Proper breast milk handling ensures your baby receives safe and nutritious milk. This involves safe expressing, storage, and thawing techniques.
Expressing Breast Milk
Before expressing or handling breast milk, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. You can express milk by hand or using a manual or electric breast pump. (CDC, Mayo Clinic, NHS)
Storing Breast Milk
Once expressed, store breast milk in clean, capped food-grade containers (glass is preferred). Storage times vary depending on the method:
- Room Temperature: Up to 4 hours (at temperatures up to 77°F). (WomensHealth.gov, HealthyChildren.org)
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in the back of the refrigerator, where it’s coldest. (HealthyChildren.org, WIC Breastfeeding Support)
- Freezer: Up to 6 months in a freezer and up to 12 months in a deep freezer. Store milk in the back of the freezer for optimal temperature consistency. (WIC Breastfeeding Support)
Thawing Breast Milk
The safest method to thaw frozen breast milk is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. You can also gently swirl the container in a bowl of warm water. Never microwave breast milk, as this can destroy beneficial nutrients and create hot spots that could burn your baby. (CHLA) Once thawed, use the milk within 24 hours.
Important Considerations
- Labeling: Always label your milk with the date of expression.
- Discarding: Discard any milk that smells sour or off.
- Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness throughout the entire process to prevent contamination.
