Breast Milk Storage

Expressing and storing breast milk are part of the experience for breast feed mother. Knowing how to safely and properly store expressed breast milk help you feed your baby better.

STORING BREAST MILK

1. Expressed milk can be stored in a clean, capped glass or hard plastic container. You can also use special plastic bags designed for milk collection and storage.
2. Label each container with the date you expressed the breast milk
3. Place the containers in the back of the refrigerator or freezer, not in the door. Keep in mind that breast milk expands as it freezes, so don't fill containers to the brim.

SAFE KEEP EXPRESSED BREAST MILK
 
Room Temperature                        : 4 to 6 hours
Insulated Cooler with ice packs  : 1 Day
Refrigerator                                     : 5 Days
Freezer                                             : 3 months
Deep Freezer                                   : 12 months

Note: storage guidelines might differ for preterm, sick or hospitalized infants.

Expressed milk stored in a clean capped container, label with the date and time.

Ice packs

Insulated cooler bag with ice packs keep fresh milk chill for up to 24 hours.

This insulated cooler bag cost RM26

THAWING FROZEN BREAST MILK 

1. Place the frozen container in the refrigerator the night before use.
2. Gently warm the milk by placing it in a bowl of warm water. 
3. Gently swirl the milk evenly to distribute the creamy portion of the milk that rises to the top of the container during storage.
4. Use thawed breast milk within 24 hours. Discard any remaining milk. Don't refreeze thawed or partially thawed breast milk.

 

ADDING FRESHLY EXPRESSED BREAST MILK TO ALREADY STORED MILK

You may add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or frozen milk you expressed earlier in the same day. Keep milk expressed on different days in separate containers.
Don't add warm breast milk to frozen breast milk because it will cause the frozen milk to partially thaw. You can However, keep the freshly expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to previously chilled or frozen milk.

TECHNIQUES TO ENCOURAGE LET-DOWN REFLEX WHEN EXPRESSING BREAST MILK:

• Try to relax, express in a quiet, warm, relaxing area.
• Express after a warm shower, warm face washers on the breast for a few minutes may also help.
• Gently massaging your breasts.
• Thinking about your baby and how much breast milk benefits her 
• looking at your baby's photo.
• Having support from your partner, friend or breastfeeding counsellor

CLEANING OF EXPRESS EQUIPMENT

1. Take the breast pump kit apart, and separate all pieces. 
2. Rinse in cold water.
3. Wash with a small amount of detergent, using a brush kept only for this purpose.
4. Rinse all parts in hot water, at least twice.
5. Drain bottles and containers upside-down 
6. store the equipment in a clean, closed container