Many moms find it convenient to pump and store breast milk as this is the way that let them continue to provide their baby with the benefits of breast milk even when they are not able to nurse directly. It is necessary in this regard to know some tips for pumping breast milk, storing and warming it, and preserving its nutrition throughout the process. This article will deal with this whole journey of breast milk.
Tips on Pumping Breast Milk
Whatever the reason may be for pumping breast milk like for returning to school or work, for building up a supply, for sharing the feeding responsibilities, or for the convenience of bottle-feeding, here are some tips:
- Choose a quiet, comfortable place to pump, as it can help you relax and produce more milk.
- Experiment with different positions to find one that is most comfortable and effective for you.
- Use a breast pump that fits well and is comfortable for you to use. Also, make sure to express the milk using a clean pump.
- Use a hands-free pumping bra to free up your hands and allow you to relax while pumping.
- Try massaging your breasts or using a warm compress before pumping to encourage milk flow.
- Pump for as long as you feel comfortable, and try to pump at least every 2-3 hours to maintain your milk supply.
- If you have difficulty producing enough breast milk, try pumping after breastfeeding or adding an extra pumping session.
Optimum Storage Time after Expressing
Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours. If you are unable to use the milk within this time frame, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6-12 months, depending on the type of freezer you have.
Here are some guidelines for storing expressed breast milk:
- Room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C): Up to 4 hours
- Refrigerator (39°F or 4°C): Up to 4 days
- Insulated cooler with ice packs: Up to 24 hours
- Freezer compartment within the refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
- Deep freezer: 6-12 months
How to Store and Freeze Expressed Breast Milk
To store expressed breast milk, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the milk.
- Use a clean container with a tight-fitting lid or storage bag which can be sealed to store the milk.
- Label the container with the date that you expressed the milk, so you know how long it has been stored.
- Store the milk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, where the temperature is most consistent.
Warming Stored Breast Milk
When you are ready to use the milk, be sure to thaw and warm it properly. To thaw frozen breast milk, follow these steps:
- Place the container of frozen breast milk in the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can place the container under running lukewarm water to thaw it more quickly.
- Gently swirl the milk to mix the fat that has separated to the top back into the milk. Do not shake the milk, as this can cause it to lose its nutrients and damage the milk cells.
- Check the milk's temperature by dripping a few drops on the inside of your wrist. The milk should be lukewarm, not hot. If the milk is too cold, it can be warmed by placing the container in a bowl of hot water or by using a bottle warmer.
For this, using Momcozy baby bottle warmer is a perfect choice. Without making the process any complicated, momcozy baby bottle warmer heats the milk to the temperature almost closest to the breast milk which helps in preserving the milk nutrients and enhancing your baby’s digestion.
How to Protect the Nutrition of Breast Milk at Each Stage
Here are some tips to protect the nutrition of breast milk at each stage of the breast milk journey from expressing to warming:
- Expressing: To protect the nutrition of breast milk while expressing, it's important to use a high-quality breast pump and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. You should also make sure to clean the breast pump and all of the parts thoroughly after each use.
- Storing: When storing breastmilk, it's important to use clean, airtight containers and to label them with the date of expression. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Warming: When warming breastmilk, it's important to do so gently to avoid destroying the important proteins and enzymes in the milk. You should never microwave breast milk or heat it over direct heat. Instead, place the container of breast milk in a bowl of warm water or run it under warm tap water until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also use a bottle warmer specifically designed for warming breast milk.
The Bottom Line
Breast milk is an important source of nutrition for babies and can provide all the nutrients they need for the first 6 months of life. It is also believed to have numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother. Pumping and storing breast milk makes the whole process quite convenient for mothers. Hopefully, the tips mentioned in this article about pumping, storing, warming, and preserving the nutrients of breast milk during each stage work well for you.
