Storing breast milk is a crucial step to ensure that your baby can benefit from all the benefits of breast milk even in your absence. Whether returning to work, taking a short leave of absence, or simply to have a supply of milk, here is a detailed guide to storing breast milk safely.
Why store breast milk?
Breast milk is alive, rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect your baby against infections and disease. Storing breast milk correctly helps maintain these benefits and ensures a healthy diet for your baby.
Shelf life of breast milk
The shelf life of breast milk depends on the storage method and the temperature at which it is kept:
At room temperature (16-25°C)
- Up to 4 hours.
- Maximum of 6 hours if expressed in excellent hygienic conditions.
In the refrigerator (4°C or less)
- 4 days. We put the milk well at the bottom of the fridge so as not to experience temperature changes when we open the door.
In the freezer (-18°C or less)
- Up to 6 months in good conditions.
- According to ONE
- If you have any doubts, simply defrost the milk, smell it, taste it, and you can see straight away if the milk is good or not! The baby will always refuse expired milk.
Defrosted milk
- At room temperature: Use within 2 hours.
- In the refrigerator: Use within 24 hours. Do not refreeze.
Conservation methods
Preparation and hygiene
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling milk.
- Use clean, sterilized, BPA-free containers to store milk. Ideally in glass, but it is not always the most practical, we agree.
- Label each container with the date and time of milk expression.
Refrigeration
- Place breast milk in the refrigerator as soon as possible after expressing.
- Store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at the bottom, above the vegetable drawer. Avoid the refrigerator door where the temperature is more variable.
Freezing
- Freeze breast milk as soon as possible after expressing.
- Use specific breast milk freezer bags or ice cube trays.
- Do not fill containers more than three-quarters full to allow for expansion of milk when freezing.
- Label each container with the expression date and time. Timing is important because the components of breast milk vary depending on the circadian rhythm. This can, above all, be interesting for exclusive breastfeeding mothers! Or if your child has sleeping problems for example. There is more melatonin in your milk in the evening than in the morning, for example. But there is also a variation in the concentration of adenosine, guanosine and uridine which excite or relax the central nervous system. These 3 nucleotides vary over the 24-hour period.
- Tryptophan: helps to fall asleep and to produce melatonin = sleep induction
- Prolactin: peak between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Feedings between these times support production
of milk needed for the next day. She helps the mother go back to sleep
- Neurotransmitter dopamine: promotes wakefulness and concentration = abundant in the morning and less in the evening
Defrosting
- Thaw breast milk by placing it in the refrigerator for 12 hours, under a stream of lukewarm water or by heating water in a kettle, putting some in a bowl and letting the milk defrost in the bowl of water hot, not boiling.
- Never defrost milk in the microwave or in boiling water, as this can destroy nutrients and create dangerous hot spots.
Warm breast milk
- To warm the milk, place the container in lukewarm water until it reaches body temperature (37°C).
- Do not heat the milk directly on the stove or in the microwave to avoid the risk of burning and the destruction of the nutritional components.
- Gently swirl the milk to mix the layers of cream that form during storage.
Specific considerations
Transporting breast milk
- Use an insulated bag with ice packs to transport breast milk.
- Ensure milk remains at a safe temperature during transport.
Expressed milk for premature or sick babies
- Follow the specific recommendations of the hospital or neonatology department regarding the collection and storage of breast milk.
- Stricter hygiene measures may be necessary.
Properties and changes of breast milk
- Breast milk may vary in color, odor and taste depending on storage life and the mother’s diet.
- A slightly soapy or rancid smell may be due to lipase, an enzyme found in milk, but this does not mean the milk is bad.
Conclusion
Storing breast milk correctly helps ensure that your baby receives its many benefits even in your absence. By following these tips on shelf times, storage methods and hygiene precautions, you can ensure a healthy and safe diet for your child. If you have specific questions, do not hesitate to consult a lactation consultant or healthcare professional.
