(HealthDay News) — To prevent contamination, breast milk must be handled and stored properly before feeding to baby.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions:
- Wash your hands before you pump or handle breast milk.
- Make sure you store the milk in containers that are clean and have a tight seal. Examples may include bottles with a screw cap, plastic cups with lids that fit tightly, or bags that are designed for use with milk and bottles.
- Label the container of breast milk with the date, so you know which containers to use first. Include baby’s name if it will be taken to your child’s care provider.
- Never add fresh breast milk to frozen milk that is already stored.
- Never save or re-feed milk from a partially consumed bottle.