How to store breastmilk
For every mom who breastfeeds, you’ll know the importance of saving the milk you pump. And if you’re planning on going back to work once baby arrives, then having frozen reserves are even more essential.
Follow these steps when freezing your breastmilk:
- Pump (or pump into bottles then transfer) into breastmilk storage bags. Go for a reliable, trusted brand that you know won’t leak. If you’ve mastered the art, try pump straight into the bags so you don’t have to wash bottles. Then, using a marker, label each bag with the date and amount of milk pumped.
- Put them in the freezer lying flat. Then place something solid (like a piece of cardboard) beneath your bags so they freeze really flat, and don’t stick together.
- Once they’re frozen, transfer them to stand vertically in an empty cardboard box with the top cut off.
- When you’re ready to go back to work and rely on a nanny to feed your little one, just pop the whole box into a cooler box and surround with some ice packs.
Not only will you save space when storing milk this way, but you’ll save money as the supplies are less expensive. It also makes thawing the milk easier – just place the bag in a bowl and run some water over it so it can defrost.
