How to Preserve Breastmilk
Breastfeeding is the healthiest and most natural way to feed a baby. But due to the constraints of modern lifestyles, it isn't always possible for mothers to be with their infants during their feeding times. Many new mothers, whether out of convenience or necessity, choose to pump their breastmilk and save it for a future date.
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Instructions
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Breast Pumps
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Expressing breastmilk by hand is just as effective as using a breast pump. First, wash your hands with soap and water. Massage the breast in a circular motion moving towards the nipple. Place the thumb and forefinger on the areola, about an inch away from the nipple, and press in towards the chest using a rolling motion to express the milk. Once the breastmilk stops flowing, reposition the thumb and forefinger on another part of the areola and repeat.
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Using an electric hospital-grade breast pump is the best option for women who pump frequently. These models have automatic suction and the strength of the vacuum can be adjusted to avoid pain or discomfort.
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Operating a battery powered breast pump comes with some challenges. Many models don't have an automatic suck-release mechanism so the mother has to turn the pump on and off. Because the vacuum strength can't be adjusted, irritated nipples can result.
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Using a manual pump is good for women who only pump their breastmilk occasionally. They're much more affordable than the electric and battery operated breast pumps.
Milk Storage
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Store milk in a glass or plastic bottle or in a specially designed zip top bag made just for breastmilk. Opaque bottles protect the breastmilk from the breakdown of nutrients better than clear bottles. Bags allow for the greatest amount of nutrient loss.
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Keep breastmilk in the refrigerator for up to four days. It is best if breastmilk is refrigerated immediately after pumping.
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Freezing breastmilk is also an option. It will keep for three months in a standard freezer and six months in a subzero freezer.
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Thaw frozen breastmilk in lukewarm water. Use it within 24 hours and do not refreeze it.
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Tips & Warnings
Breastmilk can be frozen in layers. It is possible to collect a little bit of milk each day and add it to the same container in the freezer. Make sure the fresh breastmilk is chilled in the refrigerator first to prevent thawing.
For premature and ill babies, it is wise not to use the layering method of freezing breastmilk.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:449px-Manual_Breast_Pump_2005_SeanMcClean.jpg
