2007-12-14 12:46:17 · 10 answers · asked by ~mama2danica~ 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I took a breastfeeding class and worked closely with the lactation consultant at my hospital. I used the rule of 6's. 6 hours at room temp, 6 days in the refrigerator, or six months in the freezer. It can also stay in a deep freezer for up to 1 year. You can't though use these consecutively. If milk is out at room temp for 6 hours you can not then put in the fridge for 6 days, or in the frezzer...it needs to be discarded. This may seem like a lot, I thought so too. There was a study done where breastmilk was left out the bacterial growth was checked after 8 hours. The results showed that there was very little growth, similar to when they checked it at only one hour. On the other hand the same study with formula showed that after 8 hours out at room temp there was more than double the bacterial growth. This is due to the components in breastmilk that are not found in formula. And is also why formula needs to be discarded after 1 hour. Also if your baby does not finish a feeding it can not be saved in the fridge for later use due to the bacteria in the babys mouth that can be transfered into the milk.
I've also heard the rule of 8's but it just depends on the hospital.
Since this is your first I strongly recommend talking to a lactation consultant. I didn't with my first and ended up quiting :( And was in alot of pain that I didn't have to be!!! My second was a much nicer experience! I didn't know nursing wasn't supose to hurt!
I used Lansinoh brand everything (storage bags, pads, lanolin) which worked really well. And a Medela pump which I really recommend! I've used the cheap ones... not a good idea. Good luck :)
2007-12-15 08:35:57 · answer #1 · answered by summerbaby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you not want to use it now? If you had a baby, you should use it immediately, it helps remove the meconium.
Now, if you're pregnant and colostrum is leaking, I would not pump this. Breast stimulation like that can cause premature labor. Just wait until you've had the baby.
2007-12-14 21:32:38 · answer #2 · answered by stephcarson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freeze it in those drop-in style bottle bags. Use a smear-proof marker to write the date, and make sure to put the oldest bags near the front so you use them first. Frozen milk can be used up to 1 year. My daughter was in the NI CU for 6 days, but I was determined to nurse her once she got out. The hospital provided me with an electric breast pump.
This also makes a great way for Dad to be able to feed baby without having to use formula!
2007-12-14 20:57:04 · answer #3 · answered by On My Own 316 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, I believe it can last for 24 hours. I had to pump my colostrum when my son was in the NICU. They told me to refridgerate it and bring it up the next day when I came up to visit.
2007-12-14 20:51:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, at the hospital I was told 24 hours in the fridge, in the freezer depending on who you ask for 3-6 months.
2007-12-14 20:49:30 · answer #5 · answered by ALFimzadi 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
3 days in the fridge (24 hours if it has been frozen and then thawed). 6 months in the freezer.
2007-12-14 20:55:17 · answer #6 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely!!! Did the same thing. I fed both of my children, it isn't easy. Those nipples get sore!!! Proud of you for making such a loving choice. I was told the milk was good for 2 wks, but all I had was collostrum to freeze because of the demand after the baby came. Good luck with baby!!
2007-12-14 20:51:47 · answer #7 · answered by quienbee 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
can last only for 24 hrs
2007-12-14 20:58:01 · answer #8 · answered by jolly12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think up to a year. that's the first nutrition that your baby should have, so make sure you give it to them early.
2007-12-14 20:49:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
AFAIK you can freeze it.
2007-12-14 20:49:06 · answer #10 · answered by stoopid 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋