Simak Panduan Berapa Lama ASI Bertahan dalam Botol Susu

ASI is a primary, essential nutrient for babies, especially during their first six months of life. Besides being a source of nutrition, breast milk also contains antibodies that function to protect babies from various diseases. However, for mothers who must return to work or have activities outside the home, direct breastfeeding is often a challenge. The solution is to express and store breast milk in baby bottles so it can still be given to the baby when the mother is not at home.

It is very important for mothers to know how to store expressed breast milk properly so that its quality is maintained. This article provides a complete guide on how long breast milk lasts in a baby bottle, how to store breast milk safely, as well as the signs that breast milk is no longer fit for consumption.

Factors Affecting Breast Milk Shelf Life

There are several important factors that affect how long breast milk can last after being expressed:

1. Storage Temperature: Temperature is one of the main factors that affect how long breast milk lasts in a baby bottle. Storing breast milk at the right temperature will ensure the breast milk remains fresh and uncontaminated by bacteria.
2. Cleanliness of Bottles and Equipment: Ensure that baby bottles, breast pumps, and all other equipment used are clean and sterile. A hygienic process will help reduce the risk of contamination and keep the quality of breast milk safe.
3. Handling of Expressed Breast Milk: Expressed breast milk must be handled with care. Starting from the pumping process to storage, bottle cleanliness, and proper storage methods will affect how long breast milk can be given to your Little One.

How Long Does Breast Milk Last in a Baby Bottle?

Source: Hegen

The following is a guide on how long breast milk lasts in a baby bottle based on the location and storage temperature:

1. Room Temperature

• Freshly expressed breast milk can last up to 4 hours at room temperature (around 25°C). After that, the breast milk will begin to lose its quality.
• Breast milk that has been warmed and left at room temperature should be used within 1 hour of being warmed. If not used within this time, the breast milk should be discarded and must not be frozen again.

2. Refrigerator

• Breast milk stored in a refrigerator at 4°C can last up to 4 days. Ensure that you store the breast milk in the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more stable.
• Avoid storing breast milk in the refrigerator door because the temperature in this section is often unstable, causing the breast milk to spoil easily.

3. Freezer

• Breast milk stored in a single-door refrigerator freezer can last up to 3 months.
• Freezer in a two-door refrigerator can maintain breast milk quality for up to 6 months.
• For a deep freezer at -18°C or lower, breast milk can last up to 12 months.

Read also: Actually, How Long Does Breast Milk Last Without a Refrigerator?

Safe Tips for Storing Expressed Breast Milk in Baby Bottles

To maintain the quality of expressed breast milk so it remains optimal and safe for baby consumption, follow these tips:

1. Use Sterile Bottles: Baby bottles used to store breast milk must be washed clean and sterilized. This is very important to prevent bacterial contamination.
2. Write Down the Date and Time of Expression: Following the FIFO (First-In First-Out) principle, always write the date and time of breast milk expression on the bottle so you know when the milk was expressed and can use the freshest milk first.
3. Store Breast Milk in Small Portions: Store breast milk in portions suitable for the baby's needs in a single feeding. This will help prevent wastage if the milk is not finished.
4. Do Not Fill Bottles Completely: Leave a little space at the top of the bottle, especially if the breast milk will be frozen. Providing this space is important because breast milk expands when frozen.
5. Store Breast Milk in the Back of the Refrigerator or Freezer: The back of the refrigerator or freezer has a more stable temperature compared to other areas. This will help the breast milk last longer.
6. Thaw Frozen Breast Milk Slowly: Frozen breast milk stored in the freezer should be thawed in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. You can also thaw breast milk by soaking the bottle in warm water, but avoid thawing breast milk at room temperature.
7. Do Not Refreeze Thawed Breast Milk: Breast milk that has been thawed must not be frozen again as this can damage its nutritional content.
8. Discard Expired Breast Milk: Always check the breast milk's shelf life, and discard any breast milk that has exceeded the recommended storage time.

Watch for Signs of Spoiled Breast Milk & Unfit for Your Little One

Before giving breast milk to a baby, you should always check for the following signs to ensure the breast milk is still in good condition:

1. Color Change: Fresh breast milk is usually white or yellowish. If the color changes to become darker or greenish, the breast milk is likely spoiled.
2. Change in Smell: Fresh breast milk usually does not have a pungent smell. If you smell something sour or rotten, the breast milk is likely spoiled and unfit for your baby to drink.
3. Sour Taste: Spoiled breast milk will also have a sour taste.
4. Separation into Fat and Liquid Layers: Breast milk naturally separates into a fat layer on top and liquid underneath. However, if these layers do not mix back together after being stirred, the breast milk may be spoiled.

Storing expressed breast milk correctly is essential to maintain its quality and nutrients so they remain good when given to the baby. By understanding these breast milk storage guidelines, you can ensure the breast milk remains fresh and safe for your little one to consume. If you are ever in doubt about the condition of the breast milk, it is better to discard it than to provide milk that might be spoiled.

Advantages of Hegen PPSU Breast Milk Storage

Source: Hegen

Introducing the Hegen Breastmilk Storage which is airtight with a 150ml/5oz capacity, ideal for storing breast milk and your little one's baby bottles. This container is designed to maximize the storage of expressed breast milk in the refrigerator, freezer, or chiller. The following are the advantages of these multifunctional bottles from Hegen:

1. Practical Storage: Hegen PPSU baby bottles can be used directly with breast pumps. After pumping, you can store the breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer, then replace the pump with a storage lid. When it is time to feed, simply warm it up and replace the lid with a nipple. This makes breast milk storage very practical and prevents waste.
2. Safe Material: Made of Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) which is FDA-certified, this container is BPA-free, lightweight, strong, and resistant to extreme temperatures.
3. One-Handed Closure: The Press to Close, Twist to Open (PCTO) closure system allows you to close and open the bottle lid easily without spills, maintaining the breast milk's nutrients.
4. Airtight Lid: The airtight lid prevents oxidation and contamination, thus keeping the breast milk nutritious and safe for your little one.
5. Extreme Temperature Resistant: The Hegen Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) series is made of food contact grade material that meets FDA standards. This container can withstand temperatures between -20°C to 180°C, making it safe to store in the refrigerator and heat-resistant when thawing frozen breast milk.

Because they are multifunctional, Hegen breast milk storage containers are designed to meet the needs of mother and baby, making them the right long-term investment. Get this product online by clicking here right now!

References:

Kate Kelly. How Long Does Breast Milk Last? A Guide To Freezing, Heating and Storing. https://www.forbes.com/health/womens-health/how-long-breast-milk-lasts/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk