Breastmilk, just like any other milk, can be stored and used extensively as and when required. However, specific guidelines need to be followed when dealing with the storage of breastmilk.
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Always wash your hands and the storage containers before pumping breast milk.
Breast Milk needs to be stored in a clean and capped food-grade container made from glass or plastic that is not made with a chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA). You can also store breastmilk in unique plastic bags that are designed especially for milk collection and storage.
Labelling the containers with the date the milk was expressed along with your child’s name will make it easier for you and the child care provider.
It is advisable to store breastmilk in small batches of 50 to 100 ml to prevent wastage.
Any breastmilk remaining in the bottle after your baby has finished feeding needs to be either used within two hours or refrigerated immediately for the next feeding.
Make sure that the breast milk is refrigerated as soon as it is expressed.
It is essential to follow the Rule of 4’s when it comes to preparing and storing breastmilk. According to this rule, breastmilk can be stored at room temperature safely for up to four hours and in your refrigerator for four days. However, studies show that longer the breast milk is stored, greater the loss of Vitamin C. Therefore, it is beneficial to keep stored breastmilk in rotation so that you avoid storing it for too long in the refrigerator or freezer.
