Breast is obviously best. However working-moms in particular, can have issues in ensuring their baby is breastfed regularly after a certain point. You can solve this issue by pumping and storing your milk safely in a BPA-free storage bag, either in the fridge or freezer. When stored correctly, the nutritional value of the milk is easily preserved.
Breast milk can be stored for up to four hours at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer (this is the safest storage option). After the storage bag has been opened, the same bag must not be used for a second time.
Frozen breast milk can be defrosted and heated by filling a bowl with warm or hot water, and then placing the bag inside. We advise against boiling frozen milk as this reduces the milk’s nutritional content. A fat layer may form at the top of the milk when defrosted, before testing the temperature you need to slowly stir it to ensure an even temperature throughout. Defrosted milk should be used within twenty four hours.
You should never microwave breastmilk.
More Resources
- Can you reuse milk storage bags?
- How can you stop your baby biting during breastfeeding?
- How can you use breast and bottle feeding in conjunction?
- How do you use a breast milk storage bag?
- How should I choose a breast pad?
- What are the benefits of breastfeeding your baby?
- What are the best breastfeeding positions?