Breast milk - pumping and storing

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The most dependable and comfortable pumps are electric. Electric pumps create and release suction on their own and do not require much training to use.

Either a lactation consultant or the nurses at the hospital or your doctor's office can help you purchase a pump, as well as teach you how to use it. A lactation consultant is a person who specializes in breastfeeding.

COLLECTING, HANDLING, AND STORING MILK

When storing milk for home use, wash your hands before expressing (pumping).

• Use 2- to 3-ounce bottles or hard plastic cups that have been washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed well. They should have a cap that fits tightly, such as a screw cap.
• Heavy duty bags that fit into a nursery bottle are also okay. DO NOT use everyday plastic bags or formula bottle bags. They may leak.
• Always date the milk before storing it.

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Fresh breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to 8 hours, and refrigerated for 5 to 7 days.

Frozen milk can be kept:

• In a freezer compartment inside the refrigerator for 2 weeks
• In a separate door refrigerator/freezer for up to 3 or 4 months
• In a deep freezer at constant 0 degrees for 6 months.

Frozen and thawed milk can be refrigerated for up to 9 hours, but it should not be refrozen.

Never microwave breast milk -- overheating destroys valuable nutrients and "hot spots" can scald your baby. Bottles may explode if left in the microwave too long.

THAWING AND USING BREAST MILK

The two best ways to thaw frozen breast milk are:

• By putting it in the refrigerator
• By swirling it in a bowl of warm water

When leaving breast milk with a child care provider, make sure you label the container with your child's name and the date.

Other advice:

• Do not refreeze breast milk once it has been thawed.
• Do not save breast milk from a bottle that has been used.
• Never add fresh breast milk to frozen milk.

Review Date: 04/28/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine (7/26/2010).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).