#AskTheExpert

Hi Doctor.

I recently started using manual pump to store the breast milk. I am giving it to my son from last 2 days when he is awake and hungry as his latching is not good when given directly and there is a leak of breastmilk as well.

I want to know the storage and how long can it be used once it is pumped

1. Can I store it in room temperature or should the milk be stored inside fridge/ deep fridge

2. Once the milk is pumped, how long hours is it good to store to provide it to him.

3. while travel in car, can it be stored in the bottle at the temperature we are in or should it be stored in cool temperature?

4. Would like to know the sterilization process as well for the bottles.

Thanks in advance 😊

Question

#AskTheExpert

Hi Doctor.

I recently started using manual pump to store the breast milk. I am giving it to my son from last 2 days when he is awake and hungry as his latching is not good when given directly and there is a leak of breastmilk as well.
 
I want to know the storage and how long can it be used once it is pumped

1. Can I store it in room temperature or should the milk be stored inside fridge/ deep fridge

2. Once the milk is pumped, how long hours is it good to store to provide it to him.

3. while travel in car, can it be stored in the bottle at the temperature we are in or should it be stored in cool temperature?

4. Would like to know the sterilization process as well for the bottles.

Thanks in advance 😊

Accepted Answer

you can store breast milk at room temperature that is around 25 degree celsius to 30 degree celsius for 4 hours and when you are storing in the refrigerator you can store it for 24 hours. before usage you can warm the milk and give it to the child. 
it is not advisable to keep this warmed milk back in the refrigerator if unused. 
so better to take only that much amount from the refrigerator which you are confident that the child will drink.  
using breast pump is safe.
can go for any good brand (electric or manual) with good reviews. see proper technique of expressing milk as it should be always painless process so if painful then the technique may be wrong
important to maintain regular cleaning and sterilization of the parts. 
the expressed milk should be given preferably with katori spoon or paladai.
breastfeeding followed by katori spoon feed will maintain milk flow from the breast.

Accepted Answer

Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be stored: At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.