The pumping process can be hard on new moms, especially when it comes to storing and preserving the precious liquid gold that is their breast milk. Knowing how to use breast milk storage bags can help make this process as stress-free as possible so that you can focus on what’s most important – your baby!
While it may be tempting to save money by using plastic sandwich bags, it’s best to invest in high-quality breast milk storage bags that are specifically designed for storing and freezing breast milk. These breast milk bags should be leak-proof, BPA-free and FDA-approved. The best ones will also have ounce or milliliter markers on the side so that you can keep track of how much milk you’ve pumped and are storing.
Some of the most popular brands include Medela and Lansinoh. They come pre-sterilized, so you only need to use them once. They’re easy to clean and can be washed in the sink or top-rack of a dishwasher, then sanitized with a baby bottle sanitizer. Many of these breast milk storage bags are also available in reusable silicone, which makes them even better for the environment!
It’s important to remember that once breast milk is frozen, it can only be used within 24 hours. It’s best to freeze it in small batches that you can easily thaw in the refrigerator overnight or by running under warm water or using a bottle warmer. It’s also a good idea to follow the asset-management method known as FIFO (first-in, first-out) so that the oldest milk is used up and discarded before the freshest milk gets to be consumed by your little one! how to use breast milk storage bags