Breastfeeding proves to be among the most demanding aspects of motherhood, encompassing the process of pumping breast milk. Yet, once you’ve mastered milk extraction, the next hurdle lies in correctly storing it. This article aims to furnish you with a comprehensive manual on the appropriate utilization of breast milk storage bags!
Regrettably, there’s a plethora of information to absorb regarding breast milk storage. Nevertheless, as mothers, there’s no limit to what we’re willing to do for our little ones, isn’t that so?
Initially, it may seem intricate and overwhelming, but rest assured, you’ll soon find your rhythm. We’ve assembled five pragmatic pointers to aid you in initiating this journey.
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STEPS FOR USING BREASTMILK STORAGE BAGS
Simply pouring the milk and freezing it, right? Well, it’s not as straightforward as that, though it’s not overly complicated either. There are a few more steps involved in the process. We assure you, you’ll want to continue reading as we provide our top tips for pouring and storing, along with the essential guidelines for safely freezing and thawing that invaluable liquid gold.
STEP 1: FILL USING ONE OF TWO METHODS
Depending on your breast pump and the type of storage bags you use, you may have the option to pump directly into the bags. For instance, the Pump and Save bags from Medela offer this feature when used with the easy-connect adapter. Alternatively, you can pump into bottles and then transfer the breast milk into storage bags with your preferred amount.
PUMP DIRECTLY INTO STORAGE BAGS
Pumping directly into storage bags can save you time by eliminating the extra step of pouring between containers before freezing. However, one drawback of this method is the limited ability to adjust the milk volume in each bag. For example, if you pump 3 ounces from each breast but prefer to freeze milk in 5-ounce portions, this method won’t accommodate your needs. Transferring milk between storage bags is challenging, so it’s advisable to use bottles if you intend to combine milk before freezing.
PUMP INTO BOTTLE AND THEN TRANSFER TO STORAGE BAGS
While this method involves an additional step of pouring from the bottle to the bag, it offers the advantage of customizing the milk quantity in each bag. I found it beneficial to freeze both full servings and “top-off” servings in 2-ounce portions.
Despite the extra step, this method minimizes milk wastage and ensures you have the exact amount needed for your baby’s feeding. Streamline the process by using the bökee, a one-handed bottle prep accessory, for filling breast milk storage bags. Typically, it’s challenging to prepare storage bags while holding your baby, but the bökee makes it manageable without any spillage. To utilize the bökee effectively:
- Place the bag in the bökee and fully open it with your hand.
- Insert the flange inside to serve as a funnel.
- Pour the milk from the bottle to the correct graduated line.
STEP 2: STORE IN A SPACE-SAVING MANNER
Once you’ve filled your breast milk storage bag, it’s time to seal and store it efficiently. Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure the bag is filled up to the correct graduated line. Verify that the bottom of the bag is flat to avoid misjudging the quantity.
- Expel all air from the bag to save space and prevent air bubbles within the breast milk.
- Seal the bag tightly to prevent leaks.
- Use a permanent marker to write the date and the number of ounces on the bag. This step is crucial for ensuring the safe usage of your breast milk within a specific timeframe. Once frozen, it becomes difficult to accurately determine the number of ounces.
- Lay the bag flat and place it into the freezer.
Keeping the breast milk storage bags flat during freezing is optimal for space-saving. Once frozen, you can choose to either store them flat or stand them upright in a container. Storing them upright in a container allows you to easily access the oldest bags first, ensuring their timely usage.
STEP 3: THAW SAFELY
When it comes to feeding your baby from your frozen breast milk stash, adhering to safe thawing practices is paramount to ensure your baby receives bacteria-free milk.
- Prioritize using your oldest breast milk first.
- Thaw the breast milk storage bag by placing it in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, you can expedite the thawing process by immersing the bag in a bowl of warm water or holding it under warm running water. (Avoid thawing frozen breast milk at room temperature!)
- Once thawed, transfer the milk to your baby’s bottle, a task made easier with the one-handed functionality of the bökee.
- Safely warm your baby’s bottle to the desired temperature using a bottle warmer like the Baby’s Brew. Congratulations! You’ve completed the process of pumping, freezing, and transferring your baby’s breast milk, and now it’s time to nourish your little one. You’re doing an incredible job, mama!
A few additional points to consider regarding the thawing process:
- Frozen milk should be used within 6 months, with closer to 4 months being ideal.
- Milk thawed in the refrigerator should be used within 24 hours. According to the CDC: “This means from the time it is no longer frozen or completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer.”
- Never refreeze milk once it has been defrosted.
STEP 4: DISPOSE OF THE BAG
Unless you’re utilizing a reusable storage bag like those from Junobie, it’s essential to discard your disposable breast milk storage bag. These bags are designed for single use only, so reusing them is not safe practice. Proper disposal ensures the safety and hygiene of your breast milk storage process.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of using breast milk storage bags is a crucial skill for every breastfeeding mother. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure the safe and efficient storage of your precious liquid gold.
Starting from filling the bags with care, ensuring proper storage techniques, thawing safely, and responsibly disposing of disposable bags, each step plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of your breast milk.
Remember, the journey of breastfeeding and storing breast milk may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll become adept at managing this important aspect of motherhood. By employing these techniques, you can confidently provide your baby with the nourishment they need while ensuring their health and well-being. Happy breastfeeding, mama!
