Are you wondering how to store your breast milk?

Are you wondering how to store your breast milk?

Hello to all the breastfeeding and soon-to-be moms! 😊

I'm Anne, a midwife, lactation consultant, and mom of three. I know how many questions breastfeeding can raise, especially when it comes to storing breast milk. With my professional and personal experiences, I'm here to guide you and provide reassurance on this topic. So, make yourself comfortable, and let's talk about everything you need to know about storing breast milk!

Why store your breast milk?

Before diving into the details, let's discuss why you might want to store your milk. Whether you're a working mom, need to rest for a few hours, or simply want to have a milk supply available for times when you're not around, storing your breast milk allows you to continue providing the best for your baby, even in your absence. It's also a great option for moms who want to breastfeed and use a breast pump to boost their supply or simply for their own comfort.

How to express your breast milk?

The first step to storing your milk is expressing it. You can use either a manual or electric breast pump, depending on what suits you best. The choice of pump depends on your preferences and needs. Some prefer a manual pump for its convenience and quietness, while others choose an electric pump for its efficiency and speed.

It's important to find a time when you're relaxed to express your milk. A tip that often works well is to look at a photo of your baby or listen to soft music while pumping. This helps stimulate the production of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk ejection. And remember, the key is not to put pressure on yourself; express your milk when you feel ready.

How much milk should you express?

Many moms wonder how much milk they should express. Know that there is no "right" or "wrong" amount. Every mom and baby is unique. Some babies drink small amounts frequently, while others prefer larger amounts less often. To give you an idea, a baby generally drinks between 60 and 120 ml per feeding. If you don't manage to express a lot of milk initially, don't worry. It's completely normal, and it can improve over time and with practice.

How to store breast milk?

Now that you've expressed your milk, it's time to talk about storage. Here are some simple guidelines to keep your milk fresh and nutritious for your baby:

1. At room temperature:

You can store your milk at room temperature (about 25°C) for around 4 hours. This can be convenient if you plan to give it to your baby soon after expressing it.

2. In the refrigerator:

If you want to store your milk longer, you can place it in the refrigerator. In the fridge, your milk can be stored for up to 4 days at a temperature of 4°C or lower. Be sure to place it in the coldest part of the fridge, usually at the back, and avoid storing it in the door, where the temperature fluctuates more.

3. In the freezer:

For longer storage, you can freeze your milk. In a freezer compartment inside the fridge, breast milk can be stored for about two weeks. If your freezer is separate and maintains a temperature of -18°C or lower, you can store your milk for up to 6 months or even longer. However, it is always best to use it within 6 months to maximize nutrient quality.

How to store breast milk?

Use clean and sterile containers to store your breast milk. Breast milk storage bags are convenient because they take up less space and are easy to label. You can also use plastic or glass bottles, but make sure they are tightly sealed.

Don't forget to label each bag or bottle with the date of expression and, if necessary, the time. This way, you'll always know which one to use first (oldest first!). It's also a good idea to store milk in small quantities (60-120 ml), as it's easier to thaw only what you need, reducing waste.

How to warm up breast milk?

When it's time to give your milk to your baby, you might wonder how to warm it up. Here are some tips:

1. For refrigerated milk:

You can place the milk container under a stream of warm water or put it in a bowl of warm water. Avoid using hot water to prevent destroying the nutrients.

2. For frozen milk:

It is best to let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Once thawed, you can warm it up like refrigerated milk.

3. Never use a microwave to warm breast milk!

This can create dangerous "hot spots" for your baby and destroy some of the milk's valuable properties.

How to tell if breast milk is still good?

Breast milk has a sweet or slightly soapy smell due to the natural enzymes it contains. If your milk has a sour or rancid smell, it is best not to give it to your baby. Another sign that the milk is no longer good is if it has a curdled or lumpy appearance.

Tips to maximize the storage life of breast milk

- Hygiene: Always wash your hands before expressing your milk or handling storage containers.

- Sterilization: Make sure all containers are clean and sterilized before use.

- Labeling: Clearly mark the date and time of each expression session on bags or bottles.

- Organization: Always use the oldest milk first, following the "first in, first out" principle.

My experience as a mom of three

As a mom of three, I fully understand the challenges you might face when breastfeeding and trying to store your breast milk. Every day is a new adventure and sometimes a new lesson. Whether you're expressing milk in the middle of the night or trying to remember the last time you expressed, I'm here to tell you that you're doing an amazing job. And with these tips, I hope to make your life a little easier.

### Why all this online support?

I created this support site to be by your side at every step of your motherhood journey. Whether it's providing you with tips on storing milk, yoga or Pilates sessions tailored to you, or supporting you with lactation advice, we're here for you. Because being a mom is already a big challenge, you don't have to do it alone.

Storing your breast milk can seem complicated at first, but with the right tools and information, it becomes an easy and natural routine. And never forget that you're not alone in this journey. If you have questions or concerns, I'm here for you, just like all the moms who are going through the same experience.

Take care of yourself and your baby, and feel free to come back for more tips and advice on breastfeeding and much more!

With all my support,

Anne

Midwife, lactation consultant, and mom of three.