How long can i keep warmed breast milk?
Welcome to the world of motherhood, where everything you do is a learning experience. From changing diapers to breastfeeding, there are so many new things that you have to figure out. One of the most common questions mothers ask is “how long can I keep warmed breast milk?” Well fear not new mums, we’ve got all the answers for you!
Keeping your baby’s food warm and fresh is essential for their health and comfort. Here’s what would happen if your little one has stale milk – nothing! They will just be really upset with you.
Basics You Need To Know About Heated Breast Milk
Firstly when it comes to heated or warmed breastmilk no more than 70 degrees Celsius should be our maximum temp(158 Fahrenheit till two minutes only). Yes momma don’t get too excited!
Breast milk can be expressed either by hand or using pumps and then fed as required through feeding bottles Whether from chilled (fridge)or frozen environment(taken out before cold chamber time extension exceeding nine hours). But the problem arises on how to reheat after fridge or freezer environments(and yes moms those red digital display temperature-laser might seem fun but they’re pretty pointless)
So let’s dig in deep into this issue.
Is It Safe To Reheat And Feed Expressed Breastmilk Which Was Once Refrigerated Or Frozen?
As said earlier anything over seventy degree celsius is going against every standard procedure incorporated in heating breast milk.
| Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|
| Less Than Twenty-five Degree Celsius | Four Hours because microbes love lukewarm environments |
Another point worth noting down here also says once thawed at room temperature refraining from refreezing again immediately — use wisely like French fries
General Guidelines On How Long Should Heating Up In Warm Water Take
The best method for warming up breast milk is through warm water. It helps to maintain the natural properties of the milk so that your little one can get all the nutrients they need.
For this, you will require a bowl filled with warm(not hot) water and place it gently while checking temperature suitability then often rotating container at least thrice till perfect temp
| Amount of Milk | Warming Time |
|---|---|
| 60ml (2oz) | 5-10 mins |
| 90ml (3oz) | 8-13 min |
| 120ml (4oz) | 15+ mins |
Shaking or stirring should be done after removal from hot state condition until homogeneity is achieved using soft slanted movements rather than rigorous ones otherwise heat loss could increase .
How Many Times Can Warmed Breastmilk Be Reused?
Some would say as long as possible because who doesn’t want to save some extra hours in their day. But keeping our kiddos health first -Brace yourself moms! Expired breast milk when left alone creates bacterial formation which leads to other infections like gastrointestinal illness
So reuse only if-
- it has not reached room temperature after its heated state
- Not been used within an hour period(considering store’s disposal time limit including winter season)
Tips To Store And Thaw Breastmilk
Storing expressed breast milk conveniently will be useful when there’s tough day ahead on Wednesdays . Here are a few tips:
- Use sterilized bottles and pumps during expression.
- Label them correctly according to dates produced(as how woman remember kid-specific clothing sizes)
- Freeze immediately if unused timeframe range exceeds nine hours[even choosing between Nuggets over Steak]
Thawed out breast milk can still retain most nutrient content & freshness just ensure proper storage steps followed : thaw either slowly in the freezer compartment or overnight in fridge compartment with a variation potential for combining both methods. One thing worth noting- do not leave thawed milk at ambient temperature-don’t give the bacteria any chances.
When Should I Throw Away Expressed Breast Milk?
There comes a time when you need to bid adieu to expressed breast milk beyond its prime stage
- If it smells sour
- Appearance has altered
- Separation occurred (fat layer will always form on top)
- Volume bottleneck below safe range limit
Final Thoughts On How To Keep Warming Milk Fresh And Safe For Babies
Warmed breast milk can be kept outside of refrigerator conditions and safely fed within an hour only whether warmed up again by putting it into hot water after room temp reheating – better yet using boiling-water method , reducing waste of warmth guaranteeing that us moms keep our sanity as well.
And lastly, saying thank you to all dairy-mother’s whose hard work is constantly missed out & unacknowledged.[ go show them some love moms – cheese & wine would express more than words could ever[1]]
Cheers to all lactating goddesses!
Have fun warming(up!) your little one’s meals.