storing breastmilk

[princessellie]

sorry for the million questions today but i was wondering, i know that EBM is fine to be left out at room temp for 4hrs...after this time can it be put into the fridge? and for how long can it stay in the fridge? i know its like 5days for milk put straight in the fridge but is it the same for milk thats been left out?

x

 

[Mervs Mum]

If you're not using it get it in the fridge asap babe. I often sit pumping then put the bottle on the coffee table while I do the other side so it might be out for an hour before getting chilled.

 

[princessellie]

thanks hun, i would usually put it in the fridge but am taking michys suggestion to pump a lot in 4hrs, so i have a couple of ozs here but im not done yet so will be adding to it until the 4hrs is up, i'll probably be best giving her it tonight wont i than leaving it in the fridge after the 4hrs?

x

 

[Hevz]

If it's been at room temp for 4 hours then use it straightaway. Don't then put it in the fridge for 5 days or freeze it.

Here's the recommended La Leche League Guidelines for expressed breastmilk storage

What are the LLLI guidelines for storing my pumped milk?

Your milk is a living substance so precious some call it "white blood". It is essential to store your expressed (pumped) milk properly to maximize its nutritional and anti-infective qualities. Human milk actually has anti-bacterial properties that help it to stay fresh. Giving your baby the freshest milk you have pumped ensures its high quality.

This information is based on current research and applies to mothers who:

have healthy, full-term babies;
are storing their milk for home use (as opposed to hospital use);
wash their hands before expressing;
use containers that have been washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed.
Storage Guidelines
All milk should be dated before storing. Storing milk in 2-4 ounce amounts may reduce waste. Refrigerated milk has more anti-infective properties than frozen milk. Cool fresh milk in the refrigerator before adding it to previously frozen milk.

Preferably, human milk should be refrigerated or chilled right after it is expressed. Acceptable guidelines for storing human milk are as follows. Store milk:

at room temperature (66-78°F, 19-26°C) for 4 hours (ideal), up to 6 hours (acceptable) (Some sources use 8 hours)
in a refrigerator (9°F, <4°C) for 72 hours (ideal); up to 8 days (acceptable)
in a freezer (-0.4 to -4°F, -18 to -20°C) for 6 months (ideal) up to 12 months (acceptable)

Here's the link for more info.....

https://www.llli.org/FAQ/milkstorage.html

 

[Hevz]

thanks hun, i would usually put it in the fridge but am taking michys suggestion to pump a lot in 4hrs, so i have a couple of ozs here but im not done yet so will be adding to it until the 4hrs is up, i'll probably be best giving her it tonight wont i than leaving it in the fridge after the 4hrs?

x

Just leave the EBM in a sealed bottle in the fridge between pumping. When you pump again leave it to go fridge cold before adding it to the previous milk otherwise you will be raising the temp of the original milk each time giving bacteria more chance to grow.

 

[princessellie]

oh ok so just have two bottles in the fridge? one that ive just expressed into and my days worth bottle?

x

 

[Mervs Mum]

Do what she said ^^^^^ It's not often she makes sense but today I concede.....

 

[Mervs Mum]

Have a large one in the fridge 'A'. Pump and put that in 'A'. Then pump again and put 'B' in the fridge to chill. When 'B' is chilled, pour into 'A'. Wash 'B' then repeat....yeah??

 

[princessellie]

ok i'll do that, but i might have to invest in some sticky labels so i dont get confused lol, my OH seems to find it fun to rearrange stuff in the fridge all the time

oh and ive been meaning to message u actually, i got the bottles the other day, thanks so much

x

 

[Mervs Mum]

You're welcome!

It's not too bad once you get going - I just feel they bottles and once they are all cold stick them together. It doesnt matter when you pumped so long as they only join at the same temp