Many mums ask how to store their breastmilk and use it safely. So here is a blog on this!
Once you are done expressing you can store it in bottles/storage bags. Personally, it has always been a special moment, pouring the milk and seeing how much liquid gold is now available for my little one.
What to use for storage?
OK, so let’s get started. Before pouring it in anything, make sure to use a clean bottle or storage bag that is BPA free (food safe). Note, express equipment including bottles do not need to be sterilised after every use, unless your baby is very premature or recommended by doctors. Here is special trick in pouring the milk into a bottle effortless without spills. See our MumsWay FB reel HERE!
Personally I would only use a bag if you are planning on freezing it. I found bottles are easier to pour and warm up, in particular when sleep deprived!
When would you like to use the milk for bub?
Consider the following ways:
-use it within 6-8 hours when stored at room temperature (below 25 degrees)
-store it for up to 72 hours (3 days) at the back of the fridge
-store it up to 3 months in the freezer
These recommendations are in line with the guidelines by the Australian breastfeeding association. MumsWay pumps have these listed in the manual, so you have them on-hand when needed.
How to warm it up for your baby in a safe way?
Warm up the milk in a bottle warmer or in a bowl of warm water. Make sure it doesn’t get too warm (above 40degrees) and do NOT use the microwave, this will kill many good things that are in your breastmilk and warms up the milk unevenly causing burns!
If frozen, preference is to unfreeze it first (eg., in the fridge overnight), otherwise use a bowl of hot water, make sure to consume within 24hours.
What to avoid?
We all know breastmilk is precious but please keep in mind to never reheat breastmilk and use it within 4 hours after warming up. Try heating up smaller amounts if unsure about the amount to avoid wastage. Also avoid mixing milk unless it is the same temperature. (eg, do not pour fresh milk with cooled milk).
How to serve it?
Babies seem to prefer different bottles. When early in the journey it is in particularly recommended to pace feed and/or use slow pace bottles to avoid bottle preference. Later, you can try faster pace bottles and/or sippy cups. Once bub is old enough for solids (6months +) you can also mix it in their purees.