If you are a breastfeeding mom, you know how precious your breastmilk is. It is the best source of nutrition and immunity for your baby, and it also helps you bond with your little one. But sometimes, you may need to pump and store your breastmilk for later use, such as when you are away from your baby, working, or traveling. In that case, you want to make sure that your breastmilk is stored and used safely and hygienically, without losing any of its quality and benefits.
That’s why we recommend using Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags, the best breast milk bags on the market. These bags are specially designed to store and protect your breastmilk in the freezer, fridge, or when traveling. They are made from durable double-layer material and have a double-zipper seal to prevent any leaks or spills. They are also hygienically pre-sealed, which means that they are sterile and ready to use right out of the box.
In this blog post, we will show you how to use Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags to store and use your breastmilk safely and conveniently. We will also answer some of the most common questions that moms have about breastmilk storage and use.
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How to Store Your Breastmilk with Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags?
Storing your breastmilk with Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags is easy and simple. Just follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the bags or your breast pump parts.
- Label each bag with the date and time of pumping, as well as your baby’s name if you are using a shared fridge or freezer.
- Open the bag by tearing off the perforated tab. Do not touch the inside of the bag or the zipper seal.
- Attach the bag to your breast pump using a Medela Pump & Save Adapter (sold separately) or pour the expressed milk into the bag from a collection bottle.
- Squeeze out the excess air from the bag and seal it securely by closing the zipper.
- Lay the bag flat in the freezer or fridge for space-saving storage. You can also store the bags upright in a Medela Breast Milk Storage Tray (sold separately) for easy organization.
- Use a bonus resealable transport pouch (included in each box) to keep the bags clean and organized when traveling.
How to Use Your Breastmilk with Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags?
Using your breastmilk with Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags is also easy and convenient. Just follow these steps:
- Thaw the frozen breastmilk in the fridge overnight or by placing the bag in a bowl of warm water. Do not use hot water or a microwave, as this can damage the nutrients and antibodies in your breast milk.
- Check the date and time on the label and use the oldest milk first.
- Inspect the milk for any signs of spoilage, such as sour smell, clumps, or discoloration. If in doubt, discard the milk.
- Cut open the bag and pour the milk into a feeding bottle or a cup. Do not reuse or reseal the bag after opening.
- Warm the milk to room temperature or body temperature by placing the bottle or cup in a bowl of warm water or using a bottle warmer. Do not overheat the milk, as this can destroy some of its benefits.
- Shake or swirl the milk gently before feeding to mix any fat that may have separated.
- Feed your baby within one hour of thawing or warming the milk. Discard any leftover milk after feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breastmilk Storage and Use
Here are some of the most common questions that moms have about breastmilk storage and use:
Q: How long can I store my breastmilk with Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags?
A: The storage time depends on several factors, such as the temperature of your fridge or freezer, how often you open and close them, and how clean your pumping equipment is. As a general guideline, you can store your breastmilk with Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags for up to 6 months in a deep freezer (-18°C or lower), up to 3 months in a standard freezer (0°C), up to 5 days in a fridge (4°C), up to 10 hours at room temperature (19-26°C), and up to 4 hours in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs (15°C). However, these are only approximate times, and you should always check your milk for freshness before feeding.
Q: How much breastmilk should I store in each bag?
A: You should store only as much breastmilk as your baby will drink in one feeding, usually between 60 ml to 120 ml (2 oz to 4 oz). This will help you avoid wasting any milk and make it easier to thaw and warm the milk. You should also leave some space at the top of the bag to allow for expansion when freezing.
Q: Can I combine breastmilk from different pumping sessions in one bag?
A: Yes, you can combine breastmilk from different pumping sessions in one bag, as long as you follow these rules:
- Cool the freshly pumped milk in the fridge before adding it to the already frozen milk. Do not add warm milk to frozen milk, as this can cause bacterial growth and spoilage.
- Add only as much fresh milk as there is frozen milk in the bag. Do not overfill the bag or exceed the maximum fill line.
- Label the bag with the date and time of the first pumping session. Use the oldest milk first.
Q: Can I refreeze thawed breastmilk?
A: No, you should never refreeze thawed breastmilk, as this can reduce its quality and safety. Once you thaw your breastmilk, you should use it within 24 hours if stored in the fridge, or within one hour if stored at room temperature or in a cooler bag. Do not reheat or re-cool thawed breast milk.
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Q: Can I store my breastmilk in other containers besides Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags?
A: Yes, you can store your breastmilk in other containers, such as glass or plastic bottles, jars, or cups, as long as they are clean, sterilized, and have a tight-fitting lid. However, we recommend using Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags for several reasons:
- They are more convenient and hygienic than other containers, as they are pre-sterilized and ready to use.
- They are more durable and leak-proof than other containers, as they have a double-layer material and a double-zipper seal.
- They are more space-saving and economical than other containers, as they can lay flat in the freezer or fridge and hold more milk per bag.
- They are more compatible and versatile than other containers, as they can attach directly to your breast pump with a Medela Pump & Save Adapter or fit into a Medela Breast Milk Storage Tray.
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