Storing Breastmilk / Bubbles in the Bottle?

Updated on July 28, 2009
A.O. asks from Lemont, IL
8 answers

Hi mommas! Lately I've been noticing my pumped and refrigerated breastmilk has little "bubbles" on the inside of the bottle as I feed my son. I use the milk within 5-6 days of expressing and always make sure it's properly swirled to incorporate the cream that settles on top. I used to put it in a bottle warmer but I've read that heating milk too quickly can make it curdle (it's happened a few times) so now I just try to warm it slowly by letting it sit in warm water or putting it under running warm water that gradually gets hotter. I don't know if these bubbles (and sometimes little "hairs" or strands of milk on the glass bottle) are little curdles? Do you know? The milk doesn't smell too sour but not too fresh, either.

Also, if I don't use the refrigerated milk within 5-6 days, I have been freezing it for future use. Is that ok?? Or can I only freeze freshly expressed milk?

My son hasn't rejected any of the bottles... if he does happen to drink some curdled milk, will it make him sick or get diarreah?

In case I am producing excessive lipase, is there anything I can do nutritionally to prevent this? I would really prefer not to pasteurize my milk.

Sorry for the lengthy question but I'm trying to be specific and would really appreciate helping solve this milky mystery. Thanks!!

2 moms found this helpful

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L.H.

answers from Chicago on

You may find this FAQ page from the LLL useful to reference: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/milkstorage.html

Many sources recommend briefly scalding the breastmilk (not in the microwave!) Another possible cause is washing the bottles, equipment, etc. in tap water. Enzymes can be activated by metallic ions like those found in tap water. So, washing all equipment/bottles/sippies in distilled water, with a phosphate-free dish soap, may reduce the problem.

Best wishes to you and your little one!

1 mom found this helpful
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K.

answers from Chicago on

Ok the milk police may come and arrest me but here's my answer...
It's fine. Your baby will let you know if the milk is "off" - believe me! And he's not likely to get sick from drinking it if it is bad, because he won't drink it. Babies are smart that way. The little bubbles are just dissolved oxygen or other gasses that probably got incorporated into your milk as it was dripping into the bottle during pumping.

As for refrigerating and then freezing, it's fine, but it may have a shorter than 3 month freezer lifespan since you've already "used up" some of its time in the fridge, if that makes sense. When I was doing the full time pumping/working thing I would just use the oldest milk in the fridge first, and then every Friday if there was more left than my child would need the following Monday I would stash it in the freezer.

As for the lipase thing, this is only a problem if it's a problem. By that I mean, if your kid will drink it, it's not a problem :)

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L.C.

answers from Chicago on

You can freeze breast milk after 5-7 days in the fridge. And use it with in a year if its in a deep freeze, 6 months if in a regular freezer. Thaw it in warm water if frozen, or microwave only for 30 seconds or so to help it along. Google Breast n Baby Lactation/ Carol Chamblain and all your questions can be answered there, or you can email her and she will answer. She was a great help when i breast fed this past year.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.H.

answers from Chicago on

I don't remember the answers to most of your questions, but I can refer you to a wonderful site called www.kellymom.com. It's all you'll ever need to know about breastfeeding.

~C.

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J.B.

answers from Chicago on

It's been a few years for me (and maybe others can confirm) but I thought you're supposed to use refrigerated milk within 24-48 hours and anything longer thatn that should be froze. But, as I said, it's been a couple of years so I could be wrong...

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Y.A.

answers from Chicago on

Hi,
I used Dr. Browns bottles because it does not cause gas. Bubbles are ok to see. Are you putting the breast milk in the door? If you are stop because the door will not keep the milk cold enough you have to put it inside the fridge. You will see the milk separate that is ok just shake the milk and it will be fine. Also what I did to heat the bottle is to sit in a cup or bowl under the hot water until it was warm enough. And you can freeze your breast milk as soon as finish pumping (you can buy the breast milk bags in the store)just let thaw in the fridge not on the counter.

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

I think that is normal kind of like cow's milk bubbles when you pour it or blow into a straw.

It sounds like you are storing and using according to normal guidelines.

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D.K.

answers from Chicago on

Anita,

I am sure that if your baby is drinking it and is happy about it the milk is fine. I am currently breastfeeding my second so the information I have is from a few years ago, but I don't leave my breastmilk in the refridgerator for more than 2 days. If it is going to be longer than that, I freeze it. I don't have a source for where I got that information from, it is the same thing that I did with my older child.

Good Luck,
D.

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