Human breast milk provides incomparable nutrition for an infant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says breast milk has a range of benefits for infants' health and development, and the Natural Resources Defense Counsel reports that breast-fed babies are more resistant to disease than formula-fed babies. More mothers are attempting to feed their babies breast milk. However, you may need to postpone nursing your baby at times, so you may want to store your milk for later usage. Just remember a few things about keeping stored breast milk safe.
Handling the Milk
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling milk. After pumping, avoid touching the interior part of the receptacle. Divide the milk into sterilized containers of one-serving portions, between 2 and 4 ounces. Seal all containers tightly.
Refrigerating
If you will be using the milk within eight days, store it in the refrigerator in the main compartment, not the door. Use a plastic container, not glass, because protective white cells in the milk will bond to the sides of glass. Date the container with a marker.
Freezing
If you need to freeze the breast milk, use a glass container, because glass is denser and less susceptible to infiltration. Leave a 1-inch gap between the milk and lid. Date the container with a marker. You can safely store breast milk in a compartment freezer for 2 to 4 weeks, or in a deep freezer for up to 12 months.
Thawing
Liquefy frozen milk by running cool water over the container. Once the milk is mostly liquid, warm a pot of water on the stove. Take the pan off the stove, and place the breast milk container in the water until the milk has achieved room temperature. Milk may also be consumed cool if preferred. Test the milk's temperature on your wrist before giving it to a baby.
Warning
Never heat the milk in a microwave, as doing so will destroy vital antibodies, according to the Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine.
