Storing breast milk
Storing, thawing and reheating breast milk correctly is essential to ensure that it is safe for your baby to consume and to maintain its nutritional value. To help you get started, we have put together some guidelines for storing, thawing and reheating breast milk:
Clean storage space
Use clean and sterilized storage places to store the expressed breast milk. You can use the Youha breast milk bags , bottles , Colostrum Collectors or glass bottles that are suitable for storing breast milk and during breastfeeding.
Labeling
Make sure you clearly label each item with the date the milk was expressed. This way you can use older breast milk first and avoid wastage.
Freshly expressed breast milk
If you plan to use the breast milk soon during breastfeeding, you can keep it at room temperature (up to about 25°C) for up to 4 hours. If it is very warm (above 25°C), it is better to use it within 2 hours.
Breast milk in the refrigerator
You can store refrigerated breast milk (0-4°C) in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 to 5 days, depending on the hygienic conditions in your refrigerator. Place the breast milk in the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most stable.
Breast milk in the freezer
If you want to store breast milk for a longer period, you can freeze it. In a freezer compartment of a refrigerator (with a separate door), it can be stored for a maximum of 2 weeks. In a freezer with a temperature of -18°C or lower, you can store breast milk for about 6 months. Preferably use a separate freezer compartment or freezer and store the breast milk at the back, where the temperature is most stable. You can use this method throughout breastfeeding.
Defrost
Thaw frozen breast milk slowly and carefully in the refrigerator. Never use a microwave to thaw breast milk, as this can create hot spots that can overheat the milk and destroy valuable nutrients. This would be a waste of the time you invest in breastfeeding.
Warm up
Warm the thawed breast milk in a bottle warmer or in a bowl of warm water (au bain marie). Avoid using the microwave as this can reduce the nutritional value of the milk and cause uneven heating.
Mix
If you are combining breast milk from different pumping sessions during breastfeeding, make sure the milk is at the same temperature before mixing. Never add fresh breast milk to already refrigerated or frozen milk.
Questions? Contact us!
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your breast milk is stored safely and retains its nutritional value for your baby's well-being. If you would like (free) advice on storing, defrosting and reheating breast milk, please contact our Youha helpdesk.
