Breastfeeding is an essential part of nurturing your baby, but there may be times when you need to store and prepare breast milk. Whether you’re returning to work or simply need a backup plan, understanding how to store and prepare milk safely is key.
In this post, we’ll share essential tips on how to store and prepare breast milk to ensure your baby receives the best nutrition while keeping things easy and safe.
Why Proper Milk Storage is Important
Breast milk contains essential nutrients that are vital for your baby’s development, so storing and handling it properly ensures that your baby benefits from its full value.
How to Store Breast Milk Properly
- Use Clean Containers: Always store breast milk in clean, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags.
- Label Containers: Label each container with the date and time you pumped the milk, ensuring you use the oldest milk first (first in, first out).
- Store in the Right Place: Breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 6 months. Always place milk at the back of the fridge or freezer where it’s coldest.
- Avoid Refreezing: Never refreeze milk that has been thawed. If you’re not using it within 24 hours after thawing, discard it.
- Thawing Breast Milk: Thaw frozen breast milk in the fridge overnight, or place it in a bowl of warm water. Avoid microwaving it as it can destroy nutrients.
Preparing Breast Milk for Feeding
- Warm it Safely: If you need to warm up breast milk, do so by placing the container in warm water or using a bottle warmer.
- Do Not Boil: Boiling breast milk can destroy valuable nutrients. Just warm it to body temperature.
- Test Temperature: Before feeding your baby, test the milk’s temperature by placing a few drops on your wrist. It should be warm, not hot.
How Babymomsi Helps You Track Feedings and Storage
Babymomsi can help you log when and how much breast milk you’ve pumped, stored, and used. This can help ensure you’re staying on track with your baby’s feeding schedule and monitoring their growth.
Conclusion
Properly storing and preparing breast milk can ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need, even when you’re not around. Use Babymomsi to make it easier to track your baby’s feeding schedule.
