Breastfeeding moms returning to work or those in need of more flexibility rely on the breast pump to help them continue providing their baby with the best source of nutrition for infants. Proper handling and storage of breast milk will ensure that baby receives maximum benefits from the milk.
Step 1
Wash glass bottles in the dishwasher or with hot soapy water. Make sure they are thoroughly clean, well rinsed and dry.
Step 2
Pour expressed breast milk into a glass bottle or bottles. Fill each bottle with the milk your baby will need for a single feeding. Start by storing milk in 2 to 4 ounce servings if you're not sure of how much baby will drink at a time and then adjust the amount as needed.
Step 3
Label the bottle with the date and time. Cover it and place it in the back of the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 8 days, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Step 4
Chill breast milk first if you want to add more milk to a bottle that is already partially filled with cooled milk. But do not mix milk that has been expressed on different days, the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Step 5
Swirl or gently shake milk in the bottle before feeding, as the milk has likely separated. Do not shake vigorously, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises, as that may cause some of the milk's valuable components to break down.
Tips and Warnings
- Freeze breast milk, if you like, by putting the cover on loosely and placing the bottle in the freezer. Once milk is frozen, secure the cover and place in the back of the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or in a bowl of warm, not hot, water.
- Never microwave breast milk.
Things You'll Need
- Glass bottles with covers
- Waterproof labels
- Waterproof pen
