 Pumping and Storage How to Express Breast Milk and Keep It Fresh

Goals and Objectives  Explain the difference between home and hospital pumps.  Correctly identify the safe length of time for breastmilk storage.

Reasons to pump  Premature infant  Unable or unsafe for feeding at the breast  Mother going back to work/school  Increase supply  Relieve engorgement

Hand Pumps  Cheap  Easy to use  Portable  Labor intensive  Best for the infrequent user

Electric Pumps  Quick  Covered by WIC  Single vs multi-user  Expensive  Requires training and cleaning

Multiuser Pumps  FDA regulated label  Must have a barrier between the pump and the milk  Prevent cross-contamination  Requires cleaning between uses

Advice for Mothers  Never borrow a single user pump  Clean your parts often  Ask WIC for a pump  Pump for every missed feed

Milk Storage  Choose the right container  Labels  Keeping it safe

Containers  Clean, dry  Food grade plastic  Leak proof lid  Nonsterile  Bags are for home use only

Containers  Snappies  Bags  Syringes

Labels  Name  Date  Time pumped  Use stickers in the hospital  Teach mother to label at home

Separation  Normal!  Fat floats to the top  Shake gently before use

Refrigeration  Milk specific fridge or freezer  Access restricted to medical personnel  Labeled containers

Timing  Room temperature – 4-6 hours  Insulated cooler with ice – 24 hours  Refrigerator – 3-8 days  Freezer – 6-12 months  Freezer with separate door from fridge  Must keep ice cream hard

Warming Human Milk  Warm water in clean container  Keep the cap dry  Ok to sit at room temp but must refrigerate if not using now  Do not microwave! Photo used with permission from Kittie Franz

Using Stored Milk  Use chilled before frozen  Use the oldest frozen milk  Ask mom for more before you run out  Thawed milk good for 24hrs  NICU policies for freezing milk for premies

Milk Fortifiers  Powdered fortifier  Non-sterile  Mix with room temperature breastmilk  Mix immediately before use  Do not store mixed product

Last Thoughts  Questions?  Take home points…