If you thought warming milk was easy, wait till you experience the hassle of heating frozen breastmilk. We know all about those late-night feedings where planning in advance goes out the window and hunger strikes quickly. Thus, we need to have methods that are fast, efficient and safe for both babies and mamas alike - the ultimate solution is thawing them out!
The Need For Warming Up Frozen Breastmilk
Breastfeeding is an act of love that nurtures your baby's growth while also improving their overall health. It can be challenging as a new mom when juggling between feeding schedules, house chores or even work obligations. So what do mothers do? They pump!
To ensure constant supply of quality milk, moms will store pumped breastmilk in bags or containers in either freezer or refrigerator ready for future use. However freezing procedures increase its lifespan but can lead to defrosting inconveniences.
Defrosted or cold temperature of stored breastmilks could affect the health benefits intended from breastfeeding such as immune-boosting properties which enhance your child’s immunity against infections caused by bacteria/viruses. This means that frozen milk needs to be warmed before giving it to little one(s). Here are various techniques you can try at home:
No more bells & whistles with this method; room tempature should definatly solve the problem right? Only if given time though depending on how solidified they become during storage (for example excess fat present).
- First things first!, Move sealed container holding frozen breastmilks into fridge prior for slower/precautioned meltdown until only partially icy state(left overnight)
- Remove container from fridge after partial melting(Sample check!)
- Unzip package pettier carefully around covered contents
- Place bagged/contained stashed milks atop bowl of warm water then leave unaffected (for upto 20min)
You don’t want to heat this up too quickly as that can destroy nutrients, vitamins and needful antibodies NOTE: Do not microwave them in a oven or any heating equipment; room temperature preserves quality.
Using Warm Water Bath Method
The second method is the most straightforward solution if you do not have an electric bottle warmer. All You’ll Need: - A bowl or sink - Lukewarm tap water
How it Works: 1. Run warm/hot tap water into your container/sink/bowl but make sure to be watchful on temperature settings(water should only bƐ lukewarm) 2. Fully immerse/pour packet of milk whilst holding top seal together firmly for up-to ~10mins depending on thickness/size.
Notice: For extra preparedness/frugallity within budgetary circumstances, numerous moms use ziploc bags/backpacks since they are more convenient cost savers &can shapeshift once unsealed unlike bottles which are assuredly fragile; the material denidiffrenciates from orthodox baby packaging though still functional!
The Steam Technique;
In comes Baby brezza food maker - fastest vaccine warmer! Direct steam-based technology rapidly heats defrosted milk to required [heathcare recommended] temperatures thereby preserving just the right offer Vitamin C,D&E etc..
Despite its little expense such gadgets extend overall comfortablity for both mom & child eased via pre-programmed consistent functions(Inbuilt timer facility). Lifesaver+timesaver!, with perfect finish you're guaranteed happy toddler tummies...
[More technologically advanced facilities include 'MAMMA' digital dispenser , Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer + Breas Milk Warmer]
Breastmilk Guidelines When Preparing Your Child's Formula In A Safer manner
Before beginning any formula preparations tips shared hereafter, note!---'NEVER USE A MICROWAVE TO WARM FROZEN BREASTMILK, It may result in loss of vital nutrients or hotspots which could burn their delicate internal systems. Considered as Unsafe/Unrecommended method since microwaves heat unevenly creating fluctuating environments amidst container contents therefore damaging nutrient structure and potentially harming our little ones!!
Tips on Using the Right Temperature
- Always shake milk well after warmth to even out fat layers & also confirm an optimal range temperture checks from inside one’s wrist(Consult pediatrician for clarification)
- Don't worry if you see that some thawed breastmilk had separated into different pieces. As previously mentioned, bees wax like substance further separates during storage time can be quickly arminated by hands rolling/massaging bag.
In conclusion, Different babies have different preferences but gradually developing your own special routine will ultimately lead to overall success with whatever warming method you apply; do research along with trial in order to witness what works best for you...
So there it is...our simple guide on how to warm up frozen breastmilk; room temperature melting place/material immersion+steam-based gadgets. Remember not use Mircowaves ever!