Feeding Expressed Breastmilk

Did you know, breastmilk does not need to be warmed? Thats right, it can be served room temperature or cold. I remember in the hospital the Pediatrician said a baby taking the bottle right out of the refrigerator - “well even better”. Below, find tips for safely preparing the breastmilk for feeding.

• If you decide to warm the breast milk,

  • Keep the container sealed while warming.

  • Warm breast milk by placing the container of breast milk into a separate container or pot of warm water for a few minutes or by running warm (not hot) tap water over the container for a few minutes.

  • Do not heat breast milk directly on the stove or in the microwave.

  • Test the temperature of the breast milk before feeding it to your baby by putting a few drops on your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot.

• Swirl the breast milk to mix the fat, which may have separated.

• If your baby did not finish the bottle, the leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be discarded.