Providing exclusive breastfeeding to a baby for a minimum of 6 months without additional food or other drinks is crucial for the baby's growth and development in the early stages of life. As we know, breast milk has many benefits for the baby, including high nutritional content and antibodies that can boost the baby's immune system.
Ensuring the baby's breast milk needs are met is crucial for mothers. In addition to frequent breastfeeding, mothers can regularly pump breast milk and store it for the baby's future needs. To keep it fresh and sterile for later consumption, mothers need to pay attention to the method of storing breast milk.
The table below will show how to store breast milk correctly
Storage | Fresh breast milk | Frozen breast milk that has been thawed | Warmed breast milk | Leftovers |
Room Temperature (16C - 29C) | 3-4 Hours (Optimally)6-8 Hours (Very clean condition) | 4 Hours | Drink immediately | 1 Hour |
Cooler Bag with Ice(4C - 15C) | 24 Hours | Not recommended | Not recommended | Throw away |
Fridge (0C - 4C) | 3 Days (Optimally)8 Days (Very clean condition) | 24 Hours | 4 Hours | Throw away |
Small Size Freezer (-15C) | 2 Weeks | Not recommended | Not recommended | Throw away |
Large Size Freezer (-15C) | 3-6 Months | Not recommended | Not recommended | Throw away |
In its application, mothers also need to pay attention to the containers and storage space to ensure cleanliness and temperature are adequate and in accordance with the recommendations.
Another Tips of Storing Breast Milk
Use clean and sterile breast milk storage bottles or containers. Choose plastic bottles with lids or special plastic breast milk bags, or glass bottles as needed. Make sure to clean them regularly before and after use.
Label each bottle/bag for storing breast milk. Write the time when the mother pumps and stores breast milk on the label to know which milk should be given first.
Regularly check the temperature of the refrigerator or freezer at least three times a day to ensure that the storage temperature is appropriate.
Apply a variety of methods and tips mentioned above for the health and safety of your little one during exclusive breastfeeding. Your concern as a parent is the key to optimal growth and development for your little one during the early stages of their growth.
To increase the quality of breast milk, you can also consume Morlactan as a food supplement that will help to increase the quality and quantity of breast milk with the combination of two plants: Chinese Malunggay and Oregano. Mothers, nourish with love because #BreastMilkisTheBest for your kids!