Proper Storage of Breast Milk

Now, more and more nursing mothers are active outside the home. Whiten breast milk is also an option so that the nutritional intake of children is always satisfying. That is why it is important to know how to store breast milk properly.

There are various choices of breast milk storage locations, such as glass bottles, plastic bottles labeled that are free of hazardous materials, or special plastic packaging for breast milk. It is best to avoid storing milk in general purpose bottles or plastic. Indeed, storage of breast milk also affects the quality of stored milk.

Keep the packaging clean

To maintain the quality of stored breastmilk, it is important to sterilize the bottle or container of breastmilk first to be cooled or frozen. Perform sterilization by boiling the bottle and the part of the breast pump that comes in contact with the skin, in boiling water for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Besides boiling manually, you can also use an electric sterilizer. But first, don't forget to check the safety and durability of the packaging on the label. Be careful when sterilizing glass bottles because this material has a higher risk of breaking.

It is also important to prevent the development of bacteria from cow's milk, which must keep hands clean during hot flashes or when breast milk is stored in packages. Use soap to wash hands before watering, and wash bottles of milk before sterilization.

To freeze milk, put the bottle directly in the freezer immediately after milking. You may not completely fill bottles or plastic packaging. The reason is that breast milk tends to develop in a frozen state.

Especially for plastic containers filled with milk, put them back in containers or other packaging boxes before putting them in the fridge. In fact, plastic packaging is more likely to leak. Finally, don't forget to put a label that shows the date of UPS flushing, bottles or plastic packaging.

Storage time

ASI storage must be adapted to their use. Breast milk will be used as soon as possible, it is best to put it in the refrigerator so it does not freeze.

Asi can be stored for several hours to several months, depending on the placement temperature. Here are the principles of breastfeeding that must be known:

• Asi will last 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 added to an ice pack (ice pack).
• Dairy milk can last up to 5 days if placed in the refrigerator at a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.
• Breast milk lasts up to 6 months if stored in the freezer at -18 degrees Celsius or lower.

Remember, freezing breast milk may eliminate some important substances to prevent infection in infants. Storage of breast milk for a long time, either in the refrigerator or frozen, will eliminate the content of vitamin C in breast milk. However, in frozen breast milk, the nutritional value is always much better than formula milk.

Tips for melting milk

Frozen frozen breast milk is likely to experience changes in color, odor and consistency compared to fresh breast milk. Therefore, it is natural for mothers to get breast milk to settle 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 shortening the shelf life of breast milk or warm it before giving it to the baby.

• To melt frozen milk, you can use an electric breast milk heater that can be used at home or by car. If this is not available, you can then place the milk storage bottle in a pan or bowl of warm water. Let stand a few moments. Remember, do not put a pan or basin on a stove that is on.

• Frozen milk should not be released immediately at room temperature. Several studies have shown that changes in temperature can quickly affect the content of ASI antibodies, which are beneficial for babies. Frozen milk from the freezer can be placed first in the refrigerator room and then warmed as above.

• If you need milk right away, you can put it under running water at normal temperature. Then keep walking with warm water. If it isn't hot enough, put the bottle in a bowl of warm water. To check if the milk temperature is right for your baby, place it on your wrist. If the temperature is right, breast milk can be given directly to your child.

• Even if it seems easy, avoid heating or melting milk in the microwave. This tool can make stains on milk bottles that can be dangerous for your baby. These spots appear because of heat. Once again, too rapid changes in breast milk can eliminate the antibodies that are needed by the baby.

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