Olivia Carter
Expressing breastmilk is a common practice among breastfeeding mothers. Whether it’s due to returning to work, wanting to build up a supply, or simply wanting to have a break, expressing breastmilk allows mothers to provide their babies with the nutrition they need even when they aren’t physically present.
But what happens when you have refrigerated breastmilk? Can it be used to make fresh expressed breastmilk? The answer is yes, but with some precautions.
Refrigerated breastmilk can be safely used to make fresh expressed breastmilk, as long as it hasn’t been stored for too long. Breastmilk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, according to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, it’s important to note that fresh expressed breastmilk made from refrigerated breastmilk should be used within 24 hours. This is because the longer breastmilk is stored, the higher the chance of bacterial growth. Therefore, using it within a day is the safest option.
When making fresh expressed breastmilk, it’s also crucial to handle the refrigerated breastmilk properly. Make sure to follow these steps:
- Thoroughly wash your hands before handling the breastmilk.
- Pour the desired amount of refrigerated breastmilk into a clean container.
- Warm the refrigerated breastmilk by placing the container in warm water or using a bottle warmer. Avoid using the microwave, as it can create hot spots that can scald the baby.
- Once the breastmilk is warm, it can be used to feed the baby.
- Any leftover breastmilk should be discarded after the feeding, as bacteria from the baby’s mouth can contaminate it.
Remember, always trust your instincts as a mother and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about expressing or using breastmilk.
Why It’s Important to Know
Understanding the guidelines for handling breastmilk is crucial in order to ensure the safety and nutritional value of the milk for your baby. When it comes to making fresh expressed breastmilk with refrigerated milk, there are a few key reasons why it’s important to know the proper procedures.
Maintaining Nutritional Value
Refrigerated breastmilk contains important nutrients that are essential for your baby’s growth and development. However, these nutrients can degrade over time, especially if the milk is not stored and handled correctly. By following the proper guidelines, you can help preserve the nutritional value of the milk and ensure that your baby receives all the benefits of breastmilk.
Preventing Bacterial Contamination
Breastmilk is a perfect food source for bacteria to grow and thrive. Proper handling and storage of breastmilk can help prevent bacterial contamination. When making fresh expressed breastmilk, it’s important to ensure that the refrigerated milk is properly stored and used within the recommended time frames to minimize the risk of bacterial growth. This is particularly important for newborns and infants with weaker immune systems.
Overall, understanding the importance of following the guidelines for making fresh expressed breastmilk with refrigerated milk is vital for maintaining the nutritional value of the milk and preventing bacterial contamination. By knowing and adhering to these guidelines, you can provide your baby with safe and nutritious breastmilk that will support their growth and development.
Guidelines for Fresh Expressed Breastmilk
When it comes to expressing and storing breastmilk, following guidelines is crucial to ensure the safety and quality of the milk for your baby. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:
Expressing Breastmilk
1. Cleanliness: Before expressing breastmilk, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Use clean containers, such as bottles or breastmilk storage bags, for collecting the milk.
2. Storage: It is recommended to store freshly expressed breastmilk in a clean, sealed container. Label the container with the date and time of expression to ensure proper rotation of milk.
3. Hygiene: Avoid touching the inside of the container or the rim of the bottle or bag with your hands or any other object to maintain a sterile environment.
Storing Fresh Expressed Breastmilk
1. Temperature: For short-term storage (up to 4 hours), you can keep freshly expressed breastmilk at room temperature (around 25°C or 77°F). If the ambient temperature is higher, reduce the storage time to 2 hours.
2. Refrigeration: Freshly expressed breastmilk can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C (39°F) for up to 4 days. Make sure the milk is placed at the back of the refrigerator, away from the door, to maintain a consistent temperature.
3. Freezing: If you want to store the breastmilk for a longer period, it can be frozen. Use appropriate breastmilk storage bags or containers designed for freezing. The milk can be stored in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator or a deep freezer at a temperature of -18°C (0°F) or lower for up to 6 months.
Note: Do not use a microwave to heat or thaw breastmilk, as it can create hot spots and destroy important nutrients. Instead, thaw the milk by placing the container in warm water or using a bottle warmer. Swirl the milk gently after thawing to mix the fat, which may have separated.
How to Store Refrigerated Breastmilk
Storing breastmilk correctly is vital to maintain its quality and ensure its safe consumption by your baby. Here are some steps to follow when storing refrigerated breastmilk:
Clean and Sterilize
Before expressing breastmilk, ensure that your hands, pumping equipment, and storage containers are clean and sanitized. This reduces the risk of contamination and helps preserve the milk’s freshness.
Label and Date
It is essential to label each storage container with the date when the breastmilk was expressed. This way, you can easily identify the oldest milk and use it first.
Use Proper Storage Containers
Choose BPA-free containers or breastmilk storage bags specifically designed for storing breastmilk. These containers provide an airtight seal and prevent leaks and spills.
Cool Before Storage
Allow the freshly expressed breastmilk to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. This helps maintain the milk’s nutrients and prevents condensation formation inside the storage container.
Store Towards the Back
Place the stored breastmilk towards the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is the coldest and most consistent. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator door as it might be exposed to temperature fluctuations.
Keep Away from Strong Odors
Avoid storing breastmilk near foods with strong odors as breastmilk can absorb them easily. This helps preserve the milk’s flavor and prevents any unpleasant taste.
Keep Track of Time
Refrigerated breastmilk can be safely stored for up to four days. However, if you plan to freeze it, do so within the first two days to maintain the milk’s quality and freshness.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the refrigerated breastmilk remains fresh and safe for your baby’s consumption. Remember to always check for any signs of spoilage before feeding your baby with refrigerated breastmilk.
Steps to Make Fresh Expressed Breastmilk
Expressing breastmilk can provide a convenient option for feeding your baby, especially when you aren’t able to directly breastfeed. Here are the steps to make fresh expressed breastmilk:
1. Wash your hands
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This helps reduce the risk of introducing any bacteria or contaminants into the breastmilk.
2. Gather your supplies
Make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready before you begin. This includes a clean container for storing the breastmilk, breast pump equipment, and breastmilk storage bags or bottles.
3. Clean and assemble the breast pump
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and assembling your breast pump. This ensures that the breast milk collection process is hygienic and safe.
4. Prepare for milk expression
Find a comfortable and private place to express your breastmilk. Make sure you are relaxed and have a warm compress or towel to help stimulate milk flow.
5. Begin expressing milk
- Start the breast pump on low or medium suction.
- Position the breast shield over your nipple, making sure it fits properly and is centered.
- Begin pumping, using a gentle rhythm to mimic your baby’s suckling pattern.
- Continue pumping until the milk flow slows down significantly or stops.
6. Store the breastmilk
Transfer the expressed breastmilk into a clean container or breastmilk storage bag. Label it with the date and time of expression. If you are planning to refrigerate the milk, do so immediately.
7. Clean and store pump equipment
After expressing, be sure to clean all the breast pump parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This prevents contamination and maintains the longevity of the equipment.
8. Use or freeze the breastmilk
If you plan to use the expressed breastmilk within a few days, refrigerate it promptly. If you intend to store it for longer, place it in the freezer. Refer to storage guidelines for proper refrigeration and freezing times.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your fresh expressed breastmilk is safe and ready for your baby’s consumption. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding breastfeeding and breastmilk storage.
FAQ
Can I make fresh expressed breastmilk with refrigerated breastmilk?
Yes, you can make fresh expressed breastmilk with refrigerated breastmilk. To do this, you need to first heat up the refrigerated breastmilk by placing the container in warm water or using a bottle warmer. Once the breastmilk is warm, you can mix it with freshly pumped breastmilk to create a fresh batch. Make sure to swirl gently to mix the two together before feeding.
How long can refrigerated breastmilk be used for making fresh expressed breastmilk?
Refrigerated breastmilk can be used for making fresh expressed breastmilk within 24 hours. It is recommended to use refrigerated breastmilk within this time frame to maintain its freshness and quality. If the breastmilk has been refrigerated for longer than 24 hours, it is best to use it for bottle feeding or other purposes instead of mixing it with freshly pumped breastmilk.
