What not to do when storing breast milk?

Understanding the Risks of Improper Breast Milk Storage
Storing breast milk safely is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of infants. However, many parents may inadvertently make mistakes that can compromise the quality and safety of expressed milk. Here’s a detailed look at what not to do when storing breast milk.
Avoid Using Inappropriate Containers
One of the most significant errors is using the wrong type of container for storage. Plastic bags that are not specifically designed for breast milk storage can leak or break, leading to waste and contamination. Instead, it is essential to use containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic that are designed for breast milk storage. These containers should also have tight-fitting lids to prevent spills and exposure to air.
Neglecting Hygiene Practices
Another critical mistake is failing to maintain proper hygiene. Not cleaning and sterilizing bottles, nipples, and breast pump parts can introduce harmful bacteria into the milk. It is vital to wash hands thoroughly before expressing milk and to ensure that all equipment is cleaned with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher. Sterilizing these items regularly can further reduce the risk of contamination.
Ignoring Temperature Guidelines
Temperature control is paramount in breast milk storage. Storing breast milk at room temperature for too long can lead to bacterial growth. According to guidelines, freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for no more than four hours. If it needs to be stored longer, it should be refrigerated or frozen. Additionally, never refreeze thawed breast milk, as this can compromise its safety and nutritional quality.
Overfilling Containers
When storing breast milk, overfilling containers can lead to spillage and waste. It is advisable to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion when the milk freezes. This simple step can prevent messes and ensure that all the milk is usable.
Failing to Label and Date Milk
Another common oversight is neglecting to label and date stored milk. Without proper labeling, it can be challenging to keep track of how long the milk has been stored, which can lead to using expired milk. Each container should be clearly marked with the date and time of expression to ensure that the oldest milk is used first.
Using Milk After Its Expiration
Finally, using breast milk beyond its recommended storage duration can pose health risks. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, in the freezer for about six months, and in a deep freezer for up to a year. Consuming milk that has been stored beyond these time frames can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Conclusion
In summary, proper breast milk storage is essential for maintaining its safety and nutritional value. By avoiding these common pitfalls—using inappropriate containers, neglecting hygiene, ignoring temperature guidelines, overfilling containers, failing to label, and using expired milk—parents can ensure that their infants receive the best possible nutrition. Taking these precautions not only protects the health of the baby but also provides peace of mind for caregivers.

What happens if a baby drinks old breast milk?

Based on research published on the Unair website, breast milk that is stored for a long time can be contaminated by various bacteria. One of them is E. coli. This bacteria can cause digestive tract infections such as diarrhea.

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.

Why is thawed breast milk only good for 24 hours?

Bacteria can grow rapidly in thawed milk, especially if it’s kept at room temperature or if the storage conditions are not optimal. Using the milk within 24 hours minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and ensures the milk is safe for your baby.

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.

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.

How to know if breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

What is the 2 hour rule for breast milk?

If your baby did not finish the bottle, leftover milk should be used within 2 hours. Wash disassembled pump and feeding parts in a clean basin with soap and water. Do not wash directly in the sink because the germs in the sink could contaminate items.

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.

How to know if breastmilk is spoiled?

It will also smell bad, much like spoiled cow’s milk. And, like spoiled cow’s milk, breast milk that’s old will taste sour. (It’s fine to taste your breast milk to check!) Always label your pumped milk with a time and date so you can tell how old it is.

What are the do’s and don’ts of storing breast milk?

Never store breast milk in disposable bottle liners or plastic bags that are not intended for storing 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.