How to Save Breast Milk Safely

Whether you want to express and save breast milk for later use or for bottle feeding when you’re away from your baby, learn the basics of breast milk storage to ensure you preserve it properly. Depending on the container and the breast milk storage method, you’ll be able to save breast milk safely for a period of four hours to three months. Consider these tips to save breast milk safely.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the proper container to save breast milk safely. If you’re using a breast pump to express your milk, look for a system that also includes storage options. The Avent breast pump, for example, is compatible with the BPA Free Breast Milk Storage Set—dishwasher-safe containers that allow you to pump, refrigerate and feed with the same bottle or stackable and freezable containers.

2. Use glass bottles to save breast milk, if you prefer. Ensure you’ve cleaned them before expressing your milk (preferably on high heat in a dishwasher). Choose baby bottles or jars with clear measurement markings to prevent waste—if your baby typically eats four ounces at one sitting, for instance, prepare several bottles to use as single servings since you should not refreeze breast milk or save breast milk in a container that your baby just used.

3. Save space if you plan to freeze breastmilk with pre-sterilized breast milk storage bags. Most storage bags can hold six to eight ounces of breast milk and feature safety seals to prevent leakage and contamination, along with tabs to note the date that you expressed the milk.

4. Chill breast milk immediately if you plan to store it for a prolonged period of time. If you’re taking a bottle along for later bottle feeding and are leaving it at room temperature, ensure your baby drinks the milk within four hours or within eight hours on a cool day (70 degrees or below). Any longer and you should consider a breast milk storage solution like a cooler with ice packs.

5. Refrigerate milk in breastmilk storage bags or bottles up to five days. Save breast milk safely by placing the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator (as opposed to on a door shelf) and ensure your fridge temperature is about 40 degrees F.

6. Try freezing breast milk in breast milk storage bags, leaving enough room at the top of the bag for the milk to expand as it freezes. You can save breast milk safely in sterilized breast milk storage bags or sealed containers up to three months. Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator overnight or by soaking in a pan of warm water. Use the milk for bottle feeding within 24 hours of thawing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re using breast milk storage bags or bottles to save breast milk, consider using BPA-free containers. BPA is a hardening agent used in plastic products said to be associated with a variety of health problems.

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on 3/14/2009 Been there. Will be again in 2 weeks when baby #2 arrives. 5*