13. Storing, Preparing & Feeding Breastmilk
13A. Storing breastmilk
Freshly Expressed Breastmilk Storage Guidelines
Room
Temperature
4–6 hours
at 66–78 °F
(19–26 °C)
References: www.BreastmilkGuidelines.com
13B. Preparing breastmilk
Caution
• Do not thaw frozen breastmilk in a microwave or in a pan of boiling water.
• Do not microwave breastmilk. Microwaving can cause severe burns to baby's mouth from
hot spots that develop in the milk during microwaving. (Microwaving can also change the
composition of breastmilk.)
• Thaw breastmilk overnight in the refrigerator. Thawed breastmilk is safe in the
refrigerator for 24 hours. Do not refreeze thawed breastmilk.
• Quickly thaw breastmilk by holding the bottle under warm running water.
• Place the sealed bottle in a bowl of warm water for 20 minutes to bring it to
body temperature.
• If you are adding expressed breastmilk to a container of already frozen breastmilk,
make sure to add a lesser amount than the already frozen amount.
13C. Feeding breastmilk
It is recommended that breastfeeding is well established prior to bottle feeding your baby.
• Always inspect the bottle, nipple and other components immediately before and after each
use. If nipple appears cracked or torn, discontinue use immediately.
• To prevent possible choking hazard, test strength of nipple by pulling on bulb
portion of the nipple.
• Do not attempt to enlarge the nipple hole.
• Infants must not be bottle fed without adult supervision.
• Nipple should not be used as a pacifi er.
30
(For Healthy Term Babies)
Cooler with
Refrigerator
Ice Pack
3–8 days
24 hours
at 39 °F
at 59 °F
or lower
(15 °C)
(4 °C)
Freezer
6–12
months
0– - 4 °F
(-18– - 20 °C)