How to defrost breast milk

Breast milk is an essential food for the healthy development of the baby. However, many breastfeeding mothers need to store milk for later use. And a common question is like correctly defrosting breast milk.

Why defrost breast milk?

There are several situations where it is necessary to defrost breast milk. It may be because you need to go back to work, have a commitment or simply want to have some stored milk for emergencies.

Step by step to defrost breast milk

To defrost breast milk correctly, follow the following steps:

1. Remove the milk from the freezer and put the refrigerator.
2. Let the milk slowly defrost in the refrigerator for about 12 hours.
3. After defrosting, gently shake the bottle to mix the fat that may have separated.
4. Heat the milk in a water bath or using a bottle heater.
5. Never heat breast milk in the microwave, as this can cause hot points that can burn the baby.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for defrosting breast milk:

• If you need to defrost milk quickly, you can put the bottle in warm water, changing the water every few minutes.
• Avoid thawing breast milk in hot or boiling water as this can destroy some of the important nutrients.
• If thawed breast milk is not consumed immediately, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Conclusion

Defrosting breast milk is essential to preserve their nutrients and ensure the safety of the baby. Follow the steps mentioned above and the additional tips to ensure that breast milk is safely and properly thawed.

References:

1. World Health Organization Barastfeeding