How to Properly Store Breast Milk After Pumping: The Complete Guide
Storing breast milk properly after pumping ensures your baby receives all the nutritional benefits possible. The keys are cleanliness, appropriate containers, and proper temperature control. Immediately after pumping, store the milk in sterilized containers and follow recommended guidelines for refrigeration and freezing.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Storage
Breast milk is a dynamic, living fluid packed with antibodies, nutrients, and enzymes crucial for your baby’s health and development. Proper storage is essential to preserve these valuable components and prevent bacterial contamination, ensuring your baby receives the maximum benefit from your expressed milk. Improper storage can lead to nutrient degradation, bacterial growth, and ultimately, a potentially unsafe feeding experience for your infant.
Benefits of Pumping and Storing Breast Milk
Pumping and storing breast milk offers numerous advantages:
- Flexibility: Allows mothers to return to work or other commitments while continuing to provide breast milk.
- Increased Supply: Regular pumping can stimulate milk production, especially helpful for mothers with low milk supply.
- Partner/Caregiver Involvement: Enables partners and caregivers to participate in feeding the baby.
- Relief from Engorgement: Can alleviate discomfort and prevent mastitis in engorged breasts.
- Premature or Sick Babies: Provides essential nutrition when babies are unable to directly breastfeed.
The Storage Process: Step-by-Step
The following steps outline the proper procedure for storing breast milk after pumping:
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Sterilize Pumping Equipment: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and sterilizing pump parts and bottles. This includes washing with soap and hot water and then sanitizing by boiling, steaming, or using a dishwasher with a sanitizing cycle.
- Choose Appropriate Storage Containers: Opt for containers designed specifically for breast milk storage, made from BPA-free plastic or glass. Breast milk storage bags are also a convenient option.
- Label and Date Each Container: Clearly label each container with the date and time of pumping. This helps track freshness and prioritize older milk.
- Portion the Milk: Store milk in small portions (2-4 ounces) to minimize waste. You can always combine smaller portions later if needed.
- Cool the Milk Immediately: Refrigerate or freeze the milk as soon as possible after pumping. If freezing, leave some headspace in the container to allow for expansion.
- Store in the Refrigerator or Freezer: Follow recommended storage guidelines for temperature and duration (see table below).
Storage Guidelines: Time and Temperature
| Location | Temperature | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature (Freshly Pumped) | Up to 77°F (25°C) | Up to 4 hours (ideally) / Up to 6 hours (acceptable) |
| Refrigerator | 40°F (4°C) or colder | Up to 4 days (ideally) / Up to 8 days (acceptable) |
| Freezer | 0°F (-18°C) or colder | 6-12 months (best quality within 6 months) |
| Deep Freezer | 0°F (-18°C) or colder | 12+ months |
Important Considerations:
- These are general guidelines; consult your pediatrician or lactation consultant for specific recommendations based on your baby’s age and health.
- If your baby is in the NICU or has specific health concerns, stricter guidelines may apply.
- Always use the oldest milk first.
Combining Breast Milk
You can combine breast milk pumped at different times of the day, but only if the milk is cooled before combining.
- Cool freshly pumped milk in the refrigerator before adding it to previously pumped refrigerated milk.
- Avoid adding warm, freshly pumped milk directly to refrigerated or frozen milk. This can partially thaw the frozen milk or raise the temperature of the refrigerated milk, potentially compromising its quality.
Thawing Breast Milk
- Refrigerator: The safest way to thaw breast milk is in the refrigerator. This can take several hours, so plan ahead.
- Warm Water: You can also thaw breast milk by placing the container under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water. Do not use hot water.
- Never Microwave: Microwaving breast milk can destroy nutrients and create hot spots, posing a scalding risk to your baby.
Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours and should never be refrozen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling Storage Containers: Breast milk expands when frozen, so leave some headspace in the container to prevent it from bursting.
- Storing Milk at Unstable Temperatures: Avoid storing breast milk in the door of the refrigerator, as the temperature fluctuates when the door is opened and closed. Store it in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where the temperature is more consistent.
- Microwaving Breast Milk: As mentioned above, microwaving can damage nutrients and create hot spots.
- Refreezing Thawed Milk: Thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours and never refrozen.
- Ignoring “Expiration” Dates: While frozen milk can technically last for a long time, the quality degrades over time. Aim to use frozen milk within 6-12 months for optimal nutrient content.
- Inconsistent Cleaning Practices: Inadequate cleaning of pumping equipment and storage containers can lead to bacterial contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I store breast milk in disposable bottle liners?
No, disposable bottle liners are not recommended for breast milk storage. They are not designed to withstand freezing and are prone to leaking.
How do I know if my breast milk has gone bad?
Breast milk that has gone bad will have a sour smell and/or taste. Do not feed your baby milk that smells or tastes off.
Is it normal for breast milk to separate when refrigerated or frozen?
Yes, it is normal for breast milk to separate into layers when refrigerated or frozen. The fat will rise to the top. Gently swirl the milk to re-combine the layers before feeding.
Can I use previously frozen breast milk if it has a soapy smell?
Some women’s breast milk contains higher levels of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats. This can cause a soapy smell or taste in frozen milk. While safe for the baby to drink, some babies may refuse it. Scalding the milk (heating to 180°F/82°C) before freezing can deactivate lipase, but this can also destroy some of the milk’s beneficial properties.
How do I scald breast milk?
Heat the milk in a saucepan until small bubbles form around the edges, but do not boil. Immediately cool the milk and then freeze as usual.
What should I do if I accidentally left breast milk out at room temperature for longer than recommended?
If breast milk has been left at room temperature for longer than the recommended timeframe, it is best to discard it to avoid any risk of bacterial contamination.
Can I store breast milk in the freezer door?
No, avoid storing breast milk in the freezer door. The temperature in the freezer door fluctuates more than in the back of the freezer, which can compromise the quality of the milk.
How do I warm breast milk?
Warm breast milk by placing the container under warm running water or in a bowl of warm water. Never microwave breast milk.
Can I add freshly pumped milk to a bottle that already has formula in it?
It is generally not recommended to add freshly pumped milk to a bottle that already has formula. This could lead to potential contamination. It’s best to offer them separately.
What if my baby doesn’t finish a bottle of breast milk?
If your baby doesn’t finish a bottle of breast milk, it is generally recommended to discard the remaining milk within 1-2 hours of feeding due to potential bacterial contamination from the baby’s saliva.
How can I travel with breast milk?
When traveling with breast milk, keep it cold in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs. Check TSA guidelines for transporting breast milk.
Does freezing breast milk affect its nutritional value?
Freezing can slightly reduce the levels of some nutrients, such as Vitamin C. However, frozen breast milk is still a very nutritious and beneficial option for your baby.