How to safely store breast milk?

From producer to consumer. You can't get more direct or eco-friendly than breastfeeding, but it's also sometimes very convenient to be able to express milk and delegate feedings. It's a great way to take a break, in case of temporary nipple injuries (some babies can be like veritable carnivores!), or simply if you're a busy mom who's returned to work and social activities. And like any food, this precious white gold needs to be stored under certain conditions to avoid altering its valuable nutritional properties, the growth of germs, and the potential contamination of your baby. 

Expressing your milk has one main advantage: freedom. Even if you love breastfeeding and, thanks to stylish and well-designed clothing (hey, haven't we told you about the amazing Milk Away brand yet?), it's now perfectly possible to do it wherever and whenever you want, sometimes it's nice to take some time for yourself away from the most voracious little human you know. Naps, workouts, doctor's appointments, outings with friends—these are all moments you shouldn't miss out on when you're breastfeeding. Another advantage of expressing milk and building up a supply is being able to return to work without having to give up those cherished mother-baby dinners. 

Some guidelines for safely expressing and storing breast milk: 

• When expressing milk: your breasts and hands must be clean. In fact, a shower a day is sufficient to ensure breast hygiene, and remember to wash your hands just before expressing milk. If you use a breast pump , make sure it is clean before each use (it is advisable to wash it in very hot water with a little dish soap and rinse it thoroughly. Air drying on a clean kitchen towel is preferable). The containers (most often bottles or specific storage bags) used for storage must also be perfectly clean. 
• Store breast milk at room temperature (between 15 and 25°C) : freshly expressed milk can be consumed within four hours . This milk has the most effective antibacterial properties. It is also richer in antioxidants, vitamins, and lipids. It is preferable to refrigerated milk, which is itself preferable to frozen milk. Formula comes in fourth place.
• Store breast milk in the refrigerator (at a maximum of 4°C) : it should be consumed within three days. Avoid placing the milk in the refrigerator door, as frequent openings cause temperature fluctuations. Store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator (which varies depending on whether it's a static, fan-assisted, or ventilated refrigerator. We'll let you consult your instruction manuals for more details...). The downside of cold temperatures is that they tend to diminish the nutritional qualities of breast milk, but on the other hand, they guarantee its preservation for several hours or days. A clean refrigerator is also important; remember to clean it thoroughly at least once a month. 
• Storing breast milk in the freezer (at a minimum of -18°C) : once frozen, the milk can be stored for a longer period, up to a maximum of 6 months. However, it's important to remember that the composition of breast milk naturally changes according to the baby's age and therefore their growth needs. It is therefore not recommended to give expressed milk to a baby who is two months old when they are six months old. 

In general, avoid mixing different types of breast milk (even milk expressed on the same day) to prevent exceeding storage times and temperature shocks. As a precaution, don't store leftover milk from a bottle, as your baby may have contaminated it with bacteria present in and around their mouth. To avoid waste (frankly, you give so much of yourself, so every drop counts!), store small quantities at a time to avoid throwing away unused milk. Be methodical and write the date the milk was expressed on each container. And finally, never, ever, oh never, refreeze thawed milk; the risk of harmful bacteria multiplying is too great. This advice applies to all food taken from the freezer, whether you're 2 days old, 2 months old, 2 years old, or 99 years old.

How to warm refrigerated or frozen breast milk?

With patience and care, either remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator (allow about twelve hours), or place it in a container of lukewarm water at a maximum of 37°C until it reaches room temperature again. Keep in mind that refrigerating a sample of breast milk can cause the liquid to separate into layers. Often, the fat rises to the surface and forms a layer. The milk remains safe to drink, however. Simply swirl it gently in a circular motion to re-mix it. Avoid shaking it vigorously, as this could damage some of its beneficial components. Once thawed, breast milk left at room temperature should be consumed within two hours, or within twenty-four hours if refrigerated. 

If your baby is in a neonatal unit or specialized ward, or if you wish to donate your milk to a milk bank, these facilities may have stricter cleaning and storage guidelines. Check beforehand. 

What to do with expired milk?

So many things, really! It's absolutely essential not to throw it away. Even if it's not suitable for the baby, breast milk can be used to clean a baby's bottom. It can also be mixed with bathwater (including your own) to soften the skin and combat the drying effects of hard water. It can also be used to soften soap, clean jewelry, get rid of a small pimple, and so on.

Breast milk is full of treasures. A true white gold, as we were saying.

And bon appétit, Baby! 

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