Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. It contains all the nutrients that a baby needs to grow and develop, and it is easily digestible. Breast milk also contains antibodies that can help protect infants from illnesses and infections. Additionally, breastfeeding has been shown to have numerous health benefits for both the mother and the baby, including reduced risk of obesity, asthma, and allergies in the baby, and reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer in the mother. Breastfeeding can also help to strengthen the bond between the mother and the baby.
- Use breast pump to collect the breast milk in a clean, food-grade container. This can be a bottle or storage bag that is specifically designed for storing breast milk.
- Label the container with the date and time that the milk was expressed. This will help you keep track of how long the milk has been stored, and when it should be used or discarded.
- Store the milk in the refrigerator or freezer. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- When storing the milk in the freezer, place the container in the back of the freezer, where it is the coldest. This will help preserve the quality of the milk and prevent it from spoiling.
- When thawing frozen breast milk, place the container in the refrigerator overnight, or under running water. Do not thaw breast milk by heating it, as this can destroy important nutrients and antibodies.
- Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 24 hours. Any unused breast milk should be discarded, as it may contain bacteria that can cause illness.
In summary, to safely store breast milk, you should collect the milk in a clean, food-grade container, label it with the date and time, store it in the refrigerator or freezer, and thaw it safely before using it. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your breast milk is safe and nutritious for your baby.
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