Fresh and Leftover Breast Milk Preservation: Essential Guidelines for Storage
Parents and caregivers should never reuse milk from a past feeding. To ensure the safe storage, thawing, and preparation of breast milk, follow these guidelines:
Storage
Always wash your hands before handling breast milk. Use clean, food-grade storage containers or special breast milk storage bags (single-use only). Label milk with the date and child’s name if needed. Store fresh milk in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Do not mix fresh milk into already frozen milk.
Avoid storing breast milk in the door of the refrigerator, and steer clear of containers with the recycling symbol number 7, which contains toxic BPA plastic. Instead, opt for glass or food-grade plastic containers with airtight lids.
Thawing
Thaw frozen milk by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, running it under warm (not hot) water, or submerging the container in warm water. Do not microwave as this can lead to uneven heating and nutrient damage.
Preparation
Before feeding, gently swirl milk to mix fat (do not shake vigorously). Once thawed and warmed, discard any leftover milk after 2 hours; do not refreeze or reheat multiple times.
After thawing, breast milk should be used within 24 hours if refrigerated, and never refrozen. Leftover milk from feeding should be discarded after 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
These guidelines align with recommendations from the CDC and pediatric experts for food safety related to expressed breast milk. Safe methods for thawing breast milk include thawing the oldest milk first, thawing in a container of warm or lukewarm water, or thawing in the refrigerator overnight.
Storing breast milk in a freezer is safe for up to 12 months, but 6 months is preferable as an upper limit. Thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours.
Remember, it's essential to maintain high standards of hygiene and use suitable containers to prevent contamination. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the safety and nutritional value of breast milk for your baby.
Breastfeeding is an important aspect of women's health and health-and-wellness, and it's crucial to follow scientific guidelines for the safe storage, thawing, and preparation of breast milk. Dairy alternatives, such as breast milk, should always be stored in clean, food-grade containers, either glass or food-grade plastic with airtight lids, to ensure its safety and nutritional value for the baby.
