Breastfeeding during Ramadan - Guest Post

Every year around the time of the blessed month of Ramadan there are many moms on our Facebook support group “Breastfeeding in Lebanon” asking if they could fast and still have enough milk for their babies. The answer is not simple as every mom/baby is different, but I hope this article will be helpful and reassuring to everyone!

 

Can a breastfeeding mom decide NOT to fast?

Fasting is obligatory for all able-bodied adults, however, there are some exceptions. Allah, The Most High says:

((And whosoever is sick or is upon a journey, then the period is made up from other days...)) [Sourah Al-Baqarah: 185]

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are included here and are allowed not to fast during that time if they feel it may negatively affect baby’s health! They may compensate for the missed fasting at a later time when they are no longer pregnant or breastfeeding. They may also pay some expiation for not fasting instead (please consult a scholar or a book of fiqh for exact guidelines).

 

Will fasting affect milk supply?

And even though Muslim breastfeeding moms are allowed not to fast, many women still

Photo credit: Kidsmug.net

prefer not to skip this blessed time or at least not to miss too many days. So they naturally worry if their baby will have enough milk during fasting and if the milk will still have all the necessary nutrition (if it will be “good” and fat for the baby).

Breastfeeding studies have shown that fasting during the daylight hours of Ramadan does not affect mom’s milk supply but very strong dehydration (not having enough water in the body) may do so. That is why breastfeeding women during fasting may want to drink as much fluids as possible at night to compensate for the day time dehydration.

Mothers may also decide to stay on a “safe side” and drink water even if fasting. As Kelly Bonyata, a known lactation consultant, mentions in her article: “Some mothers have found that drinking water on fast days is more of a need during the first six months when baby is exclusively breastfed (not taking any food or drink other than breastmilk); once baby is older and taking other foods, it may be feasible to neither eat nor drink during the fast.” (Reference: Kellymom.com - great resource for many more links on fasting and breastfeeding!)

 

What to keep an eye on?

Every mom and baby is different, and while it may be absolutely fine for one mom to fast and exclusively breastfeed at the same time, it may be a real challenge for another one. That is why it’s important to check on the following signs on whether everything is going well.

 

Signs of dehydration in mother:

1)    Headache or other pain;

2)    Dark yellow strong smelling urine;

3)    Mother feels very weak;

4)    Extreme thirst.

Signs that milk supply may be negatively affected:

5)    Number of wet and dirty diapers of the baby has suddenly decreased.

6)    Baby seems unusually unhappy and fussy. May cry at the breast and even refuse it completely.

7)    Baby seems hungry all the time and wants to breastfeed non-stop (frequent breastfeeding will actually help the mother increase her supply in the best and fastest way! So baby should be always allowed to breastfeed as often and as long as he wants!)

8)    Baby stopped gaining weight or even started to lose some.

** If any of these signs are present the mother may need to re-consider her decision to fast till later time, as her and her baby’s health may be under risk!

 

Tips for fasting and breastfeeding

Stacey Greaves-Favors, experienced La Leche League Leader and breastfeeding counselor, recommends the following:

1)    Pay attention to what you eat during the evening and pre-dawn hours: have a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables; high fiber and complex carbohydrates are more filling; limit sweets.

2)     Drink, drink, drink when you can! Water is the best, fresh fruit/vegetable juices are also good, but sugary and caffeinated drinks should be avoided or limited.

3)    Eat a meal in addition to suhoor and iftar (never miss suhoor when fasting and breastfeeding!)

4)    Get plenty of rest. An afternoon nap is a great idea. Try also to do most of the work in the morning and relax more in the evening hours.(Reference: Saudilife.net)

5)    Watch your body and your baby for any signs of problems.

Good luck ladies! And don’t let anyone push you to make a decision to fast or not! This is your and only your decision. Think of everything carefully, weight risks and benefits of each decision and remember that you are the best expert to your baby’s health and you will be able to make the right decision for yourself and your baby!

 

 

Nadiya Dragan El-Chiti is a breastfeeding counselor and lecturer. She is a graduate from the University of Maine, Orono (USA), with Master’s Degree in Communication and a certificate from World Vision in coordination with WHO for accomplishing an intensive training in “Exclusive Breastfeeding”.  Mrs. Nadiya  gives seminars and private consultations on breastfeeding essentials, managing work and breastfeeding as well as starting solids and breastfeeding. She also provides personal support and assistance to mothers who already gave birth and are facing challenges in breastfeeding. You can contact Mrs. Nadiya by facebook, Breastfeeding in Lebanon, by mail at bfassistancelb@gmail.com or by phone, 961 71 924481.

** This post was originally published in Moms and To Be magazine, issue 54.

 

 

Mother-to-Mother Breastfeeding Support in Lebanon!

The first week of august is 'Breastfeeding Week' and what better way to celebrate this day, increase awareness about breastfeeding and pledge its importance than to create a solid support system for moms in Lebanon! Therefore, this guest post - by Nadiya Dragan El Chiti, a breastfeeding activist certified from the WHO in “Exclusive Breastfeeding" - is much needed!

' Since beginning of 2011 when I started working in Lebanon as a breastfeeding specialist many things have changed: the awareness about breastfeeding has increased greatly, many hospitals are currently working on receiving a title of “baby-friendly” (which means “breastfeeding-friendly), there are lactation courses offered to medical professionals, the new City Center mall being built right now will have a breastfeeding area for its customers, there was even a TV ad released recently to promote breastfeeding! And my favorite change of all is that now we have several groups in Lebanon that offer free mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and encouragement, about which I will gladly tell you in this article! '

La Leche League International is now in Lebanon

LLLI

La Leche League International (LLLI) is the oldest and most reputable breastfeeding support organization around the world. For more than 50 years this organization has been growing and offering free of charge breastfeeding help and most up-to-date information on breastfeeding all over the world (see www.llli.org). The unique aspect of this organization is that it is run by volunteering mothers! Women who have successfully breastfed for about a year and have the passion to support other breastfeeding moms can apply for leadership and start representing LLLI in their area/country. Once accredited a new leader will start her own group in the area where she lives and will have monthly meetings for mothers in her area to attend. A leader is also trained to give free consultations on different breastfeeding topics to mothers who need help.

Now we have LLLI represented in Lebanon! You can join their facebook group “La Leche League, Lebanon, Middle East” and see when and where the next monthly meeting will be held in Lebanon! All the meetings are free of charge and are informal gatherings of breastfeeding moms where attendants bring their babies and freely discuss different breastfeeding questions and share their experiences with each other! You can also email the leader in Lebanon via askLLLinLebanon@gmail.com if you have a particular question in breastfeeding you would like to discuss.

Mama-to-Mama Beirut Breastfeeding Support group

This is another opportunity for face-to-face meetings for breastfeeding moms in Lebanon free of charge. This group is run by Tamara Drenttel Brand, MA, MPH, a newly accredited lactation educator counselor, and a mother of an adorable fully breastfed 11 month old baby boy! The group meets bimonthly and you can join their FB page “Mama to Mama Beirut Breastfeeding Support” to follow the discussions of the members and see when and where the next meeting will be held. You can also reach Tamara directly via mama2mamabeirut@gmail.com or 70/998062.

Facebook Breastfeeding Groups in Lebanon

                                                                         

So there is Tamara’s “Mama to Mama Beirut” and there is mine – “Breastfeeding in Lebanon” with more than 260 members at the moment. Both groups offer a safe space for mothers to discuss their current problems and questions in breastfeeding as well as share their frustrations and achievements while mastering this beautiful art of mothering – breastfeeding.  Tamara and me monitor the discussions on the groups and contribute to them with our knowledge as breastfeeding counselors. We also constantly put links of new research findings in breastfeeding and share breastfeeding news from around the world.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors in Lebanon

Breastfeeding Peer Counselors
will support your choice of breastfeeding

This is the most recent and most exciting advancement Lebanon has made this year in the field of mother-to-mother support – 7 passionate breastfeeding moms in Lebanon have volunteered to take the course on peer counseling offered by Tamara Drenttel Brand through AUB, and now are ready to offer free breastfeeding mother-to-mother support in their areas! Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are volunteers with personal breastfeeding experience who are trained to help mothers breastfeed by offering support, education & encouragement.

 
Why do I want to be a peer counsellor?
I would like to be that phone number in a new mother’s phone that always answers, listens, doesn’t judge, speaks kindly and comes to her aid with solutions and support. I want to her to know that I have no agenda other than to support her in deepening and nourishing the love she already has for her new baby.ds to communicate her needs!!! Most life-changing for me though, was that she also arrived with a hearty appetite for the breastmilk I would make. And so began a relationship that I have huge difficulty even describing without sounding clichéd. ‘Empowering’ is probably the word that captures best what breast-feeding has meant for me – I thought giving birth was my body performing at its best but I really no idea that it was capable of so much more. Feeding my baby with milk made from my own body has just been an incredibly intimate and loving experience.
Why do I want to be a peer counsellor?
I would like to be that phone number in a new mother’s phone that always answers, listens, doesn’t judge, speaks kindly and comes to her aid with solutions and support. I want to her to know that I have no agenda other than to support her in deepening and nourishing the love she already has for her new baby.

Contact info of all the counselors! 

Please feel free to contact any of them if you have questions about breastfeeding or need some support and encouragement to continue breastfeeding! Our breastfeeding peer counselors are waiting to hear from you!

Hayat Karanouh Naboulsi ‎   (Beirut) Phone: 03/33 37 36, Email: hayatkaranouh@gmail.com Languages: Arabic, French & English Sinead O'Dea   (Beirut) Phone: 76/121929, Email: sineadodea@hotmail.com Languages: English & Spanish Farah Barbir Ounsi   (Beirut) Phone: 03/631776, Email: farah.barbir@gmail.com Languages: Arabic, English & Some French Brooke El-Amine   (Ras Beirut) Phone: 70/113051 Language: English

Elizabeth Abi Khalil  ‎(Jbeil, Jounieh & Batroun) Phone: 03/187683, Email: Elizabeth.abikhalil@gmail.com Languages: Arabic, French & English Angela Bonifacio    (Fanar) Phone: 70/247 747, Email: lala_bon@yahoo.it Languages: English, French, Spanish & Italian Carole Bourjeily Bou Habib   (Horsh Tabet & Sin El Fil) Phone: 03/799177, Email: carole@iforinterior.com Languages:  Arabic, French & English

Breastfeeding is the most beautiful gift a mother can give to her baby and herself! Now we have so many mother-to-mother support opportunities in Lebanon! Help, advice and an encouraging word is just a phone call away and at the tips of your fingers on Facebook! We are waiting to hear from you, ladies!

Guest post by Nadiya Dragan El-Chiti

Nadiya Dragan El-Chiti is a graduate from the University of Maine, Orono (USA), with Master’s Degree in Communication and a certificate from World Vision in coordination with WHO for accomplishing an intensive training in “Exclusive Breastfeeding”. In 2009 after giving birth in Lebanon and starting to nurse her own daughter. Mrs.Nadiya developed a great passion in breastfeeding and decided to start on a new path as a breastfeeding activist spreading the knowledge about this beautiful way of mothering  to all the Lebanese women around. It started as a small informal gathering  with friends one winter evening and turned into a series of monthly seminars – intensive programs of several hours each intended for pregnant mothers and anyone interested in breastfeeding providing all the essentials tips and practical techniques to ensure that every mother in Lebanon can have a successful and enjoyable experience. In addition, Mrs. Nadiya also provides personal support and assistance to mothers who already gave birth and are facing challenges in breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is simple and natural, but only if the mother knew how to do it and what to expect.

 

 * This post is published in Moms and to Be magazine - June, issue 42 [Republishing authorized by Nadiya Dragan El-Chiti]

Pregnancy, Lactation and Fish

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated fats that are considered to be essential to our bodies: this means your body cannot make them on its own, rather they have to come from your well balanced diet. Studies show that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids may help regulate triglycerides blood levels as well as increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Omega 3 fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting which may help to lower high blood pressure and they have been associated with decreased inflammation, increased agility and boosted brain function!

Sources of omega-3s

> EPA and DHA (Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid)
Such as fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, halibut, sardines, tuna as well as omega-3 eggs (which are fortified with DHA) and algae (seaweed).Cod liver oil is not a good source of omega 3 acids since it may cause toxicity in excess amounts due to its high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D so fish oil is better!

• Green leafy vegetables

• Nuts and seeds, especially walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds

• Vegetable oils such as canola, soy and flaxseed oil

• Supplements – it’s best to get fish oil that contains both DHA and EPA. Know that up to 3 grams of fish oil per day in pregnancy is safe so take no more than 3 g! And always consult your doctor or licensed dietitian before you go for supplements!

> ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid)

Our bodies can convert ALA into EPA and DHA but the conversion process is slow so both sources are important!

What are the benefits of Omega 3 fish oils?

Most scientists and health professionals agree that omega-3 fish oil contains a wide range of health benefits pertaining to seriously many different areas of the body! We’ve already mentioned a few earlier, but check out how valuable omega-3 is for you as well as your baby!

• Circulation – By regulating your blood lipid profiles and decreasing clotting risks.

• Heart – By helping reduce the risk of arrhythmias (irregularity of the heartbeat) and sudden death by a heart attack.

• Brain – Better brain function though more efficient neurotransmitters leading to improved concentration, memory and less likelihood of depression.

• Joints & Arthritis – Better joint function from reduced inflammation and a reduction in pain.

• Skin – Improves the health and appearance of your skin, helps keep nails and hair healthy.

• Immune System & Cancer – A stronger immune system, proven to be beneficial for the body’s immune function and a lowered risk of breast and prostate cancer.

• Vision – Improved focus, color, perception and clarity of vision.

• Digestive System – By improving intestinal health and reducing inflammation in cases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

• Allergies – Omega-3 fatty acid intake by mothers during pregnancy may protect babies against the development of allergies.

• Diabetes – Fish oil enhances insulin secretion from beta cells in the pancreas, regulating blood sugar levels especially DHA.

• Because omega-3 fatty acids are needed for the development of the brain, nervous system and immune function. This is important for both mom and baby especially during the growth spurt in the last trimester and after birth.

• Adequate omega-3 intake during pregnancy is associated with appropriate birth weight, head circumference, cognitive development and fewer preterm births.

• Your fetus gains 50–60 milligrams (mg) n-3/day during the last trimester (mostly DHA) so it’s important to have reserves for both of you!

• During lactation, as a mother, your body loses 70-80 mg DHA per day and your stores decrease by 30% after birth, so you need your diet to provide you with sufficient amounts

• Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids from the maternal diet are found in both breast milk and in fetal cord blood, so yes mommy, you are providing your baby with his/her needs of omega-3s! Your baby can only get EPA, DHA and ALA from your diet.

So why is it important to get enough omega-3s when you are pregnant and breastfeeding?

Omega-3s and safety issues

·  Eat fish with the lowest mercury levels such as salmon, canned tuna, anchovies, cod, herring, lobster, mackerel, lobster, scallops and shrimp

·  Do NOT eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because of high mercury levels

So what’s up with mercury?

Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. The calculation is quite simple: Mercury exposure is passed up through the food chain:

·   Bigger fish accumulate more as they eat smaller fish

·   Older fish tend to have more mercury because they have been exposed to mercury over a longer period of time!

And just so that you know, mercury occurs naturally in the environment but also enters the atmosphere and water from human activities. Mercury can be emitted from fossil-fuel burning plants and automobiles into the air. Then it falls to the ground in rain and snow and enters streams, rivers and lakes.

Recommendations

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women are recommended to have at least 2 servings of fish per week - particularly fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids from the variety that are low in mercury.
• Each "serving" is equivalent to about 100 grams of cooked fish, or about 3/4 of a cup of flaked fish. So eat at least 220 grams and a maximum of 330 grams of fish.

Cooking

·    Fish sometimes carry parasites and if the fish is eaten raw or lightly preserved, parasites become a concern.  The most common of these parasites are nematodes (also known as "cod worms" or "herring worms") and tapeworms.  Nematodes, though rarely a problem, can infect a human host and cause limited digestive problems for a week or so.  Tapeworms are much worse: they can live in the human digestive tract for years, growing up to a couple of yards long, causing severe pain, weight loss and anemia. The good news: These parasites are killed when fish is properly cooked to an internal temperature of at least 63 °C.

Therefore when pregnant, avoid eating raw fish and make sure your fish is well prepared!

·    As for refrigerated smoked seafood, these may pose an increased risk of a bacterial infection called listeriosis for pregnant women, older people, and people with weakened immune systems.  These are usually labeled on your food package as "nova-style" "lox" "kippered," "smoked" or "jerky”, so read your labels and avoid them!

So to sum it up, omega-3 fatty acids are highly important in your diet for both you and you baby! Don’t overdo it and have fish like crazy, have well-cooked right amount and right type of fish and seafood to get their valuable benefits!

Photos:

Fish and Fork

Salmon and veggies

"Breastfeeding Basics" Seminar

Even though breastfeeding is nature's way of providing nutritional needs for infants, the "art" of breastfeeding and the techniques may not come as naturally!

Therefore, Moms and to Be is organizing a public seminar targeting working mothers, mothers with newborns and moms to be planning to breastfeeding to provide them with credible, trust worthy information about breastfeeding basics, essentials and practical tips from a certified breastfeeding specialist!

So when and where is it?

It will be held in Sin El Fil cultural center, Lebanon on the 6th of October from 4.30 pm till 7.30 pm.

What's cooking in this seminar? 

• Basic principles of breastfeeding
• How to increase milk flow
• Breastfeeding positions that are helpful for comfortable and successful lactation
• Early hunger cues of babies
• Babies needs of water and vitamins
• Dad's role in the breastfeeding process
• Feeding babies at night time
• When to introduce bottle feeding
• What to do if moms are sick
• How to know if babies are getting enough milk for proper growth and development
• The process of pumping and storing milk
• The recommended duration for breastfeeding

The session will be fun and educational! Starting 4.00 pm, there will be a welcome coffee break and snacks will be ready for early arrivals and better yet, a special animation is foreseen for your kids all through the session! Free parking is also available at the center so for more information, contact 01.566 999!

Mother and baby photo

Breastfeeding Week in Lebanon

Al-Safir Website [Link]

I love it when issues as important as increasing awareness about breastfeeding are emphasized on in Lebanon. In fact I got this online article via http://daasetsobbat.blog.com/ aka @Yara_Assi who actually participated in making this event a successful one!

Spread the word about breastfeeding and provide every mom and mom-to-be with this user friendly, very beneficial Hotline: 03.824100 that provides useful information and tips about breastfeeding!

The Art of Breastfeeding

Just like learning a new skill, knowledge, practice and support from family, friends and coworkers are the key to perfecting the "art" or techniques of breastfeeding.

It is important to discuss your decision with your doctor before delivery and inform your hospital staff in order to provide you with a breastfeeding friendly environment as soon as you arrive to the hospital!

Warming up & getting started 

To help ensure an adequate milk supply and build confidence, start nursing as soon after delivery as possible >> within 20-30 minutes after your baby is born, perhaps in the delivery room. This is why it is important to remind the hospital’s staff of “rooming in” with your infant.

The first feeding will be most probably short, for about 10 minutes. Find a comfy chair with a good arm and back support or lie down with pillows positioned to help support your baby. This way, you won’t feel any tension in your neck, back or shoulders and it’ll be easier to hold your baby while breastfeeding him/her. Keep in mind to plan to nurse your infant on demand, that is, whenever your baby decides it is time to eat.

Signs that your baby is hungry: If your baby is mouthing, rooting toward your breast, playing with his mouth and tongue and has an increased alertness. Usually, crying is a let sign of hunger so learning the earlier signs of hunger could be helpful to better understand your baby’s hunger schedule.

During the first months, be prepared to nurse very frequently: about 8 - 12 months every 24 hours. A newborn’s stomach is small and his nutritional needs are exceptional during this period of rapid growth and development. Frequent nursing helps establish your milk supply and keeps your breasts from becoming hard and swollen. 

Latching on 

Some newborns instinctively suckle when they are first put to their mother’s breast while others take time to get used to the process, but either way is normal. Latching on correctly helps your baby get enough milk and protects you from sore nipples.

>> Help your baby by stroking your baby’s cheek or lower lip nearest to your breast.

>> As your baby turns toward your nipple, guide your baby’s mouth. Newborns have a “rooting reflex” at the breast thus they open their mouths naturally.

>> Try to offer both breasts at each feeding. Let your baby nurse as long as he or she wants – about 10 to 20 minutes on each breast. The longer they stay the more of the “hind milk they take. This milk is higher in fat and helps the baby feel full and satisfied.

Make sure to wash your hands before nursing. 

Breastfeeding – About Your Baby 

Burp your baby when you change breasts and at the end of the feeding. This relieves any discomfort from air swallowed while nursing. Hold him or her upright on your shoulder or lay your baby tummy side down across your lap. Then gently rub or pat your baby’s back. It is normal for a baby to spit up a bit of milk.

Trust your baby to let you know when he had enough to eat.

Signs of fullness: Your baby may close his or her lips, turn away or even fall asleep. Sometimes babies rest during a feeding as well, so this makes it hard to know when one feeding stops and the next begins.

Breastfeeding – About You 

Because babies nurse more energetically when they start breastfeeding, alternate the breast you offer first.This will help ensure that both breasts are empties regularly and helps you prevent breasts stiffness. If your breasts feel tight and full, soften the by expressing a small amount of milk by hand or breast pump. Fullness and discomfort are signs of engorgement and may happen when your milk supply first comes in or if you have gone too long between feedings. Feed you baby often and if your baby is not hungry yet, you can store the milk in a clean container and refrigerate it, then offer it in a cup later on. 

Don't forget to hydrate yourself well during the day!


Book reference: Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, ADA
by Roberta Larson Duyff, 3rd ed.
Photo references:
World Breastfeeding Week Logo 
Mother and infant 
Breastfeeding Rocks

Breastfeeding – The Baby Friendly Way for August

The 1st week of August is the “Breastfeeding Week” when all countries around the world announce their pledge to the importance of breast feeding and its promotion around their nation.

Every country should put specific health objectives to increase the incidence of breastfeeding and this is increasing around Lebanon. This is a must to overcome any barriers that cause a decrease in breastfeeding norms such as:

•Lack of knowledge about the importance and benefits of breastfeeding

•Absence of work facilities or policies that support lactating women ( for example: extended maternity leave, part time employment, facilities for pumping breast milk, child care on site set, etc.)

•Advertising bottle feeding

•Lack of breastfeeding support 

Therefore, to promote breastfeeding, every maternity facility, hospitals, health professionals and dietitians should follow ten steps recommended by the World Health Organization:

•Hospitals should develop written breastfeeding policies that are communicated to all health care staff.

•Allow rooming in once the baby is born; that is, mothers and babies should be together in the same room 24 hours a day.

•Facilities should train its staff to implement such policies.

•Pregnant women should be educated and informed about the importance of breastfeeding and how to manage it in a successful way.

•Breastfeeding should be initiated half an hour after delivery and staff in hospitals should highly recommend that.

•Demonstrate to mothers how to breastfeed and to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their children for medical reasons.

•Encourage breastfeeding on demand.

•Health care professionals should refrain from giving newborns any food or drink other than breast milk unless it is medically indicated.

•No artificial nipples or pacifiers should be given to breastfed newborns.

•Hospital staff should refer mothers to breastfeeding support groups or dietitians after being discharged.

Today, more than 20,000 maternity facilities worldwide report ever having achieved Baby-friendly status. So whether the hospital you deliver your baby in is baby-friendly or not, you know what the “Ten Baby-friendly Tips” are and yes, it is possible that you implement them yourself. Ask your doctor and the nurses helping for your own “baby-friendly” way. Go for breastfeeding for both you and your baby.

References:

Mom & infant photo

Safe Handling & Storage of Breast Milk

For all the mommies-to-be & breastfeeding mommies out there, just like you've heard, breastfeeding is very important. But as much as this is true, it’s also vital to handle breast milk with super extra care. So here are quick yet essential tips for you and your baby.

Safe Handling& Storage

• To start with, wash your hands and breasts before expressing your milk.
• If you are using a breast pump, carefully review the operation and cleaning manual.
• If you are going to store the milk, it’s best to be put in plastic bottles specific for storing breast milk and refrigerate them. Make sure that the containers are totally clean even from their caps.
• Store milk in moderate amounts; around 55 to 115 mL in one container. This will help avoid wasting milk after feedings.
• Refrigerate milk if you are going to store it for maximum of 24 hours, otherwise it’s best to freeze it.
• If freezing is your choice, plastic or glass bottles are good.
• Either way, make sure to put a label on each container with the date of expressing the milk. This will ensure the FIFO rule: First In, First Out is followed and you will use the oldest milk you have first.
• Now if you are a working mother or you need to be away for a certain period of time, consider freezing a large amount of breast milk supply especially during your maternity leave.
  If you are freezing for

• Up to 2 weeks: put the milk bottles inside your freezer at -15 degrees Celsius (not in the door since it’ll be opened quite often)
• Up to 3-6 months: if a special compartment having its own separate door inside the freezer at -18 degrees Celsius
• 6 -2 months: freeze it in a separate deep freezer at – 20 degrees Celsius

Safe Thawing

• Before thawing, shake the bottle gently to mix layers because the cream rises to the top.
• If time allows it, thaw frozen breast milk by putting it in the refrigerator, by putting it under warm running water or by putting it in a “bain marie”; that is using a pan of water on the stove.
• Avoid using the microwave to heat or thaw breast milk because it might lead to uneven thawing of the milk leading to either scalding the baby or damaging the milk. Moreover, excess heat may destroy nutrients in the milk.
• Don’t just put it outside the fridge to thaw.
• Once the milk is thawed, make sure not to refreeze it again and discard milk that stays more than 24 hours in the fridge.

You can also find this article published in Moms and to Be Magazine.

1st image courtesy of order valtrex

The 2nd is courtesy of sheknows.com