How to Handle Breast Milk on the Go?

Question

Sometimes I pump out milk the day before heading out of the house. Then from what I have read online and from friends to keep the milk with an ice pack. How are you suppose to warm it up without using a bottle warmer? Especially if you are using a disposable liners rather than a regular bottle? Can you just give the milk to the baby chilled? but only if it's not too cold?

Answer 1

That sounds complicated!  I just keep mine in the tap- that way it's warm and fresh when he's ready to eat.

Answer 2

I agree with the other too. I breast feed my son in public. Another way you can do it is wear a tank top, pull your boob out over the top off tank top, have a blanket over your shoulder covering that area and put baby's head under blanket. Thats how i do it. If your too embarrassed to do that, Feed in the bathroom or in the car. I also do that depends how crowded of an area I'm in. Also depends on if i'm in a restraunt, I'd rather feed in bathroom. I don't like a lot of people staring at me while i'm feeding my son.  

Answer 3

Chilled is fine if your baby will take it.

They do make bottle warmers that plug into car lighters.  Or if you're at a restaurant, just ask your server for a cup of hot water to let the bottle sit in there for a few minutes.

Answer 4

Are you unable to sit the milk in some warm water to warm up. I used to just stop at a fast food restaurant if I was on the go and get a cup of hot water and warm it up that way until I bought a bottle warmer I can use in the car.

Answer 5

I have starred your question because I do and was wondering the same thing.  

To answer the question:  I was told by the La Leche League that I could pump and it would be good for 8 hours as long as I kept it 70 degrees or below.  My 8 week old will take it room temp.. which is chilly as we have a cooler running.

The reason I answered though was to plead with people answering breast feeding questions.  I am devastated that I have to pump and can not keep it on tap (although I love that term too!).  At first it was a public thing for me... I have size H cup b*****s and contrary to popular belief, woman with this size can not just whip it out in public.  It is an ordeal to feed.  First I have to put a rolled up towel or receiving blanket under the breast to push it up, then I have to use a pillow or something to help hold the baby up as he is getting too heavy with one arm to do it and then the other hand has to hold the breast so it will position itself for a proper latch.  Then to try to do all that with a blanket over the shoulder (which by the way falls down every time).  I have gone to the La Leche League, seen a Lactation specialist and research my tooshie off.  Trust me, a slender - normal breast sized woman whiping it out and feeding her lil one is endearing.   A very well endowed woman struggling to 'set up' and latch on a lil one is a spectacle.  I literally have had people approach me and comment on the size.  At my older sons football game Saturday a woman approached me and said how cute the baby was and then stood dead in front of me and exclaimed 'I am sorry dear... but you are enormous!'  Then she fumbled a lil and tried to explain ' I mean how do you... do they ... can you... '  UGH it was horrid - and I wasn't even breast feeding!  I was fully clothed in a muscle shirt because it was 104 degrees outside!  And I am not heavy.. I am average.. with average b*****s (C) I would be about 135 lbs.  

Finally, I had to pump exclusivley because both specialists said that my nipple was too large for my son to latch properly.  So, I pump.  

The moral is... I tried so very hard to breast feed and it is so hard to hear successful woman make it sound so easy.  Don't assume the person can just 'do it'.  Some of us just can't.. so we pump.

Sorry.. Please don't read this as though I am using an angry tone, I am literally almost in tears.  Just be mindful that not every woman can 'just do it' even with practice.  I had to go through many embarrasing appointments to 'prove' that I wasn't just fumbling at BF that I couldn't, and it just broke my heart.

Sorry so long... Just wanted to put that out there!

Please don't berate me - we are all here trying to accomplish the same thing.. what is best for our lil ones.

Answer 6

if you dont want to purchase a bottle warmer you can bring a large cup and fill it with hot water...either tap or ask a restraunt for hot water and place the bottle with breastmilk in cup until at least room temp or just slight chill.

Answer 7

Breastmilk needs to be warm enough for the fat to recombine.  Generally room temp is fine.

As long as the milk hasn't been frozen it is good for at least 10 hours at room temp (its good for 24 hours with an ice pack in a cooler)

http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/sto...

    * Freshly expressed breastmilk may be kept at room temperature for up to 10 hours (colostrum or milk expressed within 6 days of delivery can be stored 12 hours at room temperature).

    * Freshly expressed milk may be stored at temperatures slightly below room temperature (such as in a cooler with icepacks ) for up to 24 hours. If the milk has been kept at room temperature prior to being placed into the cooler, safe storage time in the cooler may be decreased somewhat.

http://www.mother-2-mother.com/storemilk...

Can I Freeze My Milk After It Has Been Refrigerated Several Days?

Yes - most sources seem to indicate that you should be safe to use ALL the storage options in succession if you need to.

For example, storing freshly expressed breastmilk at room temperature for up to 10 hours, THEN in a refrigerator for up to 8 days, and THEN in a freezer for 3-12 months (depending on the type of freezer).

You're likely to get to stretch your storage times to the maximum (or even a little longer) if you don't "use up" all of your "warmer" storage - for example, you can expect a longer storage time if you freeze the milk immediately (if you know you'll want it frozen) rather than keep it at room temp for 10 hours, then refrigerate for 8 days and THEN freeze the milk.

Even though storage times may be decreased, most bf experts suggest *not* throwing out any milk before the maximum storage time unless when you warm it you notice that it has a very distinct foul smell.

Answer 8

i agree with the above poster........leave it in the tap lol i love that.  she's right. its so much easier!!!  who wants to lug around bottles and do dishes later on... nurse in public!! it is not a crime, its what god gave women b*****s for!!!      

just wear a tank top under your shirt, pull the tank top under your boob, pull your tshirt over the nipple and i promise you your b***s wont show. your belly wont either because of the tank top covering your tummy.  before you know it, your baby is fed and your b***s are less engorged. it only takes a few minutes per side and it just looks like you're cuddling your baby or he's sleeping....or she....good luck.