Bangkok: Expressing breast milk has become an essential practice for many breastfeeding mothers who face challenges such as work commitments, discomfort during public breastfeeding, or health issues that prevent direct breastfeeding. The proper storage and handling of breast milk are crucial to ensure its nutritional value remains intact.
According to Thai News Agency, the shelf life of breast milk largely depends on the storage temperature. At room temperature above 25 degrees Celsius, breast milk can be stored for no more than 1 hour, while it lasts up to 4 hours if the temperature is below 25 degrees Celsius. In an ice cooler with a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, breast milk can be preserved for up to 24 hours. Refrigerating it at 4 degrees Celsius allows storage for up to 4 days, whereas freezing in a single-door refrigerator at -10 to -15 degrees Celsius keeps it viable for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, a separate freezer door at -18 degrees Celsius can extend the shelf life to 6 months, and a very cold freezer at -20 degrees Celsius can preserve it for up to 1 year.
The choice of storage containers is also vital. Breast milk should be stored in clean cups or containers made of glass or polypropylene plastic marked with the recycling symbol number 5, which is safe for infants. Avoid plastics labeled with symbols 3 and 7, as they may contain harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA). It is essential to record the date of pumping on the container to manage the usage of breast milk efficiently and prevent spoilage.
When it comes to thawing frozen breast milk, there are three recommended methods: refrigerating it, submerging it in water at room temperature not exceeding 37 degrees Celsius, or rinsing with warm water. Microwaving breast milk is discouraged as it can destroy vital nutrients and antibodies. Thawed milk should not be refrozen and must be consumed within 2 hours after being taken out of the refrigerator for optimal safety and nutrition.
Breast milk stored in refrigerators between 4-8 degrees Celsius maintains lactoferrin levels comparable to those in fresh milk, which is crucial for infants' immune systems. However, freezing at -20 degrees Celsius may reduce nutrients like lactoferrin, peroxidase, lysosomes, and IgA, although other components like antioxidants and fats remain stable for short periods.
These guidelines ensure that expressed breast milk remains a safe and nutritious alternative for infants, supporting the growing trend of breastfeeding through pumping among parents.