Appropriate Containers for Pumped Breast Milk

by LisaC

Mothers who use a bottle and formula to feed their babies are always concerned about proper storage and handling of formula. Everyone knows that bottles must be sterilized and handled in a safe manner and everyone knows what a good bottle looks like and what qualities they want in it.
However, ot so much is said (at least in my mind) about proper storage containers for pumped breast milk by moms who breastfeed their babies.

For instance, containers for pumped breast milk are important and yet, for all my research I rarely come up with anything other than a few lines as to why containers to store pumped breast milk are important.

So, let’s talk about why the containers a mom stores her breast milk in is of interest.

If it is clean and sanitized it should be ok? Right? Truth is, maybe or maybe not because there are differing opinions by experts.

Plastic liners which some mothers use to store breast milk must of course be sterile. However, there is another issue in that the fat from the breast milk can cling to the sides of certain type of standard bottle liners. Unless mom is using a specially made liner for breast milk then it is often considered wisest to stick to hard plastic bottles or glass bottles for breast milk storage.
Ameda and Medela both make great breast milk storage containers that are engineered to store breast milk safely and not permit the fat to cling to the sides of the bag. Babies need that fat.
Medela even makes a breast milk storage bag with a pouring spout when can eliminate those spills when trying to transfer stored breast milk to a bottle. Breast milk is precious!

When using any container to store breast milk that has been pumped, be sure your preparation area is clean and allow about a quarter inch of space (maybe a bit more) at the top of the container to allow for expansion of milk if it is to be frozen.

Plastic bottles and glass containers used for storing pumped breast milk are re-usable as long as they are properly cleaned and sterilized between uses.

Mom doesn’t necessarily need a specially designed breast milk storage bottle or container but using them can ease any concerns about storage and cleanliness. There are so many other things for a new mom to worry about, why add one more? Some special containers for pumped breast milk storage are so designed that the milk goes directly from the breast pump into the storage containers.

Remember, if you try to use plastic liners not specifically made for breast milk storage that if the milk is frozen you will be trying to pour that breast milk from a shapeless bag after thawing it and of course trying not to spill it. That’s quite a challenge. Some plastic bags and liners are not made to be frozen or even reheated for that matter, so be aware the plastic will need to be of sturdier stuff than what might be used to store left over salad.

A good set of storage bottles or supply of  plastic storage liners can save the new or veteran breastfeeding mom a lot of time and headaches at a time they don’t need new headaches. Or can save them trying to manipulate containers not meant for breast milk storage and eliminate concerns over whether the material is right or safe to hold baby’s food.

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August 30, 2009   No Comments

Highlight On Medela Hands Free Breast Pump

by LisaC

Most nursing mothers find it handy to have a breast pump around the house. Even if they are lucky enough to be stay at home mothers there will usually be occasions where those handy little devices are life savers. Of course, needs will vary from mom to mom but for an evening out it comes in handy and is imperative for the mother returning to work and who wants to continue the breastfeeding experience with her baby.

In the past in order to have a lightweight breast pump, the mother had to trade off the power of a traditional electric pump in favor of a light hand powered unit, chosen for it’s portability and use in situations where an electric outlet was not available. Advances in technology brought us the portable battery powered breast pumps and they met the needs of a working or busy breastfeeding mom better than the hand powered units.

Medela has taken this a step further with the hands free Medela Freestyle unit.

While the new Medela Freestyle breast pump is not as powerful as the hospital grade breast pump, Medela Symphony it offers distinct advantages and also has a two phase expression pumping technology to increase let down and mimic the babies breast-feeding pattern.

Breastfeeding moms returning to work and those who lead an active lifestyle may find particular challenges to continuing breastfeeding that the Medela Freestyle pump can address. These moms can find themselves in situations where no electrical outlet is handy and the battery powered Medela Freestyle can be a boon in these situations.

What sets the tiny Medela Freestyle apart from otherl battery powered breast pumps is it’s minute size, LED readout, and hands free operation. Both hands can be free to attend to other tasks than holding the pumping unit in place. This portable breast pump is also a double unit that can pump both breasts at the same time and even comes with a 12V adapter for use while traveling.

Even though the Medela Freestyle may not be the right breast pump for every mother and every situation it certainly meets a need for the mom on the go. The mother who requires a hospital grade breast pump may still be happier with her stationary Medela Symphony. However the mom who requires a portable solution to breast pumping will likely want to take a second look at the tiny Medela Freestyle.

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July 21, 2009   2 Comments

A note on breastfeeding from Medela

by admin

With the aim to cater to every mother’s breastfeeding needs, Medela, one of the leading manufacturers of breast pumps, just introduced a new product last year which will surely fulfill and satisfy all your breastfeeding problems. Aptly named the Pump in Style Advanced Shoulder Bag, this product provides mothers their one-stop shop when it comes to breastfeeding.

Medela has been in the breast pump business for more than 30 years now and every year, they never fail to deliver new and exciting products which truly helps all mothers and babies out there.

As a note-worthy tip, breast pump companies are urging all mothers to stay away from breast pumps which are manufactured by formula companies. There is a possibility that there can be conflict of interest because these formula companies would want you to buy their milk. Users of the breast pumps manufactured by formula milk companies have been complaining of pain and discomfort.

As a useful tip, a dual pump is usually more effective than the single pump. If you use the dual pump, you will be cutting down your breast pump time in half because you will be producing twice as much milk as you would as compared to you using a single pump. Using a double pump will also increase your body’s milk supply since the breast feeding process works like the law of supply and demand. If there is an increase in the demand for breast milk, your body will surely supply it.

The best breast pump out there is undeniably the hospital grade pumps. But what hinders most mothers from purchasing this kind is the price. It is very expensive. What most leading breast pump manufacturers do is to copy this technology and put it in a more affordable package so that all mothers can have the same grade A quality, at a much lower price.

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March 4, 2009   1 Comment