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Breast milk is the ultimate source of nutrition containing all essential elements such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and all necessary trace elements for the healthy development of the baby.
Right after birth, mothers often produce a significant amount of breast milk that babies cannot consume immediately. Therefore, many mothers store it in the refrigerator using milk bottles for later use. However, ensuring the storage and thawing process is effective, maintaining the nutritional value of the milk, is vital. This article provides insights on how to achieve this effectively.
Ensuring Safe Feeding through Proper Breast Milk Storage and Thawing
Storing Breast Milk in the Refrigerator
Many mothers often store milk on the refrigerator door for convenience, but this practice is scientifically discouraged. Each time the door is opened, it exposes the milk to bacteria, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it's advisable to store breast milk in the innermost part of the refrigerator.
Tips for Using Specialized Breast Milk Storage Bags: Avoid overfilling or underfilling, and remember to label the expression date for expiry reference.
Proper Thawing Method for Breast Milk
Transfer breast milk from the freezer compartment to the cooler section the night before use. By then, the milk has thawed, so let it cool naturally to room temperature.
Next, use boiling water and place the milk in a large bowl. Pour boiling water over it until submerged, or utilize a milk warmer until it reaches 40 degrees Celsius. Note, if the temperature exceeds 70 degrees Celsius, the nutrient content of the milk will gradually diminish.
If the milk remains unused, replace the nipple and keep it at room temperature for feeding for approximately 2 hours. After 2 hours, if the baby hasn't finished feeding, discard the milk, and never return it to storage for a second time.
Typically, thawed breast milk may have a sour and unpleasant odor, which the baby may not initially like. Mothers should gradually introduce it to the baby. To reduce the sour smell, mothers can gently heat the milk, ensuring it stays below 70 degrees Celsius.
Note: After storage for a period, milk may separate into different layers, which is entirely normal due to its high fat content. When the temperature decreases, nutrients naturally separate into layers. Simply shake well after heating to use normally.
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