about breastfeeding?

Question

need help please,after taking the breast milk out of the refrigedator,do you warm it or give it to the baby at room temperature.thanks for your help

Answer 1

Its up to you, some babies prefer warm milk, but to some it doesnt make a difference and thats okay. Just do Not microwave!

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/reprints/breastfed.html says:
"Warming the milk before feeding isn't necessary for proper nutrition, but most infants prefer the formula at least at room temperature. The best way to warm a bottle of formula is by placing the bottle in a pot of water and heating the pot on the stove"

you could also get a bottle warmer the one I have is Munchkin Brand it was about $20

Answer 2

Well when breast milk comes out of your breasts it is at body temperature. Room temp wouldn't hurt your baby, is about your baby's comfort level. I personally would warm it just cause I would want my baby to be as happy and content as possible. Stick the bottle in a cup or bowl of hot water till its warm but not hot. If you use the playtex disposable liner bottles you can just flip it over in the sink with the cap on and let the hot water run over the bag, the bottles have little slits in the plastic part that releases the water.

As far as mircowaving goes....I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS!!! Microwaving destroys vitamins and minerals in anything. There are even studies done that show microwaved foods can cause cancer. I would rather be safe than sorry and avoid the microwave when ever possible. I have never "nuked" anything I give my kids. Of course this is just my opinion and what I have learned from research, so of course its up to you. :-)

Answer 3

Depends on the baby. Some will only take a certain temp of milk. You can put the bag in a glass of warm water for 5-10 min and that will warm it pretty easily.

Answer 4

We usually warm it up in a pot on the stove. Contrary to what many people say, when we are in a pinch, we do use the microwave. 10 seconds does not kill nutrients nor create hot spots!! But we only do that when we absolutely have to.

You could leave it out to room temperature, but only for a few hours. Our rule of thumb was 2 hours, then we threw it out. After 2-3 days, we threw out the milk in the fridge, too. And we always kept it in the back of the fridge where it was colder.

Warmer milk is good for bedtime feeding. Makes them sleepy.

Answer 5

i use a bottle warmer with mine. I tried the hot water method, but it seemed to take so long. My daughter likes it warm better than room temp, so this works for us. My son was formula fed, but he liked his cold. I guess it depends on the kid. Just don't use the microwave. A microwave can cause hot spots. Even if the milk feels just right, there can be a little hot part in it that will burn the baby's mouth.

Answer 6

Put it in a bowl of warm water or run it under the tap until it reaches room temperature. Test it on your wrist and if it doesn't burn then you can give it to your baby. Whatever you do, don't microwave breast milk. Something about it breaks down the nutrients.

Answer 7

Just let it sit in warm water for 3-5 min. It will get warm right way, make sure to shake well before feedings b/c the fat separates from milk. Or you can take out the breast milk bottle out the refrigerator 30mins.-1hr. before feeding time so it can be room temp.

Answer 8

as other posters have said, warm it either under warm running tap water or in a bowl or pan in warm water. don't microwave - but i had not heard the "because it breaks down the nutrients" argument. the reason i was told not to use the microwave is because microwave cooking heats unevenly and can cause "hot spots" in foods, especially in liquids that contain a certain amount of fat (like milk). if you microwave the breast milk, there is a higher risk of burning the baby's mouth.

Answer 9

it is preference, if your child will drink it cold, by all means, it makes life easier when out and about!

if you must warm it, put bottle in warm water, shaking every once in a while

You shouldn't leave breast milk out for much more than 2 hours at room temperature.

microwaving breastmilk 1. creates hot spots, but more importantly, 2. breaks down all the nutrients therein.

Answer 10

If you warm it, put it in a container of hot water, not the microwave. Room temp. is fine. Cold is even fine if your baby will drink it that way. The temp is all whatever the baby wants.