What are the best ways to store breast milk? What is the best way to dissolve it?

 

    Breastfeeding is the ideal feeding option for infants according to global health standards, so most mothers are keen to follow the natural method. Some mothers may resort to pumping or expressing breast milk and storing it to satisfy their baby during work hours, so that someone else can feed them, or for any other reason that prevents natural breastfeeding.

Breast milk storage period

A mother can store her milk in several ways, and its shelf life varies depending on the storage method. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature (25°C or 77°F), and it remains safe and usable for about four hours. In this case, experts recommend covering the milk container with a cool, clean towel to prevent contamination.

If there is any milk left, it can be reused within two hours or discarded to avoid the risk of bacterial growth, especially since infants are more susceptible to bacterial infections.

Storing milk in the refrigerator or freezer

Breast milk is safe to use for up to 4 days if stored in the refrigerator. Experts recommend placing it in the refrigerator immediately after expressing it from the breast, and storing it in the back of the refrigerator away from the door to avoid temperature fluctuations when opening and closing the refrigerator door.

If you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it in the freezer for up to 6 months, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be careful not to overfill the milk container to allow it to expand during freezing.

However, Today Parent reports that it is not recommended to freeze breast milk for long periods of time, as the milk a mother stores when her baby is a newborn may not meet the baby's needs several weeks after birth.

This is because breast milk evolves and its nutritional components change with the baby's age to ensure proper growth and brain development. During the first few weeks, breast milk consists primarily of protective antibodies and beneficial bacteria, while it develops into a meal rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals as the baby reaches 4 weeks or older.

Also, the longer breast milk is stored, the more vitamin C it loses and the lower its quality.

Tips for storing breast milk

The Cleveland Clinic website quotes pediatrician and breastfeeding specialist Heidi Szoghi as saying that some tips should be followed when storing breast milk, including:

• Use plastic bags specifically designed for collecting and storing breast milk. These are ideal for freezing, unlike bags designed for home use, which are more likely to spoil and leak.
• If storage bags are not available, you can use airtight glass containers. Glass preserves the milk better but is at risk of breakage.
• Plastic containers are also a suitable alternative for storing breast milk, but you should look for plastic options that are BPA (bisphenol A)-free or have the recycling code 7.
• Make sure your baby is ready to accept the taste of thawed milk. Sometimes it smells different and tastes soapy, especially when the lipase enzyme is increased. However, the milk is still safe and most babies drink it.
• Label each container with the date the milk was drawn to make it easier to use the oldest milk first. Also, clearly label the container with the child's name before bringing it to the daycare center to avoid mixing it with other containers.
• Milk fat tends to separate and float, so it should be mixed gently (with light circular motions). If the milk does not mix well and appears lumpy or rough, these are signs that it has spoiled. To be sure, you will notice a foul odor and when you taste it, it will taste sour.
• The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends storing breast milk in varying amounts, ranging from 4 ounces (120 ml) to 1 ounce (30 ml). If your baby finishes their bottle and is still hungry, you can use an additional, smaller container. If your baby doesn't finish it, there will be less waste.

The best ways to warm breast milk

According to The Bump, a group of board-certified lactation consultants explain the best methods and practical guidelines for warming stored breast milk:

• The best way to thaw frozen breast milk is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight until it is completely thawed. Thawed milk should be used within 24 hours (starting from the time it is thawed, not the time it is taken out of the refrigerator). It is never recommended to thaw breast milk at room temperature.
• If you need to thaw the milk faster, place the package under running water for a few minutes, or place it in a warm water bath until it reaches room temperature.
• Avoid heating milk directly on the stove or in the microwave, as this promotes the destruction of important nutrients in the milk and may lead to uneven heating of parts of the container. Instead, you can use a baby bottle warmer to distribute the heat evenly.
• Never refreeze thawed milk because this promotes the breakdown of nutrients and allows bacteria to grow, according to the CDC.

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