Proper Storage of Breast Milk

Now more and more breastfeeding mothers who move outside the home. Expressing milk is also an option so that the nutritional intake of children remains fulfilled. That is why it is important to know how to properly store breast milk. There are various options for storing dairy milk, such as glass bottles, plastic bottles with labels free of hazardous materials, or special plastic packaging for breast milk. It's best to avoid storing dairy milk in bottles or plastic bags that are commonly used for public purposes. This is because the breastmilk storage place also affects the quality of the stored breastmilk.

Keep Packaging Clean

So that the quality of stored breastmilk is maintained, it is important to first sterilize the baby bottle or container of breast milk that will be cooled or frozen. Perform sterilization by boiling the bottles and parts of the breast pump that come in contact with the skin, in boiling hot water for about 5-10 minutes. In addition to manually boiling, Mother can also use an electric sterilizer. But beforehand, don't forget to check the safety and durability of the packaging on the label. Be careful when sterilizing bottles made of glass, because this material is more at risk of breaking. It is equally important to prevent the development of bacteria from dairy milk, which is to maintain hand hygiene when blushing, or when storing breast milk in packaging. Use soap to wash your hands before milking, and wash bottles of breast milk before sterilizing. For breast milk that will be frozen, put the bottle directly in the freezer immediately after milking. We recommend that you do not fill a full bottle or plastic packaging. The reason is because breast milk tends to expand in a frozen state. Especially for plastic milk containers for dairy milk, place them again in containers or other packaging boxes before putting them in the refrigerator. This is because plastic packaging is more at risk of leakage. Finally, do not forget to provide a label that states the date of milking milk, on bottles or plastic packaging.

Storage time

The storage of dairy milk should be adjusted according to its use. Breast milk that will be used as soon as possible, better put into the refrigerator that will not freeze. Dairy milk can be stored from several hours to several months, depending on the temperature of placement. Here are the principles of breastfeeding storage that must be known:

• Dairy milk lasts up to 6 hours if placed at room temperature around 25 degrees Celsius.
• Dairy milk lasts up to 24 hours, when stored in a cooler that is added to an ice pack.
• Dairy milk lasts up to 5 days, when placed in the refrigerator section of the refrigerator with a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.
• Dairy milk lasts up to 6 months when stored in a freezer at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius or lower.

It's just worth remembering, the process of freezing breast milk is likely to eliminate some of the substances that are important to ward off infections in infants. The longer storage of milk, whether refrigerated or frozen, will eliminate the vitamin C content in breast milk. Nevertheless, the frozen breast milk, the nutritional value is still far better than formula milk.

Tips for liquefying milk

Thawed frozen breast milk is likely to experience changes in color, odor, and consistency compared to fresh breast milk. Therefore, it is natural for Mother to find breast milk settling after being stored in the refrigerator. This condition is normal and just shake the storage bottle to mix it again. Some babies refuse frozen breast milk. If so, you can try to shorten the shelf life of breast milk or warm milk before it is given to your baby.

• To melt frozen frozen milk, can use an electric breast milk heater that can be used at home or in the car. If it's not available, then you can place a milk storage bottle in a pot or bowl filled with warm water. Let stand a few moments. Remember, do not put the pan or basin on a stove that is on.
• Frozen breast milk should not be released immediately at room temperature. Some studies reveal that changes in temperature can quickly affect the antibody content in breast milk that is beneficial for babies. Frozen breast milk from the freezer can be placed first in the refrigerator room on the refrigerator, then warm as above.
• If milk is needed immediately, then you can place it under running water at normal temperature. Then continue to flow with warm water. If it isn't warm enough, place the bottle in a bowl of warm water. To check whether the temperature of the milk is suitable for your baby, drop it onto the wrist. If the temperature is right, breast milk can be given directly to your child.
• Even though it seems easy, avoid heating or diluting the milk using a microwave. This tool can create spots on milk bottles that may be dangerous for your baby. These spots appear because of the heat. Again, changes in milk that are too fast in breast milk can eliminate the antibodies needed by the baby.

Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies. Proper storage of breast milk can help nursing mothers who work or do activities outside the home to keep meeting the needs of the baby. If necessary, consult a doctor for more information.