I apologize if that is offensive to anyone, thats what my wife and I call it . Any how, my question this time is: How long will breast milk stay "good for" if put in the friginater? We finally got a pump here at home, but don't know how long we can store the milk for. What is the best way to reheat it? Putting the whole bottle in hot water till the temp is right?
I think it stays good in the fridge for about 24 hours. And yah, the best way to reheat is to put it in a pot hot water untill the milk in the bottle is warm enough. Microwaving it can create hot pockets in the milk and burn the baby. I have never really stored breast milk ... but I just hate pumping and am not very good at it. And my nurslings are older now (still nursing but older) and they don't really need a back up stash. Congratualtions on the sweet new baby of yours ... y'all are using cloth diapers right???
We are using cloth. I was in the doctors the other day getting him checked and weighed, and had to change him, The nurse was really surprised to see that he had cloth diapers on. She said she hasn't seen anyone use cloth for years. How sad is that? we aren't planning on pumping too much, more like in case of an emergency, or a night or two so that momma can get good sleep and I can get up with him. I am faster at changing him right now, so I try to do it at night so we can get back to sleep faster. we prefer the actual nusing though.
Thank you, I try as hard as I can. I am still learning though, and everyday a new lesson comes up it seems
i had a friend with a t shirt that said 'booby juice' across the front. she was a strong breast feeding advocate of course. i thought it was an awesome shirt! i was in the hospital for a few days last june (ovarian cyst, bleh!) and got to use the pump for my at the time 8 month old. the nurses said that the milk could even be left unrefridgerated for several hours because of it's incredible antibacterial properties. neat stuff, eh?! kathy
if you're just using it as back-up you'll be better off freezing it...it stays a long time...i forget exactly now but i think 6 months or maybe just 3...something to look into. another thing about microwaving is that it kills nutrients so you don't want to be feeding your baby "empty" milk. congratulations and godess bless!
From what I have heard from lacatation consultant. She told me i can leave breastmilk in bottle up to 8 hours onthe counter ( depending onthe weather). if its too hot, then it wouldnt be wise to leave there for 8 hours. to stay in fridge up to 8 days. I have learned alot with my 5th baby. as I had a struggle with breastfeeding. I had never had a problem with my other 4. so with this 5th baby. I have learned alot! Good luck Smiley
Thank you everone for the info, I am sure having this pump will help mom with some of those sleepless nights, and if I ever have money again I might be able to take my wife out. Here is a pic of my little blessing
i asked the same question and here is the answer i got from maggiesugar whom is a part of le leche league. What are LLLI's 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. * All milk should be dated before storing. Storage Guidelines Storing milk in 2-4 ounce amounts may reduce waste. Refrigerated milk has more anti-infective properties than frozen milk. Cool milk in refrigerator before adding to frozen milk. Human milk can be stored * at room temperature (66-72°F, 19-22°C) for up to 10 hours * in a refrigerator (32-39°F, 0-4°C) for up to 8 days * in a freezer compartment with a separate door (variable temperature due to the door opening frequently) for up to 3 to 6 months. * in a separate deep freeze (0°F, -19°C) for up to 6 months or longer, somtimes up to a year. What Type of Container to Use Refrigerated or frozen milk may be stored in: * hard-sided plastic or glass containers with well-fitting tops * freezer milk bags that are designed for storing human milk Disposable bottle liners are not recommended. How to Warm the Milk Thaw and/or heat under warm, running water. Do not bring temperature of milk to boiling point. Gently swirl milk before testing the temperature. Swirling will also redistribute the cream into the milk. (It is normal for stored milk to separate into a cream and milk layer.) Do not use a microwave oven to heat human milk. Thawed Milk If milk has been frozen and thawed, it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours for later use. It should not be refrozen. It is not known whether milk that is left in the bottle after a feeding can be safely kept until the next feeding or if it should be discarded. According to THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, page 228, research indicates that human milk has previously unrecognized properties that protect it from bacterial contamination. One study, Barger and Bull 1987, found that there was no statistically significant difference between the bacterial levels of milk stored for 10 hours at room temperature and milk that had been refrigerated for 10 hours. Another study, Pardou 1994, found that after 8 days of refrigeration some of the milk actually had lower bacterial levels than it did on the day it was expressed. Expressed milk can be kept in a common refrigerator at the workplace or in a day care center. The US Centers for Disease Control and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration agree that human milk is not among the body fluids that require special handling or storage in a separate container. Resources Attend a La Leche League Group meeting in your area for additional information and support. To find a Leader of a local Group, visit Finding a Local LLL Group. LLLI's NEW BEGINNINGS article "Common Concerns when Storing Human Milk", by Cindy Scott Duke. These items are available from LLLI's online catalog or from your local Leader: THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, published by La Leche League International, is the most complete resource available for the breastfeeding mother. Catalog link Nursing Mother, Working Mother, by Gale Pryor: Mothers who have decided to combine breastfeeding with working will find this an immensely helpful and reassuring book. The author includes practical information about planning for and returning to employment, clear concise tips on breastfeeding, pumping, storing, and transporting milk, and possible alternatives to full time employment such as job sharing, working from home, and budgeting to stay home full time. The book suggests numerous ways that mothers can build and maintain closeness with their babies in spite of separation. Catalog link
Hey man, if you ever need any daddy advice, just ask me. But i promise you are in for the most life changing lessons and will see what being a man is all about. Many blessings to you and your family, and congrats on the newest little member. My little girl is coming in November, and I cant wait to hold her, and be that shining example of a man to her. Take care man, and let me know if you need any guy talk.
hey, heron.....daddy advice? brian and I just found out that we're expecting and I keep getting all of this advice, none is really coming for him....Maybe you could start a daddy advice thread or something?
Hey not a bad idea. I am actually working on teaching a workshop at my house called "Raising the Divine Family" sort a pagan family how to sort of thing. But i will keep the thread in mind, i think the thread needs one. Thanks
