Should i freeze colostrum

Then, write the date on the container so you can keep track of your stored supply. You can administer it via a syringe or small bottle remember, quantities will be relatively low. You can also feed drops of it to your baby on a clean finger.

In fact, some women begin collecting their colostrum before the baby actually arrives. Harvesting colostrum this early may be recommended if:. Whatever the case, pumped colostrum can be collected and saved for when the time is right. If you do decide to pump and store your colostrum before giving birth, be sure to include this in your hospital bag list to take along with you when you head to the hospital for delivery. This colostrum will be safe for use for up to 48 hours. Breastfeeding mothers can ensure the safety and quality of expressed breast milk by following proper storing techniques.

Consider these four tips for storing colostrum safely. To maintain freshness and quality, be sure your storage container is completely sealed. Never use disposable bags or liners to store pumped colostrum.

Colostrum can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours. It can remain in a refrigerator for up to four days. You can store pumped colostrum in the freezer for up to six months for best quality or 12 months, at most.

Better safe than sorry! When storing expressed colostrum in the refrigerator or freezer, set the container at the back of the shelf where temperatures are coolest. Avoid storing it in the door compartment , as opening and closing the fridge will expose stored colostrum to frequent temperature changes that can negatively impact its quality and freshness.

Pack the container in an insulated bag and surround the colostrum with ice packs. It can remain safe for consumption this way for up to 24 hours. When your journey is over, use it right away or store it in the fridge or freezer.

We've received quite a few questions from moms who have reached out to us. We will continually add to this post as we receive new questions and want to thank those who have helped to provide us with great questions that will eventually help so many other new moms!

Yes, frozen colostrum does help a sick baby. Community groups. Home Pregnancy Labour and birth Planning your baby's birth. Clare Herbert Community midwife. Colostrum is packed with nutrients and antibodies that nourish your baby and protect them from illness. But breastfeeding soon after birth gives your baby all the colostrum they need. There are times when it may be of benefit though. Why might I want to express colostrum? If you do want to harvest your colostrum during pregnancy, talk to your midwife or doctor first.

Enter your due date or child's birthday dd 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 mm Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec yyyy Trying to conceive? We use your health information to make our site even more helpful. By clicking the button, you agree to our policies and to get emails from us. Join BabyCentre. So how do you store and use your milk safely?

But good hygiene is vital to ensure that stored milk is safe for your baby — read on to find out how to store breast milk properly. Breast milk is better for your baby than formula — but freshly expressed breast milk is preferable to refrigerated, and refrigerated is better than frozen.

If you have expressed breast milk cleanly and safely , you can store it at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer, depending on how soon you want to use it. Follow these guidelines:. Storage guidelines for freshly expressed breast milk for healthy term babies 2,3. These guidelines for storing and defrosting breast milk are a recommendation — contact your lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist for further information. If your baby is in a neonatal intensive care unit NICU or special care ward, your hospital may have stricter recommendations for cleaning and storage.

Stored breast milk tends to separate into layers, with the fat cream rising to the top. Gently swirl the bottle to mix the layers before feeding your baby. When your baby feeds on expressed breast milk from a cup or bottle, bacteria from his mouth can naturally end up in the milk.

Healthy, full-term babies can drink breast milk at room temperature or warmed to body temperature. You may notice that your refrigerated or defrosted breast milk can sometimes smell different.

This is because an enzyme called lipase breaks down fats and releases fatty acids — a process that helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Some mums report that their stored milk has a soapy or rancid smell. If you have to transport your milk between work and home or daycare, use a cooler bag with ice packs. Thank you for reading through this article. Why not join the Medela Family and we can send you relevant information when you need it the most.

Subscribe here! The convenient way to store, carry and warm expressed breast milk, Medela breast milk storage bags are easy to use and hygienic.