Protecting the Integrity of Your Milk
Planning to pump and store extra milk for your baby? A “just-in-case” stash can be incredibly helpful for unexpected moments, but ensuring your milk remains safe and nutritious is key. Proper handling, cleaning, and storage are essential steps in protecting the quality of your expressed milk.
- Wash Up First: Always wash your hands thoroughly before expressing milk or handling pump parts.
- Clean Your Pump Parts: After each use, clean all parts of your pump that come into contact with milk using warm, soapy water, and allow them to air-dry completely.
- Cool Down Quickly: Expressed milk should not be left out for more than 4 hours at room temperature. Store it in the refrigerator within this time or freeze it immediately.
- Use BPA-Free Storage Bags: Opt for storage containers or bags that are BPA-free and specifically designed for breast milk to ensure its safety.
- Label and Rotate: Label milk with the date it was expressed, and use the oldest milk first to avoid waste.
Tips for You This Week
- Consider storing milk in small amounts (2–4 ounces) to prevent waste during feedings.
- Familiarize yourself with the safe storage guidelines for breast milk, including time limits for refrigeration and freezing.
Fun Fact:
Human milk retains its nutrients and immune-boosting properties even after freezing, making it the ultimate superfood for your baby!
