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How to make a milk brick breastmilk?

Understanding Breast Milk Bricks
In the world of breastfeeding and pumping, efficiency is key, especially when it comes to storing precious breast milk. One innovative solution that has gained popularity among nursing mothers is the concept of breast milk bricks. This method not only maximizes freezer space but also simplifies the process of thawing milk for feeding.
What Are Breast Milk Bricks?
Breast milk bricks are essentially frozen portions of breast milk that are stored in a way that allows for easy access and organization. By freezing milk in flat, brick-like shapes, mothers can save space in their freezers and ensure that they can thaw just the right amount of milk needed for their baby. This method is particularly beneficial for mothers who produce more milk than their baby can consume, allowing them to store excess milk efficiently.
How to Make Breast Milk Bricks
Creating breast milk bricks is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps:
1. Choose Your Storage Bags: Start by selecting high-quality breast milk storage bags. These bags should be designed for freezing and should be BPA-free to ensure safety for your baby.
2. Fill the Bags: Pour the expressed breast milk into the bags. It’s advisable to fill them in uniform amounts—typically 3, 4, or 5 ounces per bag. This uniformity allows for easier thawing and portion control later on.
3. Seal and Flatten: After filling the bags, seal them tightly to prevent any leaks. Lay the bags flat on a baking sheet or a similar surface. This will help the milk freeze in a flat, brick-like shape, making it easier to stack and store.
4. Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer. Once the milk is completely frozen, you can remove the bags and stack them vertically or horizontally in your freezer. This method not only saves space but also allows for easy access to the milk when needed.
5. Labeling: Don’t forget to label each bag with the date of expression and the amount of milk inside. This practice helps you keep track of freshness and ensures that you use the oldest milk first, adhering to safety guidelines.
Benefits of Using Breast Milk Bricks
The advantages of using breast milk bricks are numerous. First and foremost, they help maximize freezer space. Traditional storage methods can lead to a cluttered freezer, making it difficult to find what you need. With bricks, you can stack them neatly, allowing for better organization.
Additionally, breast milk bricks facilitate easy thawing. When you need to feed your baby, you can simply pull out the exact amount you need, reducing waste and ensuring that your baby gets the freshest milk possible. This method is particularly useful for mothers who are on the go, as it allows for quick and efficient meal prep.
Conclusion
In summary, making breast milk bricks is a practical and efficient way to store breast milk. By following a few simple steps, mothers can ensure that their milk is organized, easily accessible, and safe for their little ones. As more mothers embrace this method, it’s clear that breast milk bricks are not just a trend but a valuable tool in the breastfeeding journey.

How to make a breast milk brick?

  1. Put breast milk into breast milk storage bags in 3, 4 or 5 oz quantities.
  2. Freeze bags laying flat in the freezer.
  3. Put 10 frozen bags of breast milk into a gallon storage bag to create a breast milk brick.
  4. You now have milk bricks that have 30, 40 or 50 oz per bag.

Will pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

How to make breastmilk brick?

  1. Lay Them Flat: Put the filled bags flat on a baking sheet or tray.
  2. Freeze Them Flat: Place the tray in the freezer and keep the bags flat and not stacked until they’re fully frozen.
  3. Store the Bricks: Once frozen, you can remove the tray and store the bricks as you like.

What is the 6 6 6 rule for breast milk?

Rule #2: The Breast Milk Storage Guidelines.
Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

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.

Does breastmilk lose nutrients when pumped?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients.

What is considered a brick of breast milk?

Once the breast milk is frozen, you can stack the bags and put them in a Ziplock gallon-sized bag to make what some call “breast milk bricks.” Then, you can label the gallon bag/brick with the month or date range. This can help you use older milk first when you go to defrost it.

Does pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

How many Oz is a full milk supply?

For example, a more typical amount of milk for a mom to produce is 570-900 mL/19.27-30.43 oz a day.

How do you make a milk stash without oversupply?

How to build a “Milk stash”

  • #1. Add 1-2 pump sessions same time, every day.
  • #2. Get that milk flowing!
  • #3. Try maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
  • #4. Nurse frequently, and on demand.
  • #5. If you’re expereincing low milk supply, try adding natural herbs
  • #6. Don’t give up or feel discouraged.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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