I am a childcare provider and have a mom who is breastfeeding. She makes or pumps her breastmilk in these cubes, like ice cubes. Sometimes they are already defrosted and brings a baggie of breastmilk. My problem is when I pour the breastmilk into the bottle, there is film or residue that is stuck to the baggies and is not making into the bottle. I am assuming it is the fat???? Please confirm whether it is not big deal or if she needs to find another way because this if important for the baby. The baby is 8 months old and is eating ceral and veggies in addition to breastmilk.
thanks
So I did visit a website that one of you gave me. As they did mention that shaking it before I pour is okay, they suggested that the less transfer methods the more nutriants the baby gets. I have since just taken the cubes and put then directly into the bottle to defrost. and just to make clear I do not microwave the breastmilk to defrost. I do have a microwave which is used to warm up my 5 cups of coffee in the mornings :) JK I only have 1 cup.
Hi M.,
In my opinion every component of breast milk is very important for the baby. The mom should buy these bottles in stores that allowed to store and feed from the same bottle.
Are you in Valencia CA ? I am looking for daycare.
Thanks.
I.
Make sure you aren't microwaving the breastmilk because it WILL lose nutritional value if you are heating it up in the microwave. That is a big no no! Do NOT defrost it in the microwave! Instead use a coffee cup of very warm water and place the bag of breastmilk in the cup of warm water to defrost. If you aren't microwaving the milk, I wouldn't worry too much about it- the baby is still getting all the wonderful nutrition properties in the breastmilk itself. I would mention it to the mom to make her aware of the situation.
I would say yes, it would be better if baby got all of the benefit of the breastmilk, otherwise why bother with all the pumping. As a momma who had to pump, I certainly did not want to see any of my milk go to waste. Just mention it to her as something you noticed and see, she may not be aware of it.
I used to put my milk into bags for my babies. To counter the separation of the milk in the bag, I used to shake and sort of squish the bag until the milk was more 'uniform' and then pour into the bottle. There was less film left on the bag.
To make it simple for you Maria, visit www.lalecheleague.org. They are an organization that helps with breastfeeding on ALL levels! (Questions, support, etc). This organization has done extensive research and I am sure you can find answers to any questions you might encounter. I would like to congratulate you on your efforts as a daycare provider to continuing supporting the mothers who prefer to breastfeed, it is important to have such a wonderful support system.
Yes. That is the fat from breastmilk. Breastmilk is made up of two things, fat & water. It is important that the baby get the fat but not dire if she/he doesn't get all of it (making the assumption that mom is nursing at other times throughout the day). Someone had previously recommended rinsing the baggy under warm water & shaking it up...that is exactly what I do when I give my daughter my pumped breastmilk. It works perfectly!
I just wanted to commend you for researching this question- what an encouragement it is to know that there are such conscientious and supportive caregivers for our children! Thank you!
Hello M.!
My daughter pumps too an the same thing happens here. it seems pretty normal. But when I defrost the milk by inmersing the bag in hot water a little more fat goes in with the milk. the point is for the baby to drink its milk and the body will convert this milk into energy and what the baby's body will not use the baby's body will store as fat. thus, the fat residue in the bag or cube does not really make much of a difference. On the other hand,less milk or more milk will do. As long as the baby is satisfied with the amount of milk he is drinking all is well. Keep doing your good job! Flowers to you!
This is perfectly normal. I used to pump my milk before and there is always a thick lining which is the fat from the milk. What you do is this: You place the baggie under warm running water for several minutes until it reaches room temperature .Then shake the baggie gently and pour to the bottle. The good thing is that the baby is old enough since he/she has been introduced to solids. Whatever you do, don't microwave or do not heat the milk on the stove. I strongly suggest to build good communication with the infant's mother and let her know you are curious and would like to know more about how she pumps her milk and how she administers giving the breastmilk to her baby. Good Luck!
