Can I add new breastmilk to already expressed milk?

Question

I just pumped and only got a total of about an ounce and a half..Can I leave that milk in the pump bottle (since it stays good for a while at room temp) and pump more into it in about 2 hours? Or should I just refridgerate that and pump new next time?

Answer 1

It doesn't sound like a bad thing to do, but I was told by the Lactation Consultant not to leave it out and add more.  I can't imagine anything bad would happen...

Answer 2

You should refrigerate it as soon as you're done pumping to keep it nice and fresh.  The longer the milk stays at room temp, the better chance bacteria has to build up in it.  I'd say don't leave it out for more than an hour, otherwise pump into a new bottle and combine later when you're ready to feed.

Answer 3

Put the milk in the fridge and clean the pump and start again, breastmilk is good for about 10-12 hours room temp, but in this situation you want a fresh clean pump and add the new milk to the fridge milk.

Answer 4

Unless your going to feed it straight to the baby just put it in the refridgerator, you can still pump more later and add to the one you already have.  

Answer 5

refridgerate the amount you just got and then add to it... I'd worry that 2 hours is too long!