Why do you have to warm up babies milk? ?

Question

My sister had pumped breast milk for her baby boy while they were at a baseball game so that she wouldn't have to sit in her car to feed him (she's not comfortable with publicly breast feeding), she asked me "Why do I have to warm up the milk before I give it to him?" I honestly don't know, so I thought I would ask!

Anyone know why you have to warm up a bottle before feeding? Or is it just a myth that it needs to be heated?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It doesnt have to be heated. its just more like the breastmilk. If the baby gets used to cold milk or decides they prefer it then breast feeding could become more difficult, but giveing a breastfeeding baby a room temp bottle once in a while wont hurt anything. mostly avoid giving them chilled milk.

Answer 2

Breastmilk need only be warm enough for the fat to recombine (generally room temp is fine)

However use of a bottle before 4-8 weeks can cause lots of problems with breastfeeding.  If she absolutely will not feed in public a cup or syringe is a better choice.

Much as I personally hate them there are many different breastfeeding covers.  I think they draw attention to what you are doing, and make breastfeeding needlessly complicated, and don't even get me started on anyone other than the mother insisting on using them BUT if it is the only way she is comfortable there is:

http://www.bebeaulait.com/

http://www.sweetpz.ca/hhide.html

http://www.barksngiggles.com/item_1357/S...

Etc

The "hooter hider" style with the rigid neck line so mom can see is probably best for someone just learning to nurse.  By all means you can make your own.  Even if you don't "sew" you could use iron on stitch tape particularly if you started with something that has finished edges like a blanket or apron.

Also there are great nursing tops on the market.

Answer 3

You don't have to.Some babies just prefer it that way & some parents just prefer to do it that way.My son takes it room temp & I prefer it that way.I do not have to worry about warming it which saves time.Also I was always worried that I would be in public and not have anywhere to warm it.It is just a preference..

Answer 4

Sometimes, when the breast milk is refrigerated, it is too 'harsh' on the baby's tummy.  Not always, though, because some babies enjoy cold milk.  Generally speaking, though, it's probably more soothing to drink warm milk and it likely helps them to relax.  I would imagine that's why people suggest a glass of warm milk before bed to help bring on sleep.  

I do know, however, when you are heating up breast milk, it is best to heat it back up by using warm water and not a microwave.  Here's a good web page (from the CDC) with a little more info on breastfeeding and reheating it.  Hope this helps solve the mystery!  

http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recomme...

Answer 5

You don't. I don't. I just give it at room temperature. I guess if it has been refrigerated you would have to heat it up to take the chill off it.  

Answer 6

it doesn't have to be warmed up, but if she's pumping then its kept in the fridge, and the baby isn't likely to want it cold. the baby is still nursing, meaning he is accustomed to his food being at a certain temperature and may refuse it otherwise. even if it was formula, you tend to use warm water for it...its cuz its supposed to be as close to the breastmilk as possible, which, is very warm.

my son always liked his milk at room temperature.