Why do you swirl not shake breast milk?

The Debate: Swirl or Shake Breast Milk?
When it comes to handling breast milk, a common piece of advice given to new parents is to swirl rather than shake the milk. This guidance stems from concerns about the potential impact of vigorous shaking on the milk’s nutritional integrity and cellular structure.
Understanding Breast Milk Composition
Breast milk is a complex fluid rich in nutrients, antibodies, and living cells that are crucial for an infant’s development. After expressing or storing breast milk, it naturally separates into layers, with fat rising to the top. To remix the milk before feeding, gentle swirling is recommended. This method allows for a more uniform distribution of the milk’s components without the harsh agitation that shaking entails.
The Risks of Shaking
Shaking breast milk vigorously can lead to the damage of living cells and potentially degrade some of the milk’s beneficial properties. Research indicates that the mechanical force from shaking may disrupt the delicate proteins and fats in the milk, which are essential for an infant’s growth and immune support. While some argue that shaking does not significantly harm the milk’s nutritional value, the prevailing advice remains to avoid it to preserve the milk’s integrity.
The Science Behind Swirling
Swirling breast milk involves gently rotating the container in a circular motion. This technique effectively mixes the milk without the violent agitation associated with shaking. The gentle motion helps to reincorporate the fat and other components without risking the breakdown of proteins or the loss of nutrients.
Debunking Myths
Despite the widespread belief that shaking breast milk is harmful, some sources suggest that there is no definitive scientific evidence proving that shaking significantly diminishes the milk’s nutritional content. However, the consensus among lactation experts and health professionals leans towards swirling as the safer option, primarily to avoid any potential risks associated with shaking.
Conclusion
In summary, while the debate over shaking versus swirling breast milk continues, the recommendation to swirl is rooted in a desire to protect the milk’s delicate composition. For parents navigating the complexities of feeding their infants, adhering to this gentle approach can help ensure that their little ones receive the full benefits of breast milk, maintaining its nutritional and biological properties.

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.

Should you avoid shaking breast milk?

Leaking breasts are one of the many under-discussed topics of motherhood but it is completely normal. It’s a sign your body is making milk and, while it often happens shortly after you deliver, it can continue to happen throughout your breastfeeding journey. Some moms don’t leak and that’s totally normal, too!

How to swirl breastmilk?

Gently swirl the bottle or bag, without shaking or stirring, to mix any separated fat (see above).

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.

Why swirl and not shake breast milk?

The whole “can you shake breast milk” debate comes from worries that shaking might somehow break up the proteins and nutrients in the milk. Some people say it’s better to swirl the milk gently to mix the layers. But here’s the truth: shaking doesn’t hurt the nutritional value of breast milk.

Do you shake or swirl baby bottle?

😲 Shaking the bottle to mix your formula is much more likely to introduce air bubbles. Swirling or stirring will mix the formula just as well without so many bubbles.

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.

What does it mean to swirl the milk?

The ‘swirling milk’ effect is the race for the hydrophobic part of the dishwashing liquid to pair up with the fat globules in the milk, pushing aside everything else. The food coloring doesn’t contribute to this process, but it allows us to see what is going on.

Why should breast milk not be shaken?

The whole “can you shake breast milk” debate comes from worries that shaking might somehow break up the proteins and nutrients in the milk. Some people say it’s better to swirl the milk gently to mix the layers. But here’s the truth: shaking doesn’t hurt the nutritional value of breast milk.

What is the milkshake technique for breastfeeding?

You could do what is sometimes called the ‘breast milkshake’. This involves massaging each breast very gently for half a minute or so before feeding, then using a combination of massage and breast compression (see below) during a feed to help dislodge some of the fat.