How to Store Breast Milk: Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
It takes a Herculean effort to follow safe storage rules when half asleep after a 3 a. But, little details matter. Shortchanging and cutting corners could make your baby very sick. The guidelines for storing and preparing breast milk for healthy, full-term babies depend on a few factors: the type of breast milk, the storage location and the temperature. To prevent your breast milk from going to waste, store it in small batches; 2 to 4 ounces Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within two hours, or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. Note: Breast pumps and supplies that assist lactation qualify as tax-deductible breastfeeding gear.
How much expressed milk will my baby need? Previously frozen milk may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after it has finished thawing. Do not refreeze. The cream will rise to the top of the milk during storage. Gently swirl milk do not shake to mix before checking temperature and offering to baby.
For most mothers the easiest and most efficient way to feed your baby breastmilk is usually at the breast, but there may be occasions when this is not possible and you need to express your milk. Some mothers like to keep a small store of breastmilk in the freezer for emergencies. There are several techniques you can use to encourage your let-down reflex when expressing.