Best Tips for Pumping and Storing  Breastmilk

Going back to work, having engorged breasts, or stepping out of the house means your baby is missing some feedings.  Expressing breastmilk ensures that your baby has milk supply when you’re away—having milk at hand guarantees that your child is always getting the best nutrition.  Knowing how to safely store the milk after pumping ensures that your baby has a consistent supply. Here are a few tips on how to store breastmilk.

The Best Pumping Tips

1. Begin pumping while you’re on maternity leave to have a steady supply of milk when you are away from your baby. Start expressing between feeds in the morning or pump at a specific time every day.
2. Increase your milk flow by thinking about your baby, so don’t forget to look at your baby’s photo as you express or have a recording of your baby’s voice.
3. Maintain a consistent schedule when you go back to work by pumping at the same time as your child’s feeding time.

What You Need to Know About Storing Breast Milk

Here are some valuable tips for safely storing your breast milk:

1. Before expressing, ensure you thoroughly clean your hands and the milk containers. Be sure to label the bottles with the date you pumped the milk.
2. Refrigerate the milk right away after expressing,
3. You should store your milk in small batches to prevent waste.  Use any remaining milk in the bottle after your baby is fed within two hours, or refrigerate immediately and save it for the next feeding.  You can keep freshly pumped milk at room temperature for only four hours. However,  you should chill it immediately.
4. If you want to warm refrigerated breast milk, place it in warm water or under warm running water. It’s unsafe to microwave breastmilk because of the risk of boiling the milk and scalding the baby.
5. It is best to freeze breast milk if you do not use it within 24 hours, and it’s important to note that frozen breast milk expands, so don’t fill the storage container with milk to the brim. Put the milk in the freezer and not at the fridge door. If well frozen, you can store the milk for up to nine months or 12 months in the deep freezer.
6. If you need to thaw the milk, remove it from the freezer and store it in the fridge overnight. Run it under warm water before feeding the baby. Once you thaw the milk, store it in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours.

Protect your breast milk from contamination by safely cleaning, sanitizing, and storing breast pumps and baby bottles. You can also consult your baby’s pediatrician for more guidelines.

In Closing

You may need to pump during your breastfeeding journey due to different reasons. If you’re not using the milk immediately, use these tips to store it safely to prevent contamination and ensure your baby has a steady supply of milk.

Best Tips for Pumping and Storing  Breastmilk