakes, particularly in the form of jewelry.
Understanding the Process
Breast milk jewelry has gained popularity as a beautiful and personal way to celebrate motherhood. The process typically involves sending a small amount of expressed breast milk to a specialized jeweler who transforms it into a lasting piece of art. This can take the form of rings, pendants, or lockets, often incorporating the milk into resin to create a durable and visually appealing item.
To begin, mothers need to express and store breast milk properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines on how to safely store expressed breast milk, emphasizing the importance of using clean containers and adhering to recommended storage times . Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, while it can last for about six months in a freezer.
Preparing the Milk for Keepsake
Once the milk is collected, it must be preserved correctly to ensure it maintains its integrity for the jewelry-making process. Here are the steps involved:
1. Express the Milk: Use a breast pump or hand express to collect the milk. Ensure that all equipment is sterilized to prevent contamination.

2. Storage: Store the milk in a clean, airtight container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are ideal. Label the container with the date and time of expression.
3. Freezing: If you plan to send the milk to a jeweler, freezing it is often recommended. This helps preserve the milk until you are ready to ship it. Make sure to freeze it in small amounts, as this makes it easier to send and use.
4. Shipping: When ready to create your keepsake, thaw the milk in the refrigerator. Once thawed, it should be sent to the jeweler promptly. Many jewelers provide specific instructions on how to package and ship the milk to ensure it arrives safely.
Choosing the Right Jeweler
Selecting a reputable jeweler is crucial. Look for artisans who specialize in breast milk jewelry and have positive reviews. They should provide clear instructions on how to prepare and send your milk, as well as details about the preservation process they use. Many jewelers mix the breast milk with resin, which not only preserves the milk but also enhances its aesthetic appeal.
The Emotional Significance
Creating breast milk jewelry is more than just a craft; it’s a way to hold onto the memories of breastfeeding. Each piece serves as a tangible reminder of the nurturing bond shared during those early months. As mothers wear these keepsakes, they carry a piece of their breastfeeding journey with them, celebrating the love and connection that defines motherhood.
In conclusion, preserving breast milk for keepsakes is a heartfelt way to honor the breastfeeding experience. By following proper storage and shipping guidelines, mothers can transform their milk into beautiful jewelry that encapsulates their unique journey, making it a cherished memento for years to come.

What to do with breast milk baby didn’t finish?

How do I store and serve leftover breast milk? Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts.

Can babies drink cold breast milk?

You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold. Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water. Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk.

Can you use spoiled breastmilk for jewelry?

Breastmilk usually separates in transit, but it does not usually spoil. Even if it does, it does not affect our crafting process.

Can I store breast milk in mason jars?

Breast milk storage bags can only be used once, but mason jars can be used over and over again for breast milk storage, and later for baby food a tons of other things. Mason jars are stackable, so you’ll be able to maximize storage space.

How much breastmilk is needed for jewelry?

Typically we require 30ml for 2 – 4 pieces, depending on size. Small designs require less milk which means we can easily create many multiple pieces. If you have placed a large order for milk jewellery and you live outside of Australia, please do not send any more than 50ml of milk per package.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

How do you store breast milk for memory?

Storing breast milk after expressing
Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

What is a good stash of breastmilk?

For most who work an eight hour work day, you can expect baby to each about 12-16 ounces in an 8 hour period at daycare, so a comfortable freezer stash is 36-48 ounces.

How much breastmilk do you need for a keepsake?

Your breast milk can be easily shipped using a small box or padded envelope. Breast milk storage bags work great for shipping as they rarely leak in-transit, but if you don’t have those, high-quality freezer bags work, as well. Only 30mL (1 ounce) of breast milk is needed per jewelry piece.

Which container is best for storing breast milk?

When collecting breast milk, be sure to store it in clean containers such as screw cap bottles, hard plastic cups with tight lids, or heavy-duty bags that fit directly into bottles. Avoid using ordinary plastic storage bags or formula bottle bags, ask these can easily leak or spill.