Baby Drank Spoiled Breast Milk? Here Are 5 First Aid Steps that Moms Should Know!

Breast milk is the main source of nutrition for your baby in the early months. Exclusive breastfeeding is even globally recommended to support optimal growth and development. But what happens if your baby accidentally drinks spoiled breast milk?

Breast milk inside your body cannot spoil. The term “spoiled breast milk” refers to milk that has been expressed and stored in containers or breast milk storage bags placed in the refrigerator or freezer.

In general, breast milk stored in the freezer and frozen can last up to six months, as long as the storage conditions are ideal and the milk remains uncontaminated and of good quality.

Below are some first-aid steps you can take if your baby accidentally drinks spoiled breast milk from storage.

1. Check Your Baby’s Body Temperature

When food poisoning occurs, a baby usually shows fever as the most visible symptom. If the fever is accompanied by vomiting and frequent bowel movements, it may indicate that your baby has consumed spoiled breast milk.

Use an accurate thermometer to check your baby’s body temperature so you can quickly assess their condition. Understanding the early signs helps determine the next appropriate steps for care.

2. Stop Feeding Suspected Spoiled Milk

If your baby shows unusual reactions after drinking breast milk, stop feeding immediately. These reactions may include sudden vomiting, crying, or a rise in body temperature.

Stop giving the suspected spoiled milk right away to prevent the symptoms from worsening. Recheck the milk’s condition and make sure your baby’s symptoms do not persist. If needed, consult a doctor immediately to ensure your baby’s safety.

3. Keep the Baby Upright to Help Them Burp

If your baby vomits continuously, another first-aid step is to keep them in an upright position. This helps them burp more easily.

You can also gently massage your baby’s tummy using telon oil. The warmth and comfort can help calm them. Avoid rough movements, as these can make the baby feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

4. Take Your Baby to the Doctor Immediately

If your baby has already consumed spoiled breast milk and you realize it, take them to the doctor right away for professional care. A pediatrician will know the right steps to prevent further health effects.

The steps mentioned in points 1, 2, and 3 can serve as first aid if your baby accidentally drinks spoiled breast milk. However, it’s strongly recommended not to delay a doctor visit to ensure your baby receives the right treatment and to avoid further complications caused by spoiled breast milk.

5. Identify the Cause

Spoiled breast milk can result from several factors, such as an unbalanced maternal diet, issues with the refrigerator or storage system, or containers that don’t tightly seal and protect the milk from contamination.

Review what you’ve eaten in the past few days, as certain ingredients might trigger allergic reactions, food poisoning, or reduced breast milk quality.

If your diet seems normal, check your milk storage system. Ensure there are no leaks, damaged temperature settings, or inconsistent internal temperatures.

Finally, inspect your storage containers and breast pump parts. Make sure there are no leaks or contamination that could reduce milk quality and shelf life.

Prevent Spoiled Breast Milk with Quality Bottles and Breast Pumps

Using high-quality baby care equipment helps prevent your baby from drinking spoiled breast milk. Why? Because quality tools minimize contamination during the pumping and storage process.

Hegen is fully committed to providing high-quality baby care products. From breast pumps to milk storage containers, Hegen products are made from durable, FDA-approved materials that are completely safe for babies.

The HEGEN PCTO™ DOUBLE ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP NEW is a great option to help mothers express breast milk hygienically. It’s comfortable, offers multiple settings, and is compatible with various Hegen containers, making it highly recommended for mothers.

You can also use the HEGEN PCTO™ 60ML/2OZ BREAST MILK STORAGE PPSU (6-PACK) to store expressed breast milk. Made of PPSU, which combines the benefits of plastic and glass, it’s BPA-free and highly durable. Hegen bottles and containers can withstand temperatures from -20°C to 180°C, making them safe for freezer storage and helping prevent milk spoilage. The secure seal on the lid keeps your milk fresh for your baby when it’s time to feed.

Hegen understands that handling a situation where your baby drinks spoiled breast milk requires quick, precise, and careful action. Once again, taking your baby to the doctor is the best step you can take. To prevent this from happening, always follow strict hygiene procedures when handling stored breast milk and use high-quality storage products from Hegen. Hopefully, this article is helpful for you!

References:

• Popmama. First Aid and How to Handle Breast Milk Poisoning. https://www.popmama.com/pregnancy/birth/annas/pertolongan-pertama-dan-cara-mengatasi-keracunan-asi-pada-bayi
• Mommies Daily. Baby Drank Spoiled Expressed Breast Milk: What Should You Do? https://mommiesdaily.com/2021/04/21/bayi-minum-asip-basi-apa-yang-harus-dilakukan
• Kumparan. What Fathers Can Do If Their Baby Accidentally Drinks Spoiled Formula Milk. https://kumparan.com/kumparanmom/yang-bisa-ayah-lakukan-bila-bayi-tidak-sengaja-minum-susu-formula-basi-1540356283583263577
• theAsianparent. Signs of Spoiled Breast Milk That Are Dangerous for Babies: Expert Opinion. https://id.theasianparent.com/ciri-ciri-asi-basi
• Hegen. How Long Does Breast Milk Last After Heating? Here’s the Review. https://hegen.co.id/blogs/updates/berapa-lama-asi-bertahan-setelah-dipanaskan