How to Store Breast Milk

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:StoreBreastMilk
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How to Store Breast Milk

Introduction

Whether you are pumping breast milk daily so you can return to work or you're just doing it before a night out, storing it properly is essential.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Express your breast milk using a breast pump.
2

Step Two

Pour the milk into either clean, opaque plastic bottles or plastic bottle-liner bags.
3

Step Three

Store the breast milk in 2- to 4-oz. portions. These cool down more quickly than larger portions.
4

Step Four

Cap the bottles tightly. Tape the bags shut or use ones with built-in twist ties.
5

Step Five

Label each bottle or bag with the date.
6

Step Six

Refrigerate or freeze breast milk as soon as possible after collecting it.
7

Step Seven

Store breast milk in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours; if you need to store it longer, use the freezer. The freezer inside an older, single-door refrigerator can keep breast milk safely frozen for up to two weeks; the frozen-food compartment of a double-door refrigerator can store milk for three months.

Tips & Warnings

  • Wash bottles well with hot, soapy water and a bottle brush. Rinse and dry them before adding milk.
  • Throw out any breast milk that has been at room temperature for more than 6 hours.
  • Some studies have indicated that chemicals may leach from plastic bottles made out of polycarbonate, which is normally used in clear plastic bottles. If you have any clear plastic bottles, replace them with opaque ones made of polyethylene, which is safe.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Baby Food/breast Milk Storage Jars
  • Plastic Baby Bottles
  • Breast Pump
  • Brushes For Cleaning Baby Bottles
  • Plastic Baby Bottle Liners
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