Properly storing breast milk is essential to ensure it is safe for your baby to consume and to maintain its nutritional value. Here are some guidelines for storing breast milk:
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Clean storage area: Use clean and sterilized storage areas to store the expressed breast milk. You can use the Youha breast milk bags , bottles or glass bottles that are suitable for storing breast milk.
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Labelling: Make sure you clearly label each item with the date the milk was expressed. This way you can use older milk first and avoid waste.
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Freshly expressed breast milk: If you plan to use the breast milk soon, you can store it at room temperature (up to about 25°C) for up to 4 hours. If it is very hot (above 25°C), it is better to use it within 2 hours.
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Refrigerator: Chilled breast milk (0-4°C) can be stored in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 to 5 days, depending on the sanitary conditions of your refrigerator. Place the breast milk in the back part of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable.
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Freezer: If you want to keep the breast milk longer, you can freeze it. It can be stored in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator (with a separate door) for a maximum of 2 weeks. You can store breast milk in a freezer at a temperature of -18°C or lower for about 6 months. Preferably use a separate freezer compartment or freezer and store the breast milk at the back, where the temperature is most stable.
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Thawing: Thaw frozen breast milk slowly and carefully in the refrigerator. Never use the microwave to thaw breast milk as this can create hot spots that can overheat the milk and destroy valuable nutrients.
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Warming up: Warm the thawed breast milk in a bottle warmer or in a bowl of warm water (au bain marie). Avoid using the microwave as this can reduce the nutritional value of the milk and cause uneven heating.
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Mixing: If you are combining breast milk from different pumping sessions, make sure the milk is at the same temperature before mixing. Never add fresh breast milk to already cooled or frozen milk.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your breast milk is stored safely and retains its nutritional value for your baby's well-being.
