Guidelines for storing breast milk

Breast milk is a valuable source of nutrition for babies, and it is important to store it properly to preserve its nutrients and prevent contamination. Here are some general guidelines for storing breast milk:

• Always wash your hands before pumping or handling storage containers.

• Use clean, sterile storage containers. You can use plastic bottles, glass bottles, or breast milk storage bags from Anue.
  Make sure the containers are BPA-free.

• Label each container with the date and time the milk was pumped.

• Store freshly expressed milk in the refrigerator as soon as possible, preferably within one hour of pumping. Place it at the back of the fridge where it is coldest, and avoid storing it in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate.

• Breast milk can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours at 4°C (39°F) or lower. If you won’t use it within this timeframe, it should be frozen.

• Frozen breast milk can be stored in a freezer compartment of the fridge or in a separate freezer. It’s best to freeze milk in small portions (60–120 ml) for quick thawing and to reduce waste.

• Frozen breast milk can be kept for up to 6 months in a freezer at -18°C (0°F) or lower. In a standard freezer, it’s best to use the milk within 2–3 months.

• Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator overnight, or place the container in a bowl of cold water (below 15°C / 59°F). Do not use a microwave, as it can destroy nutrients and create hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth.

• Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours. Do not refreeze.

• If transporting breast milk to daycare or a caregiver, use a cooler bag with ice packs to keep it cold.

By following these guidelines, you ensure that your baby receives the best possible nutrition from breast milk.

If you use the Anue Concept Kit and fill the pipette with a milk sample before freezing, you can choose to donate the milk to a milk bank, provided you have enough milk for your own baby.

Frozen Anue Siipp.