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Storing Breast Milk Correctly |
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by hoprah  (June 2007) (rank 294th) |
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CORRECT BREAST MILK STORAGE IS VITAL TO KNOW!
I have so many friends who had their freezer stash 'go bad' because they weren't up to speed on how to correctly store it. I felt so bad for them as I know how hard they worked to get their supplys up and buying bags, freezing them etc all for nothing. I was so glad I read up everything I could on it and am thankful none of my freezer supply was wasted!
Store your milk in glass or hard plastic containers, or in milk storage bags made especially for breast milk. The Medela Storage Bags and Bottles have special plastic that retains breastmilk’s beneficial properties. Use a bag with a leak-proof, easy-to-close zipper top. Place smaller bags inside a larger food storage bag to prevent accidental punctures.
Freeze milk in 2 to 5 oz (60 to 150ml) portions. Small amounts will thaw more quickly. You will waste less milk this way and will avoid over-feeding. Liquids expand when frozen. Be sure to leave some extra room at the top of the container so the bottle or bag won’t burst.
Seal containers tightly!!! Write the date on a piece of masking tape on the bag or bottle. Use the oldest milk first.
If you do not plan to use the milk within a few days, freeze it right away in the coldest section of your freezer. Do not place the bottle or bag up against the wall of the freezer.
It is normal for pumped milk to vary in color, consistency and scent depending on your diet. Stored milk separates into layers. Cream will rise to the top. Gently swirl the warmed bottle to mix the milk layers.
You can continue to add small amounts of cooled breastmilk to the same refrigerated container throughout the day. Avoid adding warm milk to already cooled milk.
CAUTION: Never microwave breastmilk. Microwaving can cause severe burns to baby’s mouth from hot spots that develop in the milk during microwaving. Microwaving can also change the composition of breastmilk and destroy some vital components. I personally use the Avent Food and Bottle Warmer to heat mine up! At only AUS$80, I thought it was worthwhile!
GOOD LUCK FREEZER MUMMIES!!!!
For more information, go to www.medela.com
Lexi xxx
