You’ve just finished pumping after a long feed, and now you’re staring at the bottle, wondering—how long will this last? I also recall doing the exact thing in the middle of the night when feeding the baby, and checking the labels and fridge dates in a half-wrapped state of unconsciousness.
Breast milk storage might seem a strange process at the beginning, yet it is what the overwhelming majority of mothers are going through daily. When stored well, you will have milk that is nutritious for your baby.
Let’s walk through how to store it the right way—based on both facts and personal experience.
Breast Milk Storage: How to Store Mother Milk Safely and Properly
Proper storage of breast milk in fridge prevents the occurrence of bacteria in breast milk that would be dangerous to your baby. This should be done by using clean bottles or breast milk storage bags. Use soap and water to wash your hands.
Once pumped, mark on dates and times of each container. This will assist you in consuming the oldest milk. Do not put warm milk into cold milk that is in the refrigerator. Wave first, mix it later. Put small portions of milk in the stores so that it is not wasted.
It should be placed at the back of the fridge or the freezer where the temperature levels are constant. You will be able to feed your baby safely whether you are around or you are not.
How Long Does Breast Milk Last at Room Temperature?
Freshly pumped breast milk may be left at room temperature (approximately 77°F or 25 °C) and lasts up to 4 hours. It can take a bit more time in colder rooms. When you live in a warm climate, milk should be stored a bit earlier so that it does not spoil.
Put clean, covered containers. Never leave milk standing around too long in summer. When your baby does not complete drinking the milk, you may use it within 2 hours. Make sure you smell the milk before you use it because when it is sour, it means it is bad. As multiples aren’t always safe, it is better to keep them refrigerated or frozen.
Breast Milk in Fridge: How Long Does It Last?
We often have this question that how long does breast milk last in the fridge. Well, breast milk can be stored up to 4 days in the refrigerator at 4 °C (39°F) or below. Milk should never be in the door of the fridge. Store bags or bottles should be clean. Write the date and the time on every container. Do not combine warm milk and cold milk. Do not refreeze milk that has been thawed.
When the milk has turned sour or has a funny appearance, discard it. Try to keep the fridge closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature. To make the milk of the best quality and safety, it is recommended to use refrigerated milk in no more than 3 days. Breast milk storage should always be safe.
How Long Is Frozen Breast Milk Good For?
In a normal freezer, frozen breast milk can be stored for up to a period of 6 months. It can survive up to a year in a deep freezer that is maintained at a temperature of not more than -180 °C. Store milk in BPA-free containers that are fresh. Write the date and time on each of them. Milk should not be kept in the door but at the back of the freezer.
Thawed milk should not be refrozen. Never leave it out on the counter to thaw, but do it in the fridge or warm water. When it thaws, it should not smell bad, so do not use it. By observing the right freezer rules, you will keep your milk safe to consume by your baby to consume.
Signs That Stored Breast Milk Has Gone Bad
Breast milk storage is always helpful, but it is supposed to have a sweet or neutral smell. It can have the bad smells of sour or soapy, and even rotten foods, and then it can be spoiled. Nosing is always done before feeding. After storage, the texture might run a little, and fat is supposed to gather at the top. Stir (do not shake) gently.
Or in case it is not mixed and has bits, then it is not safe. Taste but a small drop, and it must not be sour, or of a metallic taste. Be faithful to your senses. It is better to waste it than feed your baby in case you have the slightest doubt about it.
Do not feed milk that has expired, even though it looks good. When the milk does not go down, or when the baby becomes ill on feeding, do not use stored milk, but consult your doctor. Safe milk contributes to the healthy growth of your baby.
Tips for Thawing and Reheating Stored Milk
Breast milk storage helps moms a lot. It might seem like storing breast milk is a difficult task, but as you practice, you will get used to it. Get to trust your system- clean containers, right labels, and great habits will work wonders. Never date your milk and use the oldest.
It is not a big deal to make a small mistake, but to learn from and fix it. In case that you are not sure whether your milk is safe, then you can ask your paediatrician. Keep in mind that you are doing your best for your baby. Proper storage helps your baby to inhale all the nutrients of breast milk even when you are not around him or her. You can do it!
Final Thoughts
It might seem like breast milk storage is a difficult task, but as you practice, you will get used to it. Get to trust your system- clean containers, right labels, and great habits will work wonders. Never date your milk and use the oldest. It is not a big deal to make a small mistake, but to learn from and fix it.
In case that you are not sure whether your milk is safe, then you can ask your paediatrician. Keep in mind that you are doing your best for your baby. Proper storage helps your baby to inhale all the nutrients of breast milk even when you are not around him or her. You can do it!
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