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  Expressed breast milk - Safe handling and storage

 

All equipment and storage containers should be "sterilized" before using.

Any part that will come in contact with the Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) should be cleaned with a bottlebrush and detergent, rinsed and placed in a large covered pot. Cover with water and boil rapidly for 20 minutes.

"Milton" or a home steam-sterilizing unit could be used if preferred. Once cleaned it can be stored in an unused clean plastic bag. (Freezer bags.)

Never add warm breast milk to cold milk. Always cool expressed milk separately before adding to previously collected, cooled milk.

The times in the table adjacent are given as a guide to help in the safe handling of EBM. Any stored or defrosted milk that falls outside of them should be discarded in the interest of the health and safety of your baby.

Breast Milk At room temperature Refrigerator Freezer
Fresh EBM in a closed clean container 6 hours (if room temperature is less than 26* C.)

3 days at 4* C.

Store in back of refrigerator where it is coldest.

Never store in the door of the refrigerator

3 months in the freezer section of refrigerator.

12 months in a deep freeze at 18*C

Previously frozen EBM, thawed in refrigerator. Up to 4 hours. 24 hours Do not re-freeze
Thawed outside of refrigerator in warm water Until completion of current feed Can be held for 4 hours Do not re-freeze
Infant has begun feeding.

Only for completion of feed.

Any unused milk must be discarded.

Discard Discard

Article prepared by Akal Khalsa

For more information Contact Akal.

 

 
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Email: akal@ourmidwife.com.au