If there is an infant in your family, the entire life of the household revolves around the baby. But sometimes it becomes necessary to express mother’s milk for storage in order to feed the baby in the absence of the mother. A few hours of storage at room temperature is allowed, but if left for a long time, place the product in the refrigerator.

Is it possible to maintain the benefits of breast milk?

Preserving precious nutrition so that vitamins and microelements remain, as in direct feeding, is not an easy task. Scientists from different countries have conducted studies on whether it is acceptable to leave breast milk in the refrigerator for an hour, for a day, for several days. After all, breastfeeding involves warm, natural, sterile milk, which is easily absorbed by the child, protects him from diseases, and participates in the formation of children's immunity.

It is also important that when fed by the mother, the baby receives the biologically active substances necessary for its growing body, which contribute to the production of digestive enzymes, immune modulators, and regulating hormones. Will this healthy, essential product for babies also be useful after pumping and storing for some time? How many hours or days it stays fresh remains to be seen.

But the most important thing: When breastfeeding, the baby has emotional and physical contact with the mother, and this is significant for the formation of the child’s psychological health. Expressed milk in a bottle, even if heated to the required temperature, will not give the baby that feeling of warmth, care, love, protection that he receives when in contact with his mother.

To preserve the maximum amount of nutrients in milk, you need to express it correctly, namely, wash your hands before expressing (if the process will be done manually), sterilize the breast pump and the container for the product. The resulting milk cannot be sterilized in the future, otherwise there will be nothing useful left in it.

Rules for storing breast milk

Everyone understands that protein products of animal origin, including breast milk, are stored in the refrigerator much longer than without a refrigerator, and frozen ones even longer.

To properly preserve nutrients and taste, pour expressed milk in portions of 60-120 ml per feeding into the intended container. Use a bottle, a plastic container, or better yet a special bag for freezing milk. The containers used are sterile and tightly closed.

It is important to choose the right storage container: it can be glass or plastic bottles. Ideal - special bags for freezing milk. Bottles must be sterilized and hermetically sealed with lids

But it is not recommended to put the bottle in the refrigerator immediately after expressing. The container with the precious liquid cools for some time at room temperature, then is stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

A mandatory rule for long-term storage of products: you must mark the date, month, year and time of expression. Don’t rely on memory; label the bottles so you don’t inadvertently feed your baby spoiled milk.

How long does breast milk last?

Let's see how long breast milk is stored at different temperatures, whether it can be left indoors or must be kept in the refrigerator:

• at a temperature of +20-+25°C - 5-6 hours;
• at a temperature of +15-+16°C - 24 hours;
• at a temperature of +3-+6°C - 5-7 days;
• at temperatures -18°C-24°C - up to 12 months.

Temperatures for storing and using human milk are given for healthy babies. For children with health problems, reduce the indicated expiration dates by a third, or even half. .

Where is the best place to store milk in the refrigerator?

The latest models of refrigerators provide a freshness zone, the temperature of which is automatically maintained at 0-+1°C. Bottles or bags in the freshness zone are cooled, but do not freeze. This cooling allows you to store the product for 1-3 days without loss of beneficial properties. The temperature of the freshness zone slows down the growth of bacteria, allowing you to preserve the taste and usefulness of products.

If your refrigerator does not have a freshness zone, place the milk on the shelves under the freezer, where it is cooler than on the lower shelves. The temperature inside the refrigerator is +3-+6 degrees. This is enough to store fresh milk for up to a week.

Try to place the bottles closer to the back wall and open the refrigerator door less often, as temperature changes have an adverse effect on the products. It is not recommended to store bottles on the refrigerator door, as the temperature drops sharply when opened.

Appearance and taste of frozen milk

Not all mothers know that when cooled and frozen, the appearance of milk changes. Therefore, after cooling the bottle in the refrigerator for the first time, seeing the strange appearance of the contents, mothers get scared, the milk is poured out, and the children remain hungry. The fact is that the cold causes separation, fats float to the top, and a fat-free residue remains at the bottom. This does not spoil the product; you just need to shake the bottle until smooth.

Not only does the type of milk change, but the taste may also change, which the child does not always accept. The taste should not be bitter or sour. This would mean that the product is gone and it is not recommended to give it to the child.

Before giving your baby defrosted heated milk, you should taste it. If it is bitter or sour, it means the milk is gone.

Freezing milk: important nuances

If you collect too much milk or plan to be away for a long time, you can store the supplies frozen. Long-term feeding of a baby requires a large amount of reserve supplies. If the mother's absence is short, 3-5 servings are enough for reserve.

If possible, always feed your baby with breastfeeding or milk, which does not last long. As the newborn grows, the composition of milk changes. A one-month and one-year-old baby require different nutrients; long-frozen milk is not suitable for a constantly growing baby.

The freezer allows food storage for up to a year. The temperature of the freezer compartment is minus -18°C-24°C. Optimal cooling at -18°C is sufficient. At a constant temperature of -20°C, milk can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.

• Freezing containers should not be filled to the top; Since liquids expand when frozen, the integrity of the packaging may be compromised.
• Don't forget to mark the date when the milk was expressed.
• Before storing the product in the freezer, first cool the bags or bottles at refrigerator temperature for a couple of hours, then freeze them.
• Place the bags in the freezer and try to open the door as little as possible.

Set the thermometer relay to -18 degrees. This is the normal temperature for constant cooling; milk in this cold can be stored for up to a year without losing its beneficial properties. If it is not possible to set such a low temperature, it is enough to freeze and store at -5-8°C, the milk will remain fresh and suitable for feeding the baby for six months.

Once milk has been defrosted, it should never be re-frozen.

Defrosting milk

Defrosting milk requires the following rules:

• Take the product out to defrost in advance, approximately 8-12 hours before use.
• Thaw only one serving of milk.
• Take the portion that has been frozen longer than the rest.
• Let the product thaw first in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water until the ice has melted. Just heat the melted milk further.
• Store thawed milk for no more than 4 hours in the room or no more than a day in the refrigerator.
• Before heating the milk or giving it cold to your baby, stir gently until smooth.
• To warm milk, use a bottle warmer that does not allow overheating above 37°C, or place the container in warm (37°C) water. It is not recommended to heat milk on the stove, in boiling water or in the microwave.
• Be sure to smell and taste the heated milk. Under no circumstances should a spoiled product be given to a child.
• Place a few drops on your wrist to make sure it is warm and not hot.
• The product must not be re-frozen.

If the baby has grown up and enjoys drinking cool drinks at room temperature, then it is better not to heat the milk, but to give it cool.

But always remember: The healthiest milk comes directly from the mother's breast. By eating this milk, the child receives everything necessary for life, health and well-being.

1. The birth of a premature baby, the baby does not know how to suck independently.
2. Illness of a child when he cannot suckle (neurological diseases, congenital malformations). You need to pump, imitating the baby's feeding schedule.
3. Separation from the child. To maintain lactation, you need to express at least once every two hours.
4. In the postpartum period for the formation of lactation. Pumping is recommended once every hour to an hour and a half.
5. If there is a risk of developing mastitis, pumping is recommended at least once every two hours.
6. Expressing during hot flashes to relieve the condition. It is very important that pumping time should not exceed 5 minutes. This must be done until the breast becomes soft and the baby can take it himself.
7. Problems with breastfeeding (psychological, including) on ​​the part of the nursing mother, or when there is nothing left (the child stubbornly refuses to breastfeed).

In this case, it is important not to stimulate, but to make sure that the baby can suck on his own.

If you have decided to express, you need to learn several important storage rules that will allow you to preserve all the properties of the milk.

What needs to be preserved during storage?

• proteins. There are especially many of them in colostrum (it is released in the first 3 to 5 days after birth). Proteins make up up to 14% of the total volume;
• immunoglobulins;
• hormones and hormone-like substances;
• antioxidants;
• immune defense factors;
• carbohydrates, part in the form of lactose – 7%;
• fats – up to 4%;
• water – about 80%.

What kind of milk can it be?

It is important to understand that the composition of milk is not constant. It changes regularly depending on the age of the baby and its needs, time of day, features of the mother’s daily routine and diet.

The so-called foremilk differs just as much from hind milk. The front one has a lot of water and carbohydrates, the back one has a lot of protein and fats. This is why some experts do not recommend quickly changing breasts when feeding, but rather allowing the baby to suck every last drop.

Thus, expressed milk will always look different. The color of milk can range from white-bluish to light yellow. If mom has cracked nipples, the milk may be pink.

If the milk sits for a while, it separates into fractions. It is thicker at the top and almost transparent at the bottom.

The smell of milk is usually sweetish; after storage and defrosting, it may change.

It happens that after defrosting milk smells like soap. In this case, it must be boiled, but then the beneficial properties of milk will be partially lost. It is not recommended to boil milk; the best option is to store freshly expressed milk in the refrigerator. Long-term storage in the freezer is acceptable.

If the milk smells sour or looks sour, you should throw it away.

What should I store it in?

Storage containers:

• glass bottles. It is desirable that they have measured risks;
• plastic bottles, made of transparent and opaque plastic;
• special bags for storing milk.

How to store expressed breast milk in a bottle, bag or plastic?

Each of these containers has its own characteristics. All of them are designed to protect milk from losing its beneficial properties, but with certain reservations:

1. Milk storage bags are sold sterile. They have a place to sign the date and time of expressing and freezing milk; they are convenient to store in the freezer, as they take up little space. But the seams of the bag sometimes break during defrosting, and the milk leaks out.
2. Glass bottles are ideal for freezing, but some authors believe that they are not at all suitable for storage in the refrigerator, since some leukocytes “stick” to the glass.
3. Plastic dishes. The advantage of this dish is that some of the bottles are directly connected to the breast pump and have a tight-fitting lid. This container is also suitable for freezing.

How to store at room temperature

In the case when a mother goes to work or study and wants to save it, but there is no refrigerator in the room where she works, there are several storage options:

1. Using special thermoses for bottles.
2. Thermal bag. For such a case it is very convenient.
3. If you don’t have anything at hand, and you plan to stay at your workplace for a short time, you can put the milk somewhere cool and dark. It will not deteriorate until 6 hours at a temperature not higher than 18 - 19 ˚Ϲ. You can store milk at (22 - 24 ˚Ϲ) for no more than 4 hours.

You need to take care of storing milk in advance. Prepare a storage container, refrigerants or ice. Please note that it is recommended to store milk at room temperature in sterile containers.

Rules for storing in the refrigerator that every mother should know

To ensure that milk does not lose its beneficial properties, it is necessary to express and store milk correctly.

How ? There is a certain algorithm:

• before pumping, do a self-massage of your breasts;
• take a contrast shower;
• wash your hands;
• Gently express your breasts.

Fresh breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4˚Ϲ for 6 - 8 days. If you are going to use breast milk after 8 days, it is better to freeze it.

Do not store milk on the door, as the temperature changes when closing and opening the refrigerator; choose a zone with a constant temperature.

1. Milk should only be stored in the refrigerator in a labeled milk container. It should indicate the date and time of expression to determine the shelf life of the milk.
2. It is advisable to keep different portions of milk in different containers and mix only during feeding, if necessary.
3. Do not store large portions. Ideally, portions should be up to 120 ml, so as not to pour out a lot if the child does not finish.

Freezer storage rules

1. Breast milk can be frozen. In this case, the frozen product can be stored at -15˚C for two weeks. If the freezer has a separate chamber with a constant temperature of -18˚C, then you can store milk for up to 3 - 6 months.
2. Breast milk does not lose its properties when frozen. But if stored and defrosted incorrectly, it deteriorates.
3. The container in which you freeze milk should not be filled to the top, especially for bags. When frozen, the liquid will expand and may burst the container.
4. Use older milk to avoid milk going sour.

How to defrost correctly?

Let's discuss how to defrost and warm expressed breast milk and what you should tell the person who will stay with and feed your baby.

1. Frozen milk should be removed from the freezer and placed in the refrigerator. It is better to do this 12 hours before feeding.
2. Chilled or defrosted milk should be heated either under running water or in a water bath, gradually increasing the temperature of the water. It is possible to warm it up in special devices for heating milk.
3. Do not heat breast milk in the microwave or directly on the stove.
4. Thawed milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It can only be frozen once.
5. When milk is in the refrigerator, it is divided into fractions. Before heating the milk, take the bottle and stir the milk gently without shaking it.
6. Do not boil breast milk.
7. Don't forget to sign your pumping dates.

Follow these simple tips, and your baby will always be provided with high-quality food - breast milk. And even in those moments when a nursing mother needs to go away.

The most valuable and beneficial thing for your baby, of course, is breast milk. And not one alternative food can compare with. Almost every mother knows about its benefits, but not everyone knows how to store expressed breast milk correctly in different conditions. During lactation, a young mother may face various problems and situations, for example:

• need to go to work;
• the child bit through the breast;
• the baby suddenly refuses to take the breast;
• need to leave urgently;
• any other life circumstances when the child has to be left at home with a nanny, grandmother, or relatives.

And during these periods, in order to solve problems as carefully as possible, mothers try to express and leave the milk so as not to disturb the child’s diet (). And a logical question arises: what should breast milk be stored in and how long can it be stored without losing its beneficial properties?

Important! There is no need to sterilize expressed breast milk! Do not use milk after the expiration date!

Containers for storing expressed breast milk

There are several types of storage containers: glass, plastic and plastic. These can be bags and various containers, cups, bottles.

Video instructions for using milk storage bags

The main criteria they must meet:

• sterility;
• closure density;
• ease of use;
• It is desirable to have a measuring scale.

Before purchasing a container, you should decide for what purpose it will be intended.

If for freezing, it is better to buy special disposable plastic bags. Their advantage is that they are hermetically and easily sealed, sterile, made of very dense polyethylene and ready for use. They also have a measuring scale on them and there is a place to write the date and time. Such packages are sold at any pharmacy.

Some mothers use disposable plastic bottle liners for freezing, but this is not reliable. They are not suitable for storage and the seams may burst when frozen. When defrosting, all the contents will simply flow out. But if you still have to use them, then to be safe, pour the milk into a double bag. And don't store it for a long time.

Among solid containers, glass is the most popular, followed by plastic in second place, and plastic in third place. But scientists have proven that milk can be stored in both plastic and glass without compromising quality.

For convenience, choose a container that will only contain a dose sufficient for one feeding. Be sure to indicate the date and time of pumping on the container.

How to store breast milk while out and about

Young mothers may face another problem - how to store expressed milk while out and about. For these purposes, there are several options for thermal bags on the market, as well as special thermoses for bottles. This is quite convenient, especially if you are on vacation for a long time and you can stock up on several servings of food.

Where to store breast milk

In between feedings and pumping, certain conditions must be followed for proper storage of breast milk.

1. If you plan to store milk for a long time, the best way is to freeze it. Only freeze freshly expressed milk, but be sure to leave it in the refrigerator for 1.5 to 2 hours before freezing. And don't forget to write the date and time. A frozen product, of course, loses a number of its beneficial properties, but it is definitely better than artificial mixtures.
2. If the expressed portion of milk will be used within several days, it is better to store it in the refrigerator. Refrigerated milk will retain almost all the beneficial substances. The main rule is not to store on the door.
3. If fresh milk will be drunk during the day, it is better to store it in the room in a sterile container and tightly closed.

Rules for defrosting and heating milk

To defrost a portion of milk, first place it in the refrigerator so that there is no sudden temperature change. Then pour the portion into a feeding bottle and heat it in a water bath. For the convenience of heating milk, you can purchase a bottle warmer.

Never heat milk for feeding in a microwave oven, heat it in saucepans, or boil it - it will lose all its beneficial properties.

Never refreeze breast milk that has already been thawed. In this case, too, all properties are lost.

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How long to store breast milk

When storing breast milk reserves, you need to know where, for how long and at what temperature it can be stored.

In a refrigerator:

In the refrigerator, expressed milk can be stored for up to 24 hours at a temperature of +4 + 6 degrees. At the same time, you need to place it as deep as possible. Fresh milk must be cooled before storing in the refrigerator.

In the freezer:

In the freezer, expressed milk can be stored at temperatures from -13 to -18 degrees for a month or even up to three months, and at temperatures from -18 to -20 degrees for no more than a year. Before freezing, cool the milk in the refrigerator.

At room temperature:

At room temperature (from +19 to +22 degrees) fresh product can be stored for no more than 10 hours. At a temperature not higher than +25°, milk can be stored for no more than 6 hours (4-6 hours). More than 25° - up to 3 hours. Scientists have studied that the substances that make up breast milk can counteract the proliferation of various microbes, so the milk does not spoil.

Shelf life of breast milk (visual table)

Storing expressed breast milk is a great solution to many of your baby's feeding problems. Even if you are forced to be absent for some period of time, your baby will not stop receiving your love, protection and all the useful vitamins. The most important thing, of course, is to know the rules and conditions for storing this essential food for your baby.

Breast milk can be stored for a long time. But for how long, and will it be useful for the baby after that? On the one hand, they talk a lot about this, on the other hand, they want to know everything specifically. Take note of the advice of experienced mothers and follow the recommendations below.

Can breast milk be stored?

Fresh milk for a baby is an invaluable product, but there are reasons why a mother herself cannot breastfeed her baby (she is forced to work, go to the hospital, leave urgently, etc.). In such cases, the milk is expressed and sent for storage. It is important not to lose its taste and beneficial qualities.

How to express milk for storage

Separation from your child is not a reason to interrupt natural feeding. Save food for a short period of time, or create a milk supply. There are manual and mechanical expression.

Manual expression

At home, the mammary glands are expressed manually. Breast milk is sterile, but in any liquid environment there is a danger of pathogenic microorganisms multiplying, which is extremely dangerous for the baby. Therefore, during the pumping process, it is important to strictly follow the rules of hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, and just wash your chest with water to avoid cracks. Sterilize containers for collecting milk.

Breast pump

Make sure that expressing using a breast pump is painless and comfortable for you. First of all:

• take a warm shower and get another “flush” in your chest;
• drink hot tea with milk;
• relax, stroke your breasts, mentally directing the milk to its center;
• put on the suction and monitor its intensity level;
• Express the milk into a glass bottle or special container;
• select a storage method.

To make the device last longer, after use, rinse all parts with running water and dry.

What to store in

The utensils used must meet all applicable standards and requirements. Pharmacies offer glass bottles and sterile polypropylene containers of a special composition that are safe for children.

Glass bottles

The most environmentally friendly option is to use glass bottles. At the same time, you will also save on used bottles with caps and jars of baby food. All the disadvantages of glassware are more than compensated for by its positive properties:

• it washes off perfectly;
• withstands all types of sterilization, incl. steam treatment;
• used repeatedly;
• non-toxic when heated.

• Do not risk freezing the product in a glass container. Glass will not withstand low temperatures in the freezer for long;
• glass may crack due to a sharp temperature change during heating;
• Store glass milk bottles on the refrigerator shelf. When frozen, the container may burst under the strong pressure of the increasing liquid.

Plastic bottles

You can also store breast milk in plastic bottles.

Bottles from Medela, Philips Avent, Canpol Babies are compatible with breast pumps, which allows you to express milk directly into the container. Bottles are available in different volumes - from 150 to 250 ml, with a scale for measuring the amount of expressed milk.

Special containers

Plastic containers for storing baby food have become widespread. They are not cheap (from 300 rubles and above), but they have advantages: the containers are durable, they can be used many times, they do not crack, you just need to wash them and pour boiling water over them. Manufacturers guarantee reliable tightness and safety, citing mainly the absence of besfinol A.

Attention! Bisphenol-A is a synthetic estrogen, synthesized in 1891 by the Russian chemist A. Dianin. It is used as an inexpensive hardener in the processing of plastics; it can be contained in baby bottles and plastic dishes. The substance has a negative effect on the brain, causing tumors of various origins, diabetes, obesity, and autism. Dangerous when heating or storing food or liquid for a long time.

In Russia, the production of baby bottles has begun by companies that have abandoned the use of this chemical compound. The “BPA-free” icon indicates the absence of this substance in the packaging.

Special packages

Plastic bags are sterile, easy to use, but expensive (average price: $10). Packages from Medela (from 800 rubles) and Avent (from 450 rubles) are popular among mothers. The package contains 25 bags of 150-180 ml:

• consist of two-layer polypropylene;
• the seams are additionally reinforced;
• The hole for pouring milk is wide;
• the base is stable;
• double protection clip;
• They are attached directly to the breast pump using adhesive tape.

After expressing, the bag is sealed and placed in the refrigerator. The bags have a graduated ruler and a place to write the date and time of pumping.

Advice. Before adding the product, squeeze out excess air from the bag and only then close it with the latch.

In a thermos

A real challenge for mothers is walking to the doctor or traveling long distances. A trip to the doctor takes time, during which the child has time to get hungry. A bottle of milk wrapped in a mitten quickly becomes cold in winter and sour in summer. Special thermoses help to store breast milk, maintaining its optimal temperature:

• thermos container;
• thermal bag;
• thermos refrigerator.

A thermos container is a simple, leak-proof container with a lid. The outside is lined with plastic, the inside is a thermal insulation layer (foam rubber or polystyrene). Porous materials conduct heat poorly, so a bottle placed inside will remain warm for 3 hours.

The thermal bag is convenient during walks. Externally it looks like a bag, inside there is a cavity for installing a bottle (or two). There are models with pockets for children's small items and diapers. Retains heat for 2-3 hours.

A thermos refrigerator will be a good help when traveling with a child over long distances. It is powered from the mains, and when using cold batteries, it can work for 15 hours, like a portable refrigerator. Without batteries, it “holds” the cold for up to 9 hours at an air temperature of +32 degrees. The durable fabric surface reflects the sun's rays well, and the walls are airtight. The thermos is compact and easily fits in the trunk of a car.

How to prepare a storage container

Prepare a clean, tightly sealed container for expressing. Make sure the container is heat treatable (glass bottles, jars, plastic containers). Polypropylene bags specially designed for this purpose do not require preparation.

Advice. Do not choose disposable tableware for this purpose! Below is a table of the suitability of plastic containers for freezing and heating milk.

Rules for storing breast milk

Breast milk is sterile. It has an ideal temperature regime for infants, a balanced composition and properties - antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory. Milk retains its valuable qualities for 4 hours after it was collected (at 28° C). Long-term storage requires low temperatures.

In a refrigerator

If you plan to store breast milk for a week, place the bottles in the refrigerator and follow these guidelines:

• Sterilize a regular container, otherwise the milk will quickly turn sour;
• Date the dishes with the time of pumping.
• Place the bottles closer to the back wall of the refrigerator, where temperature fluctuations are less (unlike the door).

The separation of milk into two parts (a fatty film at the top and a watery part at the bottom) is a common phenomenon that has nothing to do with the quality of the milk. Shake, the product will become homogeneous again.

Advice. If the milk takes on a soapy smell, discard this type of storage. This sometimes happens in self-defrosting units.

In the freezer

The storage period of a dairy product depends on the power of the freezer, the frequency of its use and the location of the containers. Remember simple rules:

• freeze the product quickly, defrost slowly! Begin freezing by placing the bags in the top compartment of the freezer. The temperature is the lowest there. After complete freezing, place the bags lower (this applies to a separate freezer);
• Always freeze. Do not throw away breast milk, even if your baby refuses it. Later it will become an excellent addition to porridges, vegetable and meat purees, and desserts;
• Place in the freezer portions for one feeding (120-160 ml), otherwise the remaining defrosted milk will have to be thrown out.

At room temperature

Thanks to its bactericidal properties, milk remains fresh:

• at 15 °C – the whole day;
• at 22 °C – 10 hours;
• at 25 °C – 6 hours.

If you are leaving your baby for less than a day, you will not need a refrigerator. You can place the products in the basement, on the veranda, balcony, where it is cool (10-15°C). Rest assured that it will not spoil within 24 hours.

If there is a need to leave, cover the top of the milk with a “breathable” material - several layers of gauze or a linen napkin ironed on both sides. This will protect the milk from the sun, provide a small amount of oxygen, and prevent anything foreign from getting into it. You should not leave the bottle in the sun if you do not plan to quickly obtain the curdled product.

How long can breast milk be stored?

Breast milk can be stored for a long time. Canned, it can be stored for six months or more. It depends on your planning and execution of the program "maximum" or "minimum". In accordance with this, the following is created:

1. long-term milk “bank” (when the surplus is frozen, the mother needs to leave for a long time, etc.)
2. short-term supply (from several days to a week).

Important: If you are going to store milk for a long time, keep it at a low temperature. When deep frozen, milk is able to retain its unique properties throughout the year.

Having decided on the program, you select the means: a thermal bag, a refrigerator, a freezer compartment or a separate chamber with low temperatures. Then the containers: glass containers - for short-term waiting (on the countertop, in the refrigerator); containers and sterile bags - for a long time (in freezers).

Preserving colostrum

Use an unusual type of milk container - a medical syringe. It is ideally suited for preserving colostrum. It is possible to express and store the first milk not only after childbirth, but also during pregnancy.

Advice. Do this strictly with your doctor's permission! Excessive stimulation of the breast threatens premature birth.

While waiting for the baby, the following is done:

• colostrum is collected in a sterilized spoon, then in a syringe (5, 10 cc) and placed on the refrigerator shelf.
• the contents of 3-4 syringes collected per day are poured into a special sealed bag with a zipper, the storage start date is signed
• The package is sent to the freezer before delivery.

The table shows the shelf life of expressed milk and colostrum for a healthy baby:

Shelf life of thawed breast milk

Proper thawing is extremely important for breast milk. One wrong step, and it will lose most of its nutrients, primarily enzymes and vitamins. Follow the basic rule: defrost slowly. Rapid defrosting will render the product useless.

How to defrost correctly

Containers and bags of the required volume from the freezer are placed on the middle shelf of the refrigerator until completely defrosted. After 6-8 hours, place the containers on the countertop, leave for another 2 hours at room temperature and reheat.

If you need to defrost milk faster, reduce the time it remains in the refrigerator and heat it longer in warm water. As a last resort, defrost it at room temperature. If a frozen product is placed in boiling water, then immediately after heating you can safely pour it out, due to the lack of anything useful in it.

Is it possible to store warmed expressed milk?

The optimal temperature of breast milk for feeding a baby is 36-37 degrees. Overheating is extremely undesirable. The heating temperature is no higher than 40° C. At high temperatures, the same thing happens as during rapid defrosting - useful microelements and vitamins are destroyed.

There are different ways to heat frozen baby food:

• under running warm water, periodically shaking the contents;
• in water heated to a boil. Boil water in a bowl. Switch off. Place a bottle of milk in it and, shaking, wait for it to heat up. You can use an infrared meter.
• in a baby bottle warmer. It maintains the optimal temperature for heating at 37° C and eliminates overheating.

Advice! Heat thawed breast milk once and store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Do not refreeze milk that has already been heated! Firstly, the quality will suffer, and this is unsafe for the child. During initial heating, air access opens to the product and various kinds of microorganisms penetrate there (in non-hazardous quantities). Unsterilized milk is again sent for preservation along with them. Microbes will “overwinter” well and, when reheated, will dangerously multiply in the environment they most desire - warm liquid.

How to store breast milk while walking or traveling

When walking with your baby, it is convenient to use thermal bags. Their main function is to preserve cold. Inside there is a foil layer that helps maintain the temperature for 3 hours.

Cold storage batteries are included with the bag. These are sealed containers with a salt solution or special gel inside. They are frozen before use, then placed in a bag where the melting gel releases the cold. The shelf life of the product increases to 10-12 hours.

When traveling for a long time with a baby on a train or by car, it is convenient to use a car refrigerator. It connects to a power outlet or car cigarette lighter and cools the containers.

Is it possible to combine several portions together?

The bactericidal properties of the product allow mixing milk doses throughout the day. Cold milk is added to frozen milk in an amount of 1:3. The main thing here is not to defrost the main frozen mass. Food stored in the refrigerator is mixed in any proportions within 24 hours.

How to keep it longer

If, for a number of reasons, you do not plan to breastfeed your baby until he is 1.5-2 years old, then there is a need to preserve your milk longer. You will receive a fresh, healthy, vitamin-rich dairy product if you listen to the recommendations:

• containers must be clean and well closed;
• It is advisable to exclude contact with air and sun;
• freeze milk at different temperatures, including low.
• the container should be convenient and small in volume;
• use special containers, they are sterile and have a measuring scale.

What not to do

• secondary freezing is an open gate for pathogenic microorganisms. You can't freeze it twice!
• A microwave oven is a destroyer of enzymes and vitamins and heats unevenly. Not recommended.
• Reheating the same defrosted portion is prohibited!
• Open fire for rapid heating and sterilization are unacceptable!

Listen to the advice, take it into account and feed your baby with mother's milk. Storing breast milk means giving him a well-preserved, unique product for a long time, and the mother continuing to lead an active lifestyle.

It is better to feed the baby directly from the breast, but sometimes the mother needs to go away and express milk. The question arises, how long does breast milk last? It's very scary to give your baby spoiled food. To prevent this, you need to familiarize yourself with simple rules. Temperature conditions are important for storing expressed breast milk.

Mother's milk for a newborn is the source of all the nutrients that the baby needs for full development. It contains beneficial bacteria for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

At least once in her life, a nursing mother may need to pump. Storage of breast milk must take into account many parameters. If the conditions are unsuitable, the child may be harmed.

Storage conditions for breast milk:

• use sterile containers;
• observe the temperature regime and time period;
• store breast milk in small quantities, up to 120 ml;
• Leave a note on the container with the time of pumping.

If you store breast milk in the refrigerator, it is important that the container is closed. If the container is not tightly sealed, the contents may absorb foreign odors, such as onion or garlic. In this case, the baby will refuse to drink it.

How can you store breast milk?

It is very important to choose the dishes, they must be clean and safe. You can store expressed milk for a baby in a glass container, but a plastic one will do, especially if the product will be frozen. The container must be designed for heating and have a measuring scale.

Under no circumstances should you use disposable plastic containers or plastic bags to store breast milk. They contain harmful compounds that can end up in milk.

How long can breast milk be stored at room temperature?

The shelf life of breast milk depends on the temperature:

• at 23-25 ​​˚С – 4-6 hours;
• 19-22 ˚С – no more than 8 hours.

You should not store expressed breast milk at room temperature for a longer period of time. Pathogenic flora begins to multiply in it.

Shelf life in a cooler bag is 24 hours.

Despite the fact that the safety of breast milk at room temperature is minimal, this method is used quite often. It is suitable if the baby needs to be fed or the mother leaves home for just a couple of hours.

How long to store breast milk in the refrigerator

It is preferable to store milk for a newborn in the refrigerator if the mother is away for the whole day. The shelf life of breast milk is longer compared to the previous method. If the mother has received a large volume of milk, it can be stored for 3 days. But a longer period is allowed, up to 5-8 days. Any deviations in temperature will lead to a reduction in time.

It is worth choosing a sterile container that closes tightly. It is advisable to place it at the back wall of the refrigerator. You should not store a container of breast milk on the door due to temperature changes, which can lead to rapid spoilage of the product.

If the breast milk in the refrigerator is nearing the end of its life, it should be thrown out. There is no point in freezing it; it will no longer be suitable for consumption.

After cooling, it is necessary to properly prepare the product for consumption. It is important to adhere to these recommendations:

• shake the container to achieve a uniform consistency;
• warm up.

Storing Frozen Breast Milk

This method is preferable if a woman has good lactation and there is a lot of uneaten milk left. She can make supplies for the future, especially since breast milk can be stored for a very long time. Where to begin? You need to choose a container. It is better to use special packages. They do not contain harmful additives and are resistant to cold. They can be purchased at the pharmacy.

The packages should be placed separately from all products; if they are placed in the wrong location, the shelf life will be reduced. At -20˚C, breast milk can be stored for no more than 1 year. If this is a general section, then about 2 weeks.

Mothers should familiarize themselves with the following rules for storing breast milk:

• store in special bags;
• sign the container, indicating the date of collection and final expiration date;
• Cool before placing in the freezer;
• Do not pour more than one serving into one bag so that the child can drink the contents at a time.

Freezing and defrosting

Before freezing, it is worth considering that the frozen product expands, so you cannot completely fill the bag. It is necessary to fill it with milk 2/3 full, otherwise it will burst.

It is possible to add fresh product to the bag if it is half empty. The volume of a fresh product should be smaller than a frozen one, otherwise it will lead to defrosting. This does not increase the shelf life of breast milk.

The smell and color of food that has been frozen may change slightly. This is the norm.

How to use expressed milk after freezing? You can’t heat it up right away; you need to give it time to thaw a little. To do this, you should use the refrigerator. When the temperature rises, you can start defrosting in the room, but no more than 30 minutes, and then reheat using any available method.

Before feeding, you need to check the temperature of the milk. Once applied to your wrist, it should not be hot or cold.

The temperature should not be higher than 37˚C.

How long does breast milk last after defrosting?

After defrosting, the product should be consumed as soon as possible. Thawed breast milk quickly spoils because the beneficial bacteria in it die. It is better to put it in the refrigerator, then it will not spoil during the day. If you leave it in the room for an hour, it will turn sour. Thawed milk is no longer suitable for re-freezing.

Signs that milk has gone bad

In order for breast milk to remain fresh for a long time during storage, it is necessary to adhere to sterile expression. Hands and chest should be clean, containers should be sterilized. If you neglect even one point, the milk may spoil prematurely. How to understand this?

Signs:

• The smell changes . It becomes more harsh and unpleasant. Smells sour or burnt.
• The taste changes. You can try a drop of milk. Normally it is a little sweet. If it goes bad, it becomes sour or bitter.
• The consistency changes. The breast product sours similarly to cow milk. Thick kefir is separated, and whey forms on top. If the milk has not changed consistency, but fat has separated at the top, then this is normal.

It is impossible to judge the freshness of a product by color. The shade may vary depending on the fat content. With a high fat content it is richly white or yellow, with a low fat content it has a bluish tint and is more watery.