Yes, you can store milk in a Haakaa breast pump in the refrigerator. The Haakaa is designed for collecting and storing breastmilk, making it convenient for pumping and feeding your baby.
How long can I store milk in a Haakaa?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), freshly expressed breastmilk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days at a temperature of 39°F or lower. After 4 days, the milk should be frozen or discarded.
Here are the refrigerator storage guidelines from the CDC for expressed breastmilk:
- Room temperature (up to 77°F): Up to 4 hours
- Refrigerator (39°F or colder): Up to 4 days
- Freezer compartment inside a refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
- Freezer compartment with separate doors: 6-12 months
So you can safely store milk expressed into a Haakaa in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before using it or freezing it for longer term storage.
How to store milk in a Haakaa
Here are some tips for properly storing milk in a Haakaa breast pump:
- Wash your hands before handling milk collection parts.
- After pumping, transfer milk from the Haakaa into a storage container, such as a bag or bottle designed for breastmilk storage.
- Label the storage container with the date the milk was expressed.
- Seal the container and store it immediately in the refrigerator.
- Use the oldest milk first when feeding your baby.
- Avoid storing milk in the Haakaa for more than a few hours at room temperature.
It’s best to transfer the freshly pumped milk into a dedicated storage container rather than leaving it in the Haakaa. However, if needed, you can store milk in a Haakaa pump temporarily until you can transfer it.
What kind of storage containers can I use?
Good options for storing milk collected in a Haakaa include:
- Breastmilk storage bags – These bags are designed specifically for holding breastmilk. They come in 3-5 ounce sizes. Be sure to select BPA-free bags.
- Plastic bottles – Opt for BPA-free bottles in sizes like 4-8 ounces. Never reuse formula or food containers for breastmilk.
- Glass bottles – Glass offers an inert container for breastmilk storage. Choose bottles with tight sealing lids.
No matter what type of container you use, always ensure it is washed in hot, soapy water and air dried fully before each use. This helps prevent mold or bacterial growth.
Should I freeze milk stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, any milk that is not used within 4 days of pumping should be frozen for long-term storage. Here are some tips:
- Freeze milk in small batches like 2-4 ounces so it thaws quickly.
- Leave extra space in the container, as milk can expand during freezing.
- Label milk bags or bottles with the date pumped before freezing.
- Use milk within 6-12 months for optimal quality and nutrition.
Frozen milk stored in bags or bottles should be placed near the back of the freezer, where temperature is most consistent. Avoid storing in side doors that may disrupt proper freezing.
Is it safe to refreeze thawed milk?
Previously frozen milk that has been thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen, provided a few guidelines are followed:
- Only refreeze thawed milk once.
- Refreeze thawed milk within 24 hours of thawing.
- Make sure milk was properly thawed in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Do not warm thawed milk and then refreeze it.
Following these steps will allow refreezing while maintaining milk quality and nutrients. But whenever possible, only thaw the amount needed for a feeding.
How to thaw refrigerated and frozen milk
Here are some tips for properly thawing refrigerated and frozen milk:
- Refrigerated milk: Move to the front of the fridge to thaw gradually as needed, then swirl gently before use.
- Frozen milk: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, hold under warm running water, or use a container with warm water.
- Avoid excessive heat when thawing.
- Swirl milk gently once thawed and combine bags or bottles if needed.
- Use thawed milk within 24 hours.
Take care not to overheat or reheat thawed milk, as this can impact the composition. Gently swirl to incorporate separated milk fats after thawing.
How long does thawed milk last?
According to La Leche League International:
- Refrigerated milk that was thawed in the refrigerator: Up to 24 hours
- Refrigerated milk thawed outside the refrigerator: Up to 4 hours
- Thawed milk should be used immediately if babies are under 3 months old.
So thawed milk should not be stored at room temperature. Get it back into the fridge as soon as possible after warming for a feeding.
Can I combine fresh and frozen milk?
It’s best not to mix fresh breastmilk with previously frozen milk if possible. Here’s why:
- Fresh milk may affect frozen milk, causing lipids to clump together.
- This can change the taste and consistency of milk.
- Combining milks is more likely to introduce bacteria.
However, mixing milk is generally safe provided safety guidelines are followed:
- Refrigerate fresh milk first if combining.
- Use oldest frozen milk first when mixing.
- Use combined milk within timeframe for fresh milk.
In an emergency or to consolidate milk, you can mix freshly pumped milk with frozen/thawed milk. Just be sure to follow storage timelines for fresh milk.
How to warm refrigerated and frozen milk
When your baby is ready to feed, frozen milk will need to be thawed first. Refrigerated milk can be gently warmed prior to feeding. Here are some warming tips:
- Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight whenever possible.
- Hold refrigerated milk under warm running water or place in container of warm water.
- Avoid using the microwave due to hot spots.
- Gently swirl milk to distribute heat evenly after warming.
- Test temperature by dripping milk on wrist before feeding.
Take care not to overheat milk, as high temperatures can destroy beneficial components. A good target is body temperature or 98-100°F.
What’s the best way to transport refrigerated and frozen milk?
Transporting expressed breastmilk allows you to provide your milk to your baby when away from home. Here are some tips for transport:
- Place refrigerated milk in insulated cooler with ice packs.
- Put frozen milk in cooler with ice packs or dry ice.
- Use milk within timeframe for refrigerator or frozen milk.
- Keep cooler in shaded area; avoid direct sunlight.
- Limit opening cooler; use oldest milk first.
Take steps to keep milk as cool as possible when transporting and limit temperature fluctuations. Use within recommended time limits.
Can I combine milk from different pumping sessions?
It is generally safe to combine milk from multiple pumping sessions throughout the day, provided a few guidelines are followed:
- Only combine refrigerated milk that is less than 4 days old.
- Do not combine warm, freshly pumped milk with cold milk.
- Cool freshly pumped milk before combining with chilled milk.
- Store combined milk using timeframe for the oldest milk.
Combining milk can help consolidate storage while ensuring your baby still gets a mix of foremilk and hindmilk. Just be sure to follow proper refrigeration guidelines.
Signs milk has spoiled
Occasionally breastmilk can spoil, especially if stored improperly. Look for these signs of spoiled milk:
- Sour smell
- Change in color
- Lumpy texture
- Taste changes
If milk smells rotten, tastes soapy, or has changed consistency, err on the safe side and discard it. Your baby may reject spoiled milk by spitting it up or refusing to drink.
Can I reuse pump parts between pumping sessions?
Reusing pump parts can save time between sessions. Here are some tips for safely reusing parts:
- Rinse parts in cool water to remove milk residue.
- Store in refrigerator between uses.
- Wash all parts in hot, soapy water at least once per day.
- Replace valves, membranes, flanges regularly.
- Inspect for cracks, tears, and damage before reusing.
As long as you follow good hygiene practices, pump parts like shields, valves, connectors and bottles can be reused multiple times before needing to be cleaned and sanitized.
Can I freeze milk in the Haakaa?
The Haakaa breast pump is not designed for long-term milk storage. However, it is possible to safely freeze small amounts of milk in a Haakaa if needed:
- Ensure Haakaa parts are very clean and dry first.
- Fill Haakaa no more than 3/4 full to allow for expansion.
- Securely seal top and freeze immediately.
- Transfer to storage bags as soon as possible.
- Label with date pumped and use within 6-12 months.
Freezing directly in the Haakaa is intended for emergency situations. For routine freezing, transfer milk to bags or bottles first.
Can I add freshly pumped milk to refrigerated milk in the Haakaa?
It’s best not to mix warm freshly pumped milk with chilled milk already in the Haakaa. Here’s why:
- Temperature changes can impact milk quality.
- Warm milk raises overall temperature, reducing time milk is safe at refrigerator temp.
- Milk fat separates more rapidly with temperature fluctuations.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Refrigerate fresh milk first until completely chilled.
- Gently swirl refrigerated Haakaa milk to remix separated fats.
- Then combine refrigerated milks and store using time for oldest milk.
Take care when combining milks of different temperatures. Chill fresh milk fully before mixing.
Tips for cleaning the Haakaa pump
Proper cleaning is essential for sanitary milk collection and storage. Follow these steps to clean the Haakaa after each use:
- Rinse with cool water to remove residual milk.
- Wash all parts in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse fully with clear water.
- Allow to air dry fully before reassembling.
- Store clean and dry until next use.
Occasionally sanitize the Haakaa by washing pump parts in a vinegar solution. This helps remove soap residue and milk proteins.
Can I microwave milk in the Haakaa?
Microwaving breastmilk is not recommended, as it can create hot spots that damage milk nutrients. However, if necessary, follow these precautions when microwaving milk in a Haakaa:
- Use microwave-safe Haakaa made from silicone or glass.
- Heat milk no more than 10-15 seconds at a time.
- Stop to gently swirl milk and test temperature.
- Avoid overheating above 98-100°F.
Microwaving should only be done occasionally as a last resort. Slow, gentle warming is best for preserving nutrients.
Common pumping and storage mistakes
While pumping and storing milk is generally safe, mistakes happen. Here are some common mishaps and how to avoid them:
- Forgetting to label milk storage: Always include date pumped on containers.
- Storing milk too long: Follow guidelines on fridge/freezer times.
- Mixing warm and cold milk: Fully chill fresh milk before combining.
- Reusing unwashed parts: Clean pump parts thoroughly between uses.
- Using wrong milk first: Use oldest refrigerated milk first.
Following best practices for labeling, storing, cleaning, and using milk can prevent most issues. When in doubt, take the safest approach.
Conclusion
Storing breastmilk safely is key to providing your baby with high-quality nutrition. With some basic guidelines, milk expressed in a Haakaa pump can be conveniently refrigerated or frozen for later use. Be sure to label, date, chill, and use milk properly for optimal quality and safety. By understanding best practices for handling milk, you can ensure your baby reaps the benefits of your milk no matter when you pump.