How to Store EBM (Expressed Breast Milk)

First, let's start with the basic:

1. when to start pumping.
- start to pump for storing at least 1-2 weeks before go back to work.

2. when to introduce bottle to a newborn?
- employed moms can help the baby learn to take a bottle once breastfeeding is going well. it is best to wait for 3 to 4 weeks to introduce bottles.

3. how long should i pump each time?
- pumping takes about the same time as breastfeeding, but with practice and a good pump, it can be as little as 10 to 15 minutes. while at work, try to pump as often as baby's usual feeds.

Then, go to the main agenda:

how to store breastmilk?
1. breast milk can be stored in a plastic or glass bottle with a sealable top, or in a sterile, sealable bag. each container should be labeled with the date, time the milk is expressed and if possible, the quantity in each container.


**L-R: milk storage kit, disposable liner, bottle, bekas dadih (erk, it's not the EBM contained), plastik aiskrim.

2. consider storing breastmilk in a variety of increments, some in 2 oz and some in 4 oz or more to avoid wasting it.

where to store breast milk?
1. at office:
a. use cooler bag to store breastmilk. no need to freeze unless your travel is not that long or your cooling bag able to withstand the freezed EBM until you reach home.
b. put the EBM into your house's freezer.

2. breast milk best:
a. room temperature - 4-8 hours
b. back of refrigerator - 3-8 days
c. back of a freezer compartment located inside a refrigerator - up to 2 weeks
d. back of a separate door refrigerator/freezer - up to 3 months
e. in separate deep freeze at a constant temperature - up to 6 months

how to thaw breastmilk?
a. swirl the container of milk in warm water or by putting the container in the refrigerator the day before it is to be used. d
b. don't use hot water to thaw breast milk!
c. never thaw frozen breast milk in a microwave oven. the milk could get too hot and burn your baby. microwaving can also destroy valuable proteins in breast milk.
d. use warmer to thaw breastmilk.
e. thawed breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, but it should not be refrozen.

Myths About Breasfeeding

1. Not every woman can produce milk.
Majority of women produce more than enough milk. Most babies do not 'enjoy' breastfeeding, do so not because the mother does not have enough milk, but because the baby does not get the milk that the mother has. The usual reason that the baby does not get the milk that is available is that he is poorly latched onto the breast. This is why it is so important that the mother be shown, on the first day, how to latch a baby on properly, by someone who knows what they are doing.

2. Not enough milk for the very first 3-4 days.
Again, mostly it is because of the baby is poorly latched. By not latching on well, the baby is unable to get the mother's first milk, called colostrum.

3. Mother’s milk becomes less nutritious after the first year.
Mother’s milk continues to provide substantial amounts of nutrients well beyond the first year. At some point your baby will need to take in nutrients from other sources, but mother’s milk remains a valuable contribution to your child’s diet.

4. If babies feed a lot, that means they aren't getting enough milk.
Because breast milk is so easy to digest, babies generally get hungrier sooner than if they are formula-fed.

5.Breastfeeding changes the shape and size of your breast, or reduces sensitivity.
While pregnancy does somewhat alter the look and feel of your breasts, experts say breastfeeding does not cause any changes beyond that.

6. Your milk has no value to the baby after three months or six months, or a year.
Your milk has more antibodies to protect your baby from illness at a year than it did at three months.

7. Modern infant formula milks are very similar or the same as breast milk
Infant formula milk does not contain the antibodies, living cells, enzymes or hormones present in breast milk. Breast milk is designed for each individual baby and changes over time, whereas infant formula milk is designed for every baby.

RECOMMENDED SOLUTION:
1. Learn about breastfeeding as early as you're still pregnant.
2. Share with other moms who are exclusively breastfeed, successfully.
3. Choose to deliver at Baby Friendly Hospital (most government hospitals & several privates are BB Friendly).