Should you 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 breastfeeding parents. This inquiry is rooted in the understanding that breast milk composition can vary throughout the day, influenced by factors such as hormonal changes and the baby’s circadian rhythm.
The Composition of Breast Milk
Research indicates that breast milk is not a uniform 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 more sleep-inducing components. This variation is thought to help regulate a baby’s circadian rhythm, promoting wakefulness during the day and sleep at night.
The Role of Circadian Rhythms
A baby’s circadian rhythm, which is their internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, is influenced significantly by breast milk. The hormones present in breast milk, such as melatonin, can help signal to the baby when it is time to sleep or be awake. Therefore, some parents wonder if separating AM and PM milk could enhance these natural rhythms, potentially leading to better sleep patterns for their infants.
Practical Considerations
While the idea of separating AM and PM breast milk is intriguing, practical considerations often take precedence. Many parents find it more convenient to store all pumped milk together, regardless of the time it was expressed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines on breast milk storage, emphasizing that as long as the milk is properly stored, it can be mixed without concern for safety.
Moreover, the nutritional differences between AM and PM milk, while present, may not be significant enough to warrant strict separation for most families. The overall benefits of breastfeeding—such as providing essential nutrients and antibodies—are paramount, and the convenience of mixing milk can often outweigh the potential benefits of separation.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are physiological reasons to consider the differences between AM and PM breast milk, the decision to separate them ultimately depends on individual circumstances and preferences. For many parents, the convenience of mixing all breast milk may be more beneficial than adhering to a strict separation based on time of day. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance tailored to specific needs and situations.

How do you label AM and PM breast milk?

Quick tips: Timing breast milk
You can follow these steps to make sure that your baby is ingesting timed breast milk: Label the bottles: If you are using stored, pumped breast milk, mark the bottles as AM for morning milk and PM for evening milk.

Can I combine milk from different pumping sessions?

According to experts, it is generally safe to mix breast milk from different pumping sessions, as long as the date and temperature of the milk are the same. This means that you can combine milk that you have pumped on the same day and store it in the same container.

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.

Do you have to separate AM and PM breast milk?

Can I combine breast milk that’s pumped at different times? It’s okay to combine milk that’s pumped on the same day, but don’t mix milk that was pumped on different days. Some moms use the “pitcher method,” which means they store all the breast milk they pump over 24 hours in one refrigerated, closed container.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

Why is mixed feeding not recommended?

If your mixed feeding involves exchanging some breastfeeds for baby formula, then your baby will not receive as many benefits as they normally would if they were exclusively breastfed. As such, their immune system may not be as well protected from certain infections1.

Can you combine breast milk from 24 hours?

If you combine breast milk from different days, be sure to cool your fresh breast milk before adding it to the previously refrigerated milk. Make sure the container of combined milk is labeled with the date the older milk was pumped. Store it in the freezer if the oldest milk was pumped more than four days ago.

Should you mix breast milk from different times?

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.

How long should you stay in bed after giving birth?

It can also help you recover safely to avoid postpartum injuries and reduce your risk of things like postpartum depression, anxiety, clogged milk ducts and mastitis. The basics of the rule consists of 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed and 5 days around the bed.

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.