Storing and Thawing of Breast Milk

Breast milk is widely considered to be the best source of nutrition for infants and babies, and it’s important to store and thaw it in a safe and effective way. Storing and thawing breast milk can be done in a variety of ways, and it’s important to understand the best practices for doing so. This guide will give an overview of the best methods for storing and thawing breast milk, so that you can ensure your infant or baby is getting the best possible nutrition. Please keep reading for details on the following topics:

Where to store breast milk

Precautions with breast milk

Thawing breast milk

Warming breast milk

Spoilt milk

Preserving breast milk


BREAST MILK CAN BE STORED

At room temperature- 4 hours

In the refrigerator (77oF/25oC) or colder for up to 4 to 7 days

In the freezer (0°F/18°C) or colder for 6 to 12 months


PRECAUTIONS WITH BREAST MILK

Breast milk should never be refrozen after it has been thawed

Breast milk can be served at room temperature and does not need to be warmed

Breast milk left over from a feeding must be used within 2 hours

Breast milk must be stored in clean storage bags or bottles

The expressed breast milk must be clearly labeled with the date and time which it was expressed

Be sure to avoid storing the breast milk on the door of the refrigerator or freezer to keep the temperature constant

Store the breast milk in small portions

The amount of breast milk increases as it freezes

Breast milk must not be warmed on a stove


THAWED OR PREVIOUSLY FROZEN BREAST MILK CAN BE STORED

At room temperature for 1 to 2 hours

In the refrigerator for up to 1 day/24 hours



THAWING BREAST MILK

Thawing breast milk is an important step to ensure that the milk is safely consumed. It’s important to understand the various methods available for thawing, as well as the potential risks associated with improper thawing. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of thawing breast milk, the different methods of thawing, and how to ensure thawed milk is safe for consumption.


HOW TO THAW BREAST MILK

Using the first in first out mantra: thaw out the oldest breast milk first

Breast milk can be thawed

Overnight in the refrigerator

In a container of warm water

Beneath warm running water

Breast milk must not be thawed in a microwave because nutrients can be destroyed

The countdown for thawing commences after the breast milk is completely thawed

Thawed and rewarmed breastmilk must be used within 2 hours

Thawed breast milk must never be refrozen


HOW TO WARM BREAST MILK

Wash and dry the hands

Move the milk from the refrigerator or freezer to the counter

Heat up water

Pour some warm water into a container

Pour the milk to be given to the baby in a clean sealed feeding bottle

Place the sealed bottle into a bowl of warm water (and leave for about 2 minutes) or under warm running

Mix the milk by swirling the bottle, ensuring an even distribution of temperature

Drop a few drops of the milk on to the wrist to test the temperature of the milk

If the rest of the milk is not used within 2 hours it should be discarded


SPOILT MILK

Spoilt milk has a variety of causes, from being left out too long to being exposed to bacteria from other foods. Thawing spoilt milk is an important part of the process of ensuring that it is safe for consumption. This article will provide an overview of the steps involved in thawing spoilt milk and the safety precautions to consider.


SIGNS OF MILK SPOILAGE

Foul odor

A rancid taste

Change in the texture or color of the milk

The presence of various layers in the milk which do not mix together


THINGS TO AVOID WHILST REWARMING BREAST MILK

Microwaving breast milk – (this can change the milk’s composition)

Microwaves don’t heat evenly, and can cause burns to the baby’s mouth

Heating breast milk too hot

Using boiling water to warm the milk (this can reduce the quality of the breastmilk)

Heating breastmilk directly on the stove (this can cause damage to the milk’s composition)


HOW TO THAW BREAST MILK USING WARM WATER

In a container filled with warm water

Place the container inside, with the cap above the level of the water

Allow to continue until the milk is no longer frozen

Continue the warming process then offer to baby when suitable

Place the rest in the refrigerator for the next feed


Run hot water over the bottle of milk

Place a cap or steady finger over the nipple of the bottle to ensure it is sealed

Hold the bottle under hot water for a few minutes, rotating the bottle so the milk gets heated evenly through

Once completed, shake the bottle so the fat evenly mixes


HOW TO PRESERVE BREAST MILK IN A FRIDGE

Place the left-over milk in the fridge immediately after feeding or being expressed

Store the milk in clean storage containers or bags

Do not use containers with BPA (poisonous substances found in plastic) because it can contaminate the milk

Do not mix freshly prepared milk to already refrigerated milk

Place the milk in a compartment with a consistent temperature such as the back of the fridge

Avoid placing the breast milk near meat, or fish, as these can cause the milk to spoil


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