Breastfeeding is a beautiful and important part of nurturing a newborn, and pumping breastmilk (whether exclusively or occasionally) provides flexibility for feeding. To ensure that your baby continues to receive the benefits of breastmilk when you’re not around, it’s vital to store it correctly. Understanding how to handle and store expressed milk safely can help prevent spoilage and maximize the milk’s nutritional value. Here’s a comprehensive guide on best practices for storing breastmilk, including methods for refrigeration and freezing.
Safety Concerns for Incorrectly Storing Breastmilk
Improper storage of breastmilk can lead to contamination and spoilage, potentially causing harm to your baby. This isn't said to panic you, mama. As long as you follow proper guidelines for proper breastmilk storage, your little one will be just fine. That being said, here are some safety concerns to be aware of:
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Bacterial Growth: Milk that is not stored properly can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause infections.
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Nutritional Loss: Exposure to improper temperatures or extended storage times can degrade the quality of breastmilk, reducing its nutritional value.
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Cross-contamination: Using non-sterile containers or improperly handling milk can lead to cross-contamination.
To avoid these issues, follow best practices for storing and handling breastmilk. Lucky for all of us pumping mamas, there are a few different methods that allow us to store milk safely and efficiently. Alright, let's dive in!
Prepping Individual Bottles
Preparing individual bottles ahead of time can be very practical, especially for moms who work full-time and will need smaller portions of fresh milk to provide to a child care provider or daycare center.
Here’s how to do it and why it’s helpful:
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Sterilize Bottles and Nipples: Always use clean and sterilized bottles and nipples.
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Pour Milk Into Bottles: Transfer expressed milk into individual bottles, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
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Label Each Bottle: Use a waterproof label or tape to note the date and time of expression. If your child will be attending daycare, be sure to include the child's name on each bottle.
Benefits:
- Streamlines feeding times, as you can quickly grab a prepped bottle.
- Helps keep track of milk age and ensures that older milk is used first.
Drawbacks:
- Requires careful organization to avoid confusion or spoilage.
- Takes up more space in your refrigerator.
- More dishes to clean. (Need I say more?)
An easy way to remember the proper guidelines for storing milk is to have a cheat sheet posted right on your fridge. Grab this magnet from Bemybreastfriend to help you remember the guidelines as you prep!
Pitcher Method
The pitcher method for storing expressed breastmilk involves collecting and keeping milk in a single, large pitcher rather than in multiple baby bottles. This method can be particularly helpful for moms who exclusively pump, as it simplifies the process of storing and dispensing milk. By consolidating milk into one pitcher, you can efficiently keep track of the milk’s age and reduce the number of bottles and containers you need to clean (anyone else a fan of fewer dishes to clean?!) Consolidating a full day's worth of fresh breast milk also ensures that each bottle of breast milk your baby receives has an equal balance of foremilk and hindmilk.
Here’s how to use this method effectively:
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Use a Clean, Sterilized Pitcher: Ensure the pitcher is made of food-grade material and has been thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
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Pour Milk Into the Pitcher: Expressed milk can be combined in the pitcher as long as it was pumped within the same day. In some cases it is recommended to chill the milk before combining into one larger pitcher, I recommending following the CDC recommendations for storing milk at different temperatures.Be sure to write the date on the pitcher using a dry erase marker.
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Refrigerate Immediately: Store the pitcher in the back of the refrigerator. This is typically the coldest part of the fridge and will keep your milk fresh for the longest amount of time. Once your milk is in the pitcher, it can be stored for up to four days. If you don't use all of your milk within in this time period, don't worry! You can always freeze leftover milk to be used for milk baths, making soap, etc. Just be sure to label it properly as it no longer could be used for consumption.
Advantages:
- Reduces the number of bottles and containers you need to clean.
- Convenient for feeding multiple bottles in a short period.
Disadvantages:
- Not ideal for long-term storage.
- May lead to confusion about which milk was expressed at what time.
Freezing Breastmilk
Freezing is a great way to store breastmilk for longer periods of time. Having a supply of frozen milk in the back of the freezer offers significant flexibility and security for various situations. It ensures that you have a reserve for times when you might need to be away from your baby, such as date nights or work commitments, without interrupting your baby's feeding routine. (Super helpful for moms that utilize both nursing and pumping.)
Additionally, a well-stocked freezer stash can be a lifesaver during periods of illness or when dealing with dips in milk supply, providing a reliable source of nourishment when fresh milk isn’t available. By planning ahead and creating a freezer stash, you can navigate these moments with confidence, knowing that your baby’s nutritional needs are met even when life’s unpredictabilities arise.
Follow these steps for effective freezing:
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Use Freezer-Safe Bags or Containers: Choose breastmilk storage bags or containers specifically designed for freezing breastmilk. Avoid regular plastic bags or containers, as they may not be as durable or safe.
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Leave Space for Expansion: Milk expands when frozen, so leave some space at the top of the container.
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Label and Date: Clearly label each container with the date and time of expression.
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Place in Freezer: Store containers in the coldest part of the freezer (usually at the back). Lay bags flat to freeze.
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Use Oldest Milk First: While frozen breastmilk isn't really at risk for contamination or bacteria, it does lose some of its nutritional quality over time. To maximize the nutritional benefits of this liquid gold, always feedest oldest to newest.
Tips for Maximizing Freezer Storage:
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Organize by Date: Place older milk towards the front and newer milk towards the back to ensure you use the oldest milk first.
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Freeze Flat: For most efficient storage, keep breastmilk bags flat while freezing (you may consider laying bags on a baking sheet for this initial freeze.) Once frozen, bags can be stacked together into freezer bags for more compact storage.
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Avoid Frequent Thawing and Refreezing: Once breastmilk has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. Plan your feedings to avoid unnecessary thawing.
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Use a Freezer Thermometer: Keep your freezer at or below 0°F (-18°C) to ensure milk remains frozen solid.
Storing Pumped Breastmilk on the Go
When you're on the go or traveling, storing pumped breastmilk presents a unique set of challenges. Keeping milk at the right temperature is crucial to ensure its safety and freshness.
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For convenience and peace of mind, consider using
the Ceres Chill breast milk storage chiller. This innovative solution is designed to maintain the optimal temperature for breastmilk for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for busy days out or trips. The Ceres Chiller features a built-in cooling system that keeps milk cold without the need for ice packs, ensuring your milk stays safe and nutritious. It’s also compact and easy to carry, fitting seamlessly into most diaper bags or travel totes. With the Ceres Chiller, you can confidently go about your day, knowing that your breastmilk is being stored under the best conditions possible.
Before You Store
Storage of breast milk can't happen if pumping isn't going well. Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of each pumping session:
Choose The Right Bra
A well-fitted pumping bra is essential for efficient and comfortable breastmilk expression. Unlike a standard bra, a pumping bra is designed to securely hold the breast pump flanges in place, allowing you to go hands-free while expressing milk. This not only makes the pumping process more convenient but also helps ensure a proper seal, which can improve milk flow and reduce discomfort. A properly fitted pumping bra can also prevent the risk of blocked ducts and engorgement by maintaining consistent pressure and support. Investing in a good-quality, well-fitted pumping bra helps streamline the pumping routine, making it easier to multitask and maintain a steady milk supply while balancing the demands of daily life.
Here are a few of our favorites:
This pumping/nursing combo bra can be used easily with standard pump flanges or wearables. It layers well under clothing and is comfortable for day or night wear.
This is a great date night bra (because even pumping mamas deserve to have something pretty.) It pairs well will all pump types (including wearables) and can also double as a nursing bra.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for both nursing and pumping moms as it directly impacts milk production and overall well-being. Adequate fluid intake supports your body's ability to produce a steady supply of milk, as dehydration can lead to reduced milk volume and potentially affect milk quality. Drinking enough water helps maintain your energy levels, supports digestion, and assists in the overall health of both mother and baby.
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Additionally, staying hydrated can help prevent common issues such as fatigue and headaches, which can be exacerbated by the physical demands of nursing and pumping. By prioritizing hydration, you can help ensure that both you and your baby stay healthy and nourished, making your pumping journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Proper storage of breastmilk is essential for maintaining its safety and nutritional quality. By understanding and applying these storage methods, you can ensure that your baby continues to receive the best possible nutrition, even when you’re not able to breastfeed directly. Whether you choose the pitcher method, prep individual bottles, or utilize freezing, being mindful of these practices will help you manage your expressed milk effectively.
