What is the best way to preserve breast milk?

The Best Ways to Preserve Breast Milk
Breast milk is a precious resource for new mothers, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that support a baby’s growth and immune system. However, for many mothers, the challenge lies in how to effectively store and preserve this milk, especially when they are away from their babies. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the best practices for preserving breast milk.
Understanding Storage Guidelines
When it comes to storing breast milk, temperature control is crucial. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for about four hours. If you need to store it longer, refrigeration is the next best option. In a refrigerator, breast milk can last for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing is the most effective method, allowing breast milk to remain safe for six months in a standard freezer and up to 12 months in a deep freezer.
Choosing the Right Containers
The choice of container is equally important. Breast milk should be stored in clean, BPA-free plastic or glass containers. Specially designed breast milk storage bags are also a popular option, as they are space-efficient and designed to withstand freezing. It’s essential to leave some space at the top of the container or bag, as breast milk expands when frozen.
Labeling and Organizing
To avoid confusion and ensure freshness, label each container with the date and time of expression. This practice helps in using the oldest milk first, minimizing waste. Organizing your milk in the freezer by date can also streamline the process when it’s time to thaw and use it.
Thawing and Warming Breast Milk
When it’s time to use the stored breast milk, proper thawing is key. The safest method is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you need it more quickly, you can place the container in a bowl of warm water or use a bottle warmer. Avoid using a microwave, as it can create hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth and can also destroy some of the milk’s beneficial properties.
Safety Considerations
It’s important to note that once breast milk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. Additionally, any milk that has been warmed should be used within two hours. If your baby does not finish a bottle, it’s best to discard any leftover milk rather than saving it for later.
Conclusion
Preserving breast milk effectively requires attention to detail, from the initial expression to storage and eventual use. By following these guidelines—maintaining proper temperatures, using appropriate containers, labeling, and adhering to safety practices—mothers can ensure that their babies receive the full benefits of breast milk, even when they are apart. This careful approach not only supports the baby’s health but also provides peace of mind for mothers navigating the challenges of breastfeeding.

How do you preserve breast milk for keepsake?

One common method for preserving breast milk is freeze-drying. This process involves freezing the breast milk and then removing the moisture through a process called sublimation. The freeze-dried breast milk is then ground into a fine powder and mixed with a special resin that is used to create jewelry.

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.

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.

How do you keep breast milk from spoiling?

DO ensure that freshly expressed or pumped milk is stored at the temperatures recommended by the CDC and The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine:

1. At room temperature (77°F/25°C or below) for up to four hours.
2. In the refrigerator (40°F/4.4°C or below) for up to four days.

Can I store breastmilk in bottles with nipples?

Do not store bottles with nipples attached. Label each container with your baby’s name and the date and time the milk was expressed. Put several bottle bags in a larger airtight plastic bag to prevent them from sticking to the freezer shelf.

Is frozen breast milk better than formula?

Breast milk is better for your baby than formula – but freshly expressed breast milk is preferable to refrigerated, and refrigerated is better than frozen.

How to preserve breast milk?

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 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.

Is it better to store breast milk in bags or bottles?

I recently learned that breast milk should be stored in glass containers or milk bags, not in plastic bottles. Up to this point, I have stored pumped milk that will be used within the next ~24 hours directly in the plastic bottle.