Safe Practices for Reheating and Storing Breast Milk

Understanding Proper Handling and Storage of Breast Milk

For breastfeeding mothers balancing work or seeking more flexibility, mastering the safe storage and reheating of expressed breast milk is crucial. Preserving the milk’s valuable nutrients and immune-supporting qualities requires following recommended guidelines.

By adhering to best practices in storage and reheating, you can ensure your baby receives the full benefits of breast milk.

Guidelines for Reheating Breast Milk

Always use the oldest frozen milk first to minimize waste. Thaw frozen milk slowly by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or by running it under cool, steady water. Gradually warm the water to reach a comfortable feeding temperature.

For refrigerated milk, warm it gently under warm running water or by placing the container in a pot of warm water on the stove. Avoid direct heating on the stove and never bring breast milk to a boil.

Some babies accept cooled milk without warming, so consider offering it as is before heating.

Never use a microwave to warm breast milk, as uneven heating can create dangerous hot spots and may reduce nutritional quality.

It is normal for refrigerated milk to separate into layers; gently swirling or massaging the container will recombine the cream. Occasionally, thawed milk may develop a soapy smell or taste due to fat breakdown, which is safe but might be unappealing to your baby. In such cases, shorten storage time.

Best Practices for Storing Breast Milk

Expressed breast milk should be refrigerated or frozen immediately after pumping. Store in 2- to 4-ounce portions using specially designed breast milk storage bags or BPA-free glass or plastic containers with secure lids.

Avoid using regular kitchen storage bags or disposable bottle liners, as they are less durable and increase contamination risk. Remove excess air from storage bags before sealing.

Select containers made from polypropylene (marked with a recycling symbol 5 or 'PP') or opt for glass to avoid chemicals like BPA found in plastics marked with 3 or 7.

Thoroughly wash and air-dry storage containers before use, or clean them in a dishwasher. Inspect containers for damage and discard any compromised ones along with their contents. Always wash your hands before handling breast milk.

Leave about an inch of space at the top of containers to allow for milk expansion during freezing. Label each container with the date and volume, and include your child’s name if the milk is for childcare providers.

Store milk at the back of the refrigerator or freezer where temperatures remain most stable. When using storage bags, place them inside a sealed container for added protection.

Freshly expressed milk can be added to refrigerated or frozen milk expressed earlier the same day, but allow the new milk to cool first to prevent thawing and contamination.

Storage Duration Recommendations

Thawed breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours but should not be refrozen.

The Mayo Clinic suggests the following storage times for expressed breast milk:

• At room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C): up to 6 hours, ideally used or stored within 4 hours; reduce to 4 hours in warmer environments.
• In an insulated cooler with ice packs: up to 24 hours.
• In the refrigerator (at 39°F/4°C): up to 5 days, optimally used or frozen within 3 days.
• In a deep freezer (below 0°F/-18°C): up to 12 months, with 6 months being ideal. Normal freezers are suitable for 3 to 6 months.

Key Takeaways

Keep in mind that longer storage times can reduce vitamin C content in breast milk. Additionally, milk expressed when your baby was a newborn may not fully meet their nutritional needs as they grow.

Nonetheless, properly stored breast milk remains a nutritious and beneficial feeding option.

If your baby is premature, ill, or hospitalized, consult with a lactation specialist and healthcare provider for tailored storage and reheating advice.

Jessica is an experienced writer and editor who transitioned to freelancing after becoming a mother. She balances her writing career with family life and a role as a fitness co-director at a martial arts academy, bringing diverse expertise and passion to her work.

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