Some mummies have been asking if they can keep the unfinished breastmilk to the next feeding session.
As we know, breastmilk that has been fed to a baby cannot be kept for the next feeding due to presence of bacteria from the saliva exposure. Any unfinished amount of breastmilk that has been exposed to saliva has to be thrown away. This is because bacteria breeds at room temperature / 37°C.
It breaks the heart of a mummy to throw away their precious golden drops, especially those with low supply. Here are some suggestions to minimise the wastage of breastmilk:
1. ESTIMATE YOUR BABY’S EACH FEEDING
Usually we can estimate how much our baby needs to drink for each feeding based on the size of their stomach & how long they latch on us. This can be estimated from baby’s previous feeding.
2. STORE IN SMALL AMOUNTS
Some mummies store their excess breastmilk in the freezer for future feedings. Once the frozen breastmilk is thawed, it must be finished in 24hours. Or it has to be thrown away. Freezing in smaller amounts according to the size of the feeding can avoid wastage. Thaw only the amount that you need and confident that baby can finish within a day.
3. USE SEPARATE BOTTLES
During feeding, pour small amounts (1-3oz) into 2 separate bottles depending on how much your baby can consume each feeding based on your judgement. Finish the first bulk, then top up in small amounts should your baby requires more milk. Repeat until your baby is satisfied. In this way, you only expose small of your breastmilk to baby’s saliva each time. The balance of the unexposed breastmilk can be popped back into the fridge for next feeding.
EXTRA BENEFITS
Only small amounts (max 1oz) will be wasted. Usually i will store them in a separate container for spoilt milk and accumulate them for soap making. In this way i dont have to use my precious milk and still have soap for baby 😀
Thawing and warming frozen / chilled breastmilk in small amounts is way quicker. Thawing 3oz of frozen breastmilk under running water takes less than 5min. Warming a 2oz chilled breastmilk with occasional swirling takes less than 2 minutes. Babies are usually very impatient when they are hungry! Who doesn’t?! Using this suggested method can save you from high-pitched impatient cries and emotional roller coaster.😉
–MommyLove, Jen–
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