I plan on going back to work as soon as I can after my baby is born, and I really want to breastfeed exclusively (no formula-- i will be pumping)
On the plus side, I work at a preschool/daycare, so my baby will be right next door. On the downside, the facility is unable to use a bottle warmer due to arkansas safety codes, and can only use a microwave to heat the bottles. I think this is rediculous and frustrating. Breastmilk cannot be microwaved or it losses the nutrients that make it so good for the baby. Can I feed my baby cold breastmilk? or should I just plan on formula feeding him? Breastfeeding is so important to me! any suggestions?
2007-02-01 02:16:13 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Alot of you asked why i cant just breastfeed at work -- I've thought about it, and am prepared to try it, but there's no way to ensure that i can take a break to do so when he needs a feeding. ( I work with an older class with an actual class schedule, and we dont have anyone handy to step in-- at 37 weeks pregnant, i still have to wait up to an hour after asking to be able to take a pee break!!)
2007-02-01 02:28:19 · update #1
DON'T WORRY! There IS a bottle warmer you can use -- you don't need to plug it in either, or use batteries. It is called teh Grab 'n Go Bottle Warmer and I know you can get it online at One Step Ahead, but you may be able to find it elsewhere.
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/85207/237758/117.html
I use this myself and it is wonderful. When you need to reactivate the warming pack, you immerse it in boiling water. And of course, the other suggestions that you warm water in the microwave and immerse a bottle after that are great too.
2007-02-01 02:28:02 · answer #1 · answered by Katie B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter what's in the bottle.....it should NEVER be heated in a microwave. Yes, it can damage some of the good properties of breastmilk. It can cuase hotspots in ANY kind of liquid that can scald the baby. They shouldn't be using a microwave for anything they are giving to baby. What they should do instead is microwave a bowl or mug of water and then take that out of the microwave and float the bottle of breastmilk in the hot water for a few minutes. You can also just run hot tap water over the bottle.
You can also give the milk cold if baby will take it. Some like it, some don't. Make sure they "swirl" the bottle because the milk may separate.
How often in the day do you think you would be able to go to baby and nurse so that he doesn't always have to get a bottle?
2007-02-01 10:24:00 · answer #2 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no reason to heat breastmilk AND you can just run hot water from a tap over the bottle. Also consider that breastmilk can be stored for around 8 hours a room temp, so if you are pumping you could leave the bottle out and it could be used at the next feeding.
However, not to seem dumb, but why can't you just pop your baby in a wrap and feed while you work?
2007-02-01 10:22:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
When it is time for your baby to eat, take the bottle to a sink and run HOT water into a cup or bowl. Then place the bottle in the HOT water for a few minutes and this will warm the bottle. You are absolutely right, NEVER warm breastmilk in the Microwave, besides losing nutrients, it will create hot spots in the milk that will burn your baby's mouth. I would plan on the hot water method while you are at work, unless they will let you nurse your baby when he or she gets hungry.
2007-02-01 10:23:00 · answer #4 · answered by all_around_tha_mullberri_busch 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you do DO NOT mlicrowave the bottle. Heat up some hot water and put the bottle of breastmilk in it to warm it up. There is nothing wrong with giving a baby cold breastmilk, but most do not like it. Good luck
2007-02-01 11:08:52 · answer #5 · answered by mktk401 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Another way to heat breastmilk is to put it under running hot water. Leave it there for about 5 mintues. Or get a big container of water and put hot water in it and then put your contained breastmilk right in and wait 5-10 minutes. THis will warm it down a bit.
On another note, you can feed your baby cold breastmilk (as long as there's no ice in it). Warming milk is really a baby preference. If your baby has no objections on drinking cold milk, go for it.
I applaud you for wanting to stick to breastmilk!
2007-02-01 10:30:36 · answer #6 · answered by mrs.izabel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and Foremost I want to Commend you For choosing to breastfeed! You are doing the absolute best for both your baby and yourself!! You Go Girl!
Second, almost all the suggestions here were right on. I would recommend leaving the bottle at room temp..(for no more then 8 hours!) or rewarming refrigerated or frozen milk under the faucet or in a cup of hot water.
(mommy of two breastfed babies)
2007-02-01 10:37:40 · answer #7 · answered by PJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's stored at room temperature it will last for 10 hours...I fed my baby room temperature breastmilk sometimes...
We bought a mini bottle fridge that could also heat up if you wanted to use it as a warmer..it's portable..can even be used in the car
Good luck! You can do it!
The link is below
2007-02-01 10:30:30 · answer #8 · answered by L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your daycare has a stove you can heat up a pot of water and then place the bottle of breast milk in it to warm. If not, use a large enough container to heat the water first in the microwave. I really have no idea about using cold breast milk. Way to go nursing mom!
2007-02-01 10:23:59 · answer #9 · answered by Jennifer F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why not heat water in a bowl or container in the microwave and let your bottle sit in the hot water a few mins before you feed?
2007-02-01 10:24:55 · answer #10 · answered by Sweet Tooth 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋