What Care Providers Should Know about Breast Milk

by LisaC

there is certain similarities between breast milk and formula however there are some significant differences as well. For the mother planning on returning to work or simply training a new care provider for her breastfed infant this information can be an important part of the mother’s peace of mind and the care providers ease in dealing within dealing with breast milk.

Care providers for infants are normally well-trained in many aspects of child care however handling breast milk may not be one of the areas in which they are trained. Hence, this is important information to impart to a caregiver.

Perhaps one of the more significant differences between breast milk and formula is the fact that the color may vary. A mother should explain to the care provider that the color of breast milk can range from a slight bluish color to a yellowish color and that the coloration in no way affects the breast milk’s usability. Breast milk may also separate during storage and the high-fat hind milk will separate from the foremilk. Unless a caregiver has experience breastfeed her own infants and used stored milk at some other time they may not understand that this is perfectly normal.

normally I caregiver will not see formula that has been frozen, nor will they be asked to thought and prepare frozen formula for the infant’s consumption.however with the breastfed baby, freezing to store milk is a common practice.for the mother gone away for the day, as in with a daily work schedule, she may want to thaw the breast milk at home. However, if an extended absence is planned, then it is important to train a caregiver in following breast milk properly.

The use of microwaves to thaw or heat breast milk as well as thawing breast milk in water should be avoided at all costs. High heat can not only burn the baby’s mouth but will affect the nutritional value of the breast milk. The best way to thaw breast milk is to allow it to defrost in the refrigerator for around 12 hours. The mother should also explain to the care provider that the breast milk may separate and should be shaken after thawing.
A mother may also want to explain that unused milk should not be refrozen nor should it be mixed with other frozen milk. To help avoid this issue the mother can package the stored in two to four oz. containers.

Caregivers should also note that a breastfed baby may not be overly excited about a bottle and some may prefer simply to snack on the bottle in their mother’s absence and take only a small amount of milk. Most of them will have a full meal at the breast when mother returns. As long as the baby is not dehydrated and the mother’s absence is not extended this is not usually a cause for concern for either the caregiver or the mother.

A caregiver can be a great support in a mother’s determination to continue breastfeeding after her return to work, or to a normal social life. A properly trained caregiver will not only provide this support, but do it in a safe manner. It is not wise to expect all caregivers to be trained in handling breast milk. Instead, the mother can take a proactive role and the ensure her caregiver is trained herself.