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In order to store breast milk correctly, it is important to know that milk should be stored in a specific container for this purpose, such as bags for breast milk or glass bottles resistant and BPA free, and be very careful when taking , store and use the milk to avoid contamination.
Before expressing the milk, note the date and time when the milk was removed and only after the extraction process begins. After expressing the milk, you must close the container and place it in a bowl with cold and ice cubes for about 2 minutes and then store it in the refrigerator, freezer or freezer. This care guarantees the quick cooling of the milk, avoiding its contamination.
How long does breast milk last
The storage time of breast milk varies according to the mode of storage, and is also influenced by hygiene conditions at the time of collection. In order for breast milk to be preserved for a longer time, it is important that the collection be made in weak or suitable bags, with hermetic closure and BPA free material.
Thus, according to the place where the storage is made, the time of conservation of breast milk is:
- Ambient temperature (25ºC or less): between 4 and 6 hours depending on the hygiene conditions in which the milk was removed. If the baby is premature, it is not recommended to store the milk at room temperature;
- Refrigerator (4ºC temperature): the milk can be stored for up to 4 days. It is important that the milk is in the coldest region of the refrigerator and that it undergoes little temperature variation, as in the bottom of the refrigerator, for example .;
- Freezer or Freezer (temperature of -18ºC): the time of conservation of breast milk can vary from 6 to 12 months when placed in a region of the freezer that does not suffer much temperature variation, being ideal that it is consumed in up to 6 months;
An important recommendation in case of freezing the milk, is that the container does not smell completely, because during the freezing process, the milk can expand. Find out how breast milk is stored.
How to thaw breast milk
To defrost breast milk you need:
- Remove the milk from the freezer or freezer a few hours before use and let it thaw slowly;
- Place the container in a basin with warm water to stay at room temperature;
- To know the temperature of the milk, you can put a few drops of milk on the back of the hand. The temperature should not be too high to avoid burning the baby;
- Give the baby milk in a properly sterilized bottle and do not reuse the milk that may be left in the bottle because it has already come into contact with the baby's mouth and may be unfit for consumption.
Frozen milk should not be heated on the stove or in the microwave because it can get very hot, the ideal is to heat the milk in a water bath.
How long does the milk last after defrosting
If the breast milk has been defrosted, it can be used when at room temperature 1 to 2 hours after defrosting or after 24 hours if it has been in the refrigerator.
Once the milk has been defrosted, it should not be frozen again and, therefore, it is recommended that storage be done in small containers to avoid wasting milk. In addition, it is not indicated to freeze the leftovers, which can be consumed up to 2 hours after the baby's feeding and should be discarded if not used.