Expressing fresh breast milk for future use is important for a working nursing mother. Breast milk can be safely stored by following a series of important steps:
*Wash your hands well with soap and hot water before pumping.
*Express milk into a clean collection container.
*Label the container with the date and amount. When using stored milk, use the oldest milk first. Freshly expressed breast milk is the first choice if breastfeeding is not possible.
*You can safely store expressed breast milk in your refrigerator for 5-7 days at 39 degrees F.
*You may continue to add small amounts of cooled breast milk to the same container throughout the day. Chill the milk in the refrigerator before you add it. Use the milk within 5 to 7 days of pumping or freeze it as soon as possible.
*Frozen breast milk can be used if fresh is not available.
*Freeze milk in small portions of 2 to 4 ounces. Make sure to leave room at the top of the storage container for expansion when milk freezes. Seal the container tightly.
*You may add to previously frozen milk. First, refrigerate freshly expressed milk until it is cold and then add it to frozen milk.
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[...] Breast milk and other immune boosters – Babies and young children who still breast feed should continue breast feeding. Breast milk has abundant amounts of antibodies that can help the body fight off infection. These antibodies also boost the child’s immune system. Other immune boosters include citrus fruits, vitamins and mineral supplements. [...]
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