For new moms, breastfeeding is one of the most important daily routines. Breast milk contains all the nutrients your little one needs to grow healthy and strong. However, not all mothers are able to breastfeed directly. Many moms choose to pump breast milk and store it in the refrigerator or freezer so that they always have a supply available.
To ensure the nutrients in breast milk remain intact, moms need to know the proper way to store breast milk and also the proper way to warm it before giving it to their little ones. Both of these are equally important!
Why Does Breast Milk Need to Be Warmed?
Breast milk stored in the refrigerator or freezer will naturally be cold. If given directly in its cold state, the baby might be startled or even refuse to drink it. Additionally, warming breast milk helps to mix the fat in the milk evenly.
Ideally, breast milk should be served at a temperature of around 37-40 degrees Celsius, close to the mother's body temperature. This is called the ideal temperature for expressed breast milk, which makes the baby feel comfortable when drinking.
How to Warm Breast Milk from the Refrigerator
If you store breast milk in the refrigerator (not the freezer), here's how to warm it up:
1. Prepare hot water (from a kettle or small pot) at a temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius.
2. Pour the hot water into a clean bowl or basin.
3. Place the bottle or breast milk bag in the bowl. Make sure the water does not enter the breast milk bottle.
4. Leave it for a few minutes while occasionally turning the bottle slowly so that the heat is evenly distributed.
5. Check the temperature by dripping a little breast milk onto your wrist. If it feels warm (not hot), it is ready to be given.
This is the simplest way to warm breast milk from the refrigerator. Remember, do not warm breast milk directly on the stove or in the microwave, as this can damage the nutrients in the breast milk.
How to Warm Breast Milk from the Freezer
If you have frozen breast milk, you must be more careful when warming it so as not to damage the nutrients. Here are the steps:
1. First, transfer the breast milk from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight so that it thaws slowly. This is the best and safest way to thaw frozen breast milk.
2. The next day, use the same method as warming breast milk from the refrigerator.
3. If you need it quickly, you can first place the frozen breast milk bottle in cold water, then gradually replace it with warm water.
Avoid soaking it directly in hot water while it’s still frozen, as this can cause the bottle to crack or the breast milk’s nutrients to be lost.
How to Warm Breast Milk with a Bottle Warmer
In addition to the manual method, moms can also use a bottle warmer, a practical device specifically designed to warm milk or breast milk.
• Fill the bottle warmer according to the instructions, then place the breast milk bottle inside.
• Turn on the device and wait until it automatically shuts off.
• Check the temperature of the breast milk by dripping a small amount onto your wrist.
This is one way to warm breast milk without damaging its nutrients, as the bottle warmer is designed to maintain a stable temperature.
How Long Does Breast Milk Last After Being Warmed?
After being warmed, breast milk only lasts about 1-2 hours at room temperature. So, make sure to give it to the baby immediately. If it has been more than 2 hours, it is best to discard it, moms. This is one of the tips for safely giving expressed breast milk to a baby.
And remember, expressed breast milk should not be reheated. If it has been warmed up and not finished, the remaining breast milk must be discarded to prevent bacterial growth.
How to Store Breast Milk Properly
Before warming, the storage process of breast milk is also very important. If done incorrectly, the nutrients can be damaged or the breast milk can become contaminated with bacteria. Here are guidelines for properly storing expressed breast milk based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
1. Use glass bottles or special food-grade breast milk storage bags.
2. Label each container with the date and time of expression so moms know which one to use first.
3. Store in the inner part of the refrigerator (not on the door) to maintain a stable temperature.
4. If the freshly expressed breast milk will not be used within 4 days, immediately place it in the freezer.
5. Do not fill the container too full, as breast milk expands when frozen.
6. Always use the older breast milk stock first (first in, first out).
How to Safely Serve Expressed Breast Milk
In addition to knowing how to warm breast milk, moms must also be careful when serving it. Always wash your hands before touching the bottle or breast milk bag. Make sure the nipple or bottle is clean.
If using a glass bottle from the refrigerator, do not immediately place it in boiling water to avoid breaking the bottle. Do it slowly to allow the temperature to rise gradually.
Moms, to make the breastfeeding or feeding process more comfortable, make sure your little one is wearing super-thin, super-absorbent, and anti-clumping diapers like MAKUKU Comfort Fit. Comfortable diapers keep your little one calm while drinking breast milk without fussing due to moisture or diaper rash.
If you want to know more about the benefits of MAKUKU, check it out here.
Breastfeeding does require extra attention, from pumping, storing, to warming. By understanding how to warm breast milk from the refrigerator, how to warm
