Buzz
Mothers preparing to return to work after maternity leave should express breast milk beforehand. Storing breast milk in bottles allows babies to become accustomed to bottle feeding alongside breastfeeding, easing the transition when mothers return to work.
Is Expressed Breast Milk Safe?
Many mothers believe that expressing breast milk for later use may not ensure the safety of their babies, preferring formula milk instead. They worry that irregular expressing or discarding breast milk may result in a decrease in milk supply over time.
Moreover, once babies become accustomed to formula milk, they often prefer it over breast milk as it tends to be thicker and richer in taste compared to breast milk.
In reality, the notion that expressed breast milk is unsafe is entirely false. With proper storage techniques, mothers can ensure that their babies exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months while still maintaining safety and promoting healthy weight gain.
Ensuring Peace of Mind with Daily Breast Pumping
By expressing breast milk daily and feeding the baby with a bottle, working mothers can feel completely at ease knowing that their baby is still receiving breast milk even when they are away from home.
Some Key Points to Note When Expressing Breast Milk:
Before expressing breast milk, mothers must sterilize the breast pump, wash their hands thoroughly, and clean their nipples and storage equipment meticulously.
When expressing milk for the baby, if it will be stored for more than 24 hours, mothers should use specialized milk storage bags or sterilized bottles. Remember to clearly label the date and store in the freezer for reference. Breast milk should not be stored with other food items, especially raw foods prone to cross-contamination.
When thawing breast milk for use, it should be gradually thawed in the refrigerator and then warmed in warm water, not using a microwave. Microwaving may destroy the antibodies present in breast milk that help fight infections.
