Breastmilk, just like any other milk, can be stored and used extensively as and when required. However, specific guidelines need to be followed when dealing with the storage of breastmilk.
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It is essential to follow the Rule of 4’s when it comes to preparing and storing breastmilk. According to this rule, breastmilk can be stored at room temperature safely for up to four hours and in your refrigerator for four days. However, studies show that longer the breast milk is stored, greater the loss of Vitamin C. Therefore, it is beneficial to keep stored breastmilk in rotation so that you avoid storing it for too long in the refrigerator or freezer.
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Wash your hands, breast pump (if using), and the storage containers before expressing breast milk. Milk should be stored in food-grade glass or plastic containers or special plastic bags designed for milk storage. Label the containers with the date and store them in small batches to prevent wastage. Refrigerate them immediately if not being used.
Breast milk needs to be stored carefully to prevent contamination. The best storage for breast milk is in food-grade, capped containers made of plastic or glass. Ensure it does not contain BPA (bisphenol A), a harmful chemical for babies. Breast milk can also be stored in specially designed plastic bags for milk collection and storage.
Follow the Rule of 4 when preparing breast milk. Wash your hands with soap and water, clean the breast pump and the containers. Express breast milk into the container for storage. According to the Rule of 4, this can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours and in your refrigerator for 4 days.
Store breastmilk in small batches of 50-100 mL to prevent waste. Milk remaining in the bottle after feeding should be used within 2 hours or refrigerated immediately. If not using breastmilk after expressing it, refrigerate it. This can be used for up to 4 days and, if frozen, can be stored for up to 9 months. If freezing breastmilk, do not fill it to the brim, as it expands when frozen. Also, do not add fresh milk to the frozen one. Thawed milk should be used within 24 hours and refrigerated.
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