There's a saying that breast milk is like a baby's “first drop of vaccine,” because the milk from a mother's breast is rich in goodness and antibodies that build a baby's immunity in a way formula and cow's milk simply can't. Every mum wants to give her baby the very best milk straight from the breast — but feeding directly at every single feed can be quite a challenge.
There are all sorts of factors: not enough milk, the time it takes, milk that does not always flow when the baby latches so they keep trying to suckle until it becomes painful for mum — not to mention the state of mind and the whole fuss of getting ready before every direct feed.
“Stocking milk” is therefore a way to save mums both time and energy. But if it is stored the wrong way, the milk can spoil easily and lose some of its goodness. So today Granny Ben has some tips on storing milk the right way, so your little one can enjoy good milk for a long time to come.
“Temperature” and “cleanliness” are key to storing breast milk. If you keep the milk in a dedicated deep freezer at below -20°C, it can be stored for up to 6 months.
Press all the air out of the milk storage bag before placing it in the freezer, to keep the milk from developing a rancid smell.
Do not store breast milk together with other foods, as this can give the milk an off smell and allow various germs to get into the storage bag.
Do not store breast milk anywhere warmer than 37°C.
For frozen breast milk, move it to the ordinary fridge compartment for about 12–24 hours to let it thaw on its own, then leave it in clean, room-temperature water for 5–10 minutes before feeding your baby.
For chilled breast milk, before feeding leave it out of the fridge for about 1 hour, or rest it in clean, room-temperature water for about 5–10 minutes to take off the chill before giving it to your baby.
Breast milk at room temperature: if your baby does not finish the bottle, do not keep it for the next feed — discard it right away.
If you need to use frozen milk, do not warm it in the microwave or thaw it in very hot water, as this destroys its goodness. Instead, thaw the stocked milk bag in warm water so the nutrients in the breast milk are not lost.
Let's store breast milk the right way, so your little one gets the full nourishment of mother's milk. Granny Ben is cheering on every mum.