Always wash all pump components that come in contact with your breastmilk with hot soapy water after each use. Alternatively use one of the newer microwave “steam” clean bags to clean and disinfect, available at pharmacies.
Collection
Pump into a clean, dry plastic bottle. (Glass can alter some of the immune factors in breastmilk.) If desired, you can transfer the milk into breastmilk storage bags after pumping.
Tightly seal all containers and label with the date of pumping.
Store in 2-4 ounce amounts to reduce waste.
Storage
Refrigerated milk has more anti-infective properties than previously frozen milk.
It is okay to mix small separately pumped amounts together to make a larger bottle. If adding to frozen milk, cool freshly pumped milk in the refrigerator before adding to the frozen milk.
MILK MAY BE STORED
At room temperature for up to 10 hours
In the refrigerator (not the door) for up to 8 days
In a freezer compartment inside a refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
In a freezer compartment with a separate door (not in the door) for 3-4 months
In a deep freezer for at least 6 months
PREVIOUSLY FROZEN MILK
May be thawed in the refrigerator or in warm water. Do not thaw at room temperature.
We DO NOT recommend using a microwave to heat any bottle. Microwaves result in uneven heating and can cause “hot spots” that can burn a baby’s mouth. It also destroys many of the immune properties of breastmilk.
