- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
 |
It was suggested on your Web site that one can add pumped milk to frozen milk provided that the former is not more than the latter. I have some additional questions which I hope you can help me with:
- What about adding freshly pumped milk to milk stored in the fridge?
- It was mentioned that milk stored at 0 to 4 degrees Celsius can be kept for eight days. Other journals usually mention a maximum of two days. Am I interpreting your Web site correctly?
- In your opinion which is the best form of storage device? It was suggested on your Website that one can use Ziploc bags. Do you mean those sandwich bags? Are they sterile?
1) When storing breastmilk, remember that we always want to protect the status quo of the milk already in the refrigerator or freezer. We want to keep it just as cold as it is, and not cause it to warm or thaw. Therefore, it is best to chill milk before adding it to frozen or refrigerated milk. If we add warm milk to any other milk, it will make it warmer and it will not stay as fresh.
2) Fresh breast milk will be good in the refrigerator for eight days. Keep it in the back part of the refrigerator where it will be coldest, not in the front or on the door.
3) Milk stays freshest and preserves more nutrients if kept in a clean, hard-sided container with a tight fitting lid. There are some types of soft sided bags that are designed to store breastmilk. They are very thick, and are specially designed for this purpose. It is not necessary for the containers to be sterile, only clean. The soft-sided containers are not approved for storing milk of premature or sick babies, but are adequate for occasional use in full term, healthy babies.
Hope this helps!
Related Expert Q&A
- I stopped pumping because it hurts so much. Is there anything I can do to tough up my breasts to tolerate the pump?
- I noticed that there was blood mixed with my pumped breast milk. What could be causing this?
- Do I need to pump while I am on a business trip or will my supply stay steady?
- When is it safe to start pumping breast milk for future use?
- Are there any laws pertaining to pumping breast milk at your place of employment?
More Answers by this Expert
- My breasts are so large now, I am worried I will smother my baby if I try to breastfeed. Also, will my breasts return to their former size?
- Is it necessary to give multi-vitamin supplements to a breastfed baby? Doesn't Mother's milk provide all the nutrients a baby needs?
- Are there any laws in effect that hinder women from breastfeeding in public?
- What are an employer's legal responsibilities and duties for breastfeeding and/or pumping at work?
- I am pregnant, and my nipples are like a faucet, particularly when I'm sleeping. Is this normal?