For new mothers, breast milk is the most precious source of nutrition for their babies, as it is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. However, it’s important to know how to safely store your expressed milk. This article provides a comprehensive guide to ensure it is stored safely.
Breast Milk Storage Detail Guidelines: Timeframes and Methods
Room Temperature Storage
- For temperatures above 25°C: Use within 1 hour
- For temperatures below 25°C: Safe for up to 4 hours
- Ideal for: Immediate feeding or very short-term needs
Insulated Cooler Storage
Some mothers will have to store breast milk during travel, they can pack it in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs. This helps maintain a consistent, cool temperature during travel.
- Temperature maintained at 4-15°C with ice packs or gel packs
- Safe duration: Up to 24 hours
- Transfer to refrigerator as soon as possible
- Perfect for: Travel or when refrigeration isn’t immediately available
Fridge Storage
- Temperature requirements: Below 4°C
- Safe duration: Up to 48 hours (2 days)
- Best practice: Store milk toward the back of the refrigerator, ensuring it is the coldest area in the fridge, away from the door
- Avoid: Storing it in refrigerator door or front areas where temperature fluctuates
Freezer Storage (Long-Term Preservation)
- Regular freezer compartment (2-door refrigerator): 3 months
- Important: Use airtight storage bags
- Leave approximately 1/4 space for expansion during freezing
- Implement a “first in, first out” system to use oldest milk first
Safe Thawing and Warming Breast Milk Techniques
Thawing Methods
- Gradual thawing: Place the frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight for a slow, safe thaw.
- Quick thawing: Place sealed container under lukewarm water or in a bowl of warm water (below 37°C)
- After thawing: Use within 24 hours and never refreeze
How to Warm Breast Milk
- Never microwave or boil breast milk as high heat destroys nutrients and creates dangerous hot spots
- Always mark down the date and time on the breast milk container, and thaw the oldest dated breast milk first
- Never refreeze once it has been thawed
Critical Rules
- Thawed breast milk must be used within 24 hours
- Discard any leftover milk (warmed and baby unfinished) after 1 hour
- Never return previously warmed milk to storage
In the next article, we will explore the do and don’ts of breast milk storage, and some frequently asked questions from most of the Singaporean mothers. If you are meeting supply issue, you may refer to this article to learn how to increase breast milk supply.
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