Have you just had a baby? Then you probably know the importance of breastfeeding your most precious possession. Even doctors recommend breastfeeding over formula because it contains the right amount of nutrients, is easier on your baby's delicate digestive system, and is better absorbed by the body. But it can be difficult to breastfeed your baby all the time. Maybe you're a busy person, or you're thinking of giving your family members a chance to help you breastfeed. It's a great convenience to have your breast milk stored at a time like this.
But the question is, how long can you keep expressed milk in a bottle like this? Is it safe to use it again? This depends on several things. For example, things like when the milk was expressed and how it was stored are very important. Let's talk about everything clearly and simply.
What is Expressing Breast Milk?
Simply put, expressing breast milk is the process of removing milk from the breast using a different method, rather than directly sucking it from the baby. There are two methods for this.
- Hand Expression: As the name suggests, you can express milk by gently squeezing your breasts with your own hands. It may feel a little difficult at first, but once you get used to it, it's very easy. Some mothers find it painful to express milk with a breast pump. This method can be very convenient for them.
- Using a breast pump: There are manual and electric breast pumps. These are easy to use. Although many people use these, there are times when you may not be able to use your pump, so it's worth learning how to express breast milk by hand.
Most importantly: Before you start pumping, double-check that your hands, pump parts, and milk collection containers are clean. This is essential for your baby's health.
How to properly store expressed breast milk?
How long you can keep expressed milk varies depending on where you store it. There are specific guidelines for this, and we need to follow them exactly for the safety of our baby.
You can get a good idea about this from the table below.
| Storage location | Safe storage time | Things to remember in particular |
|---|---|---|
| At room temperature (Room Temperature - up to 25°C) | Up to 4 hours | Keep it as cool as possible. It is best to cover it with a clean, cool cloth. |
| In the fridge (Refrigerator - about 4°C) | Up to 4 days | Don't keep it in the fridge door. The temperature changes every time the door is opened and closed. Keep it in the back of the fridge. |
| Deep Freezer | Between 6 and 12 months | Milk expands when frozen, so don't fill milk bags/bottles to the brim. Freeze in small amounts, about 2-4 ounces. Note the date and use the oldest milk first. |
About milk storage bags and bottles
There are special storage bags and bottles made specifically for storing breast milk. Never store breast milk in regular household plastic bags. These special bags and bottles are usually free of the harmful chemical `(BPA - Bisphenol A).` However, new research has found that these bags can leach tiny plastic particles `(Microplastics)` into the milk. Research is still being done to see if this has any effect on the baby. If you can, storing milk in clean, tightly sealed glass bottles is also a good option.
Most importantly: Clearly write the date the milk was expressed on the bag or bottle you collected it in. If you are sending your baby to daycare , don't forget to write the baby's name as well .
How do you heat stored breast milk before giving it to your baby?
Some babies like to drink milk at room temperature or cold from the fridge. You can try that too. But most babies prefer to drink milk that is slightly warm, similar to the mother's body temperature.
- The right way: The best way to warm milk is to use a bottle warmer. Alternatively, you can warm the bottle by placing it in a bowl of lukewarm water.
- Checking the temperature: Before giving it to your baby, put a few drops of milk from the bottle on your wrist . If it feels right to your skin, it will be right for your baby's mouth.
- Things you should never do: Never heat breast milk directly on the stove or in a microwave oven. Doing so will not heat the milk evenly, and may overheat in places and burn your baby's mouth. It can also destroy the valuable nutrients and immune-boosting properties of the milk.
Very important: Breast milk that has been warmed or brought to room temperature after being taken out of the fridge or freezer should be given to your baby within 2 hours. Do not reuse milk that has been out for longer than that, throw it away. Do not put leftover milk back in the fridge or freeze it.
How do you thaw frozen milk?
Although you can keep milk in a deep freezer for 6 to 12 months, it is best to use it within 6 months. When thawing milk, always use the oldest package of milk first.
- Safety methods :
- Refrigerate overnight and thaw. This is the best method.
- Place the milk bag/bottle in a bowl of slightly warm water.
- Hold it under a stream of slightly warm water.
- Wrong methods: Never try to quickly thaw frozen milk by putting it in the microwave or on the stove.
After the milk has thawed, you may notice a layer of fat separating from the top. This is normal and does not mean the milk has gone bad. Gently swirl the bottle to mix it well.
How long can you keep thawed milk?
Thawed breast milk stored in the refrigerator should be used within 24 hours of being completely thawed. Remember, this 24-hour period starts from the time the milk is completely thawed, not from the time it is taken out of the freezer.
How do you know if breast milk has gone bad?
Breast milk can usually be yellow, orange, blue, or green in color. This is normal. The best thing to do is to smell and taste it before giving it to your baby. If the smell is normal and it has a slight sweet taste, then the milk is good. However, if it smells sour or tastes sour , then it has definitely gone bad and should be thrown away.
Sometimes your milk may taste or smell like soap or iron. This does not always mean that your milk has gone bad. There could be a number of reasons for this. If you notice this or if your baby is not responding to your milk, it is best to talk to your doctor or a lactation specialist.
Take-Home Message
- Be mindful of time: Expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature for 4 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 days, and in the deep freezer for 6-12 months.
- Leftover milk: Use any leftover milk within 2 hours of your baby drinking it. Then throw it away. Never put it back in the fridge.
- Safe heating: Use a bottle warmer or lukewarm water to heat milk. Never use a microwave oven or stove.
- Record the date: Clearly write the date on every bottle/bag you store milk in. Use the oldest milk first.
- If in doubt, throw it away: If you have even the slightest doubt about the smell or taste of the milk, don't take the risk. Throw it away and give your baby some fresh milk. We need to be very careful because babies have weak immune systems.
- Get advice: If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding or storing breast milk, never hesitate to ask your family doctor or pediatrician.
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