Hailey Tran
Breast milk can be stored in a variety of ways, and each method requires specific labelling. For example, when storing breast milk in the refrigerator, it is important to label it with the date and time it was pumped. If you are storing breast milk in the freezer, it is important to label it with the date it was pumped and the date it needs to be used by. When storing breast milk, it is also important to use a container that is larger than the amount of milk pumped, as this allows for expansion during freezing. Additionally, when fortifying breast milk, it is crucial to label the type of fortifier used and the time and date it was added. Proper labelling ensures that breast milk is handled safely and maintains its quality.
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What You'll Learn
Include the date and time the milk was pumped
When labelling breast milk for hospitals, it is important to include the date and time the milk was pumped. This information is crucial for ensuring the proper handling and storage of the breast milk, as well as for maintaining the safety and quality of the milk for the baby's health.
Including the date and time allows for the proper identification of the milk, especially when there are multiple containers stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It helps hospital staff or family members easily identify the milk and follow the appropriate storage and preparation guidelines. This practice also helps in determining the order in which the milk should be used, as breast milk has a limited shelf life, and the quality can decrease over time.
By providing the date and time, caregivers can follow recommended storage guidelines, such as freezing the milk within 24 hours of pumping if it is not going to be used within 96 hours (4 days). This helps to preserve the quality of the breast milk and maintain its nutritional value. Additionally, when thawing breast milk, having the pumping date and time indicated allows for accurate tracking of the expiration date, as thawed milk should be used within a specific timeframe, typically within 24 hours.
Furthermore, labelling the date and time helps to standardise processes and comply with hospital policies. Many hospitals require the use of specific bar-code labels, and including the date and time ensures that the labels are properly filled out. This also assists in scanning and tracking the milk, as the bar codes are scanned at the baby's bedside to ensure the correct milk is being administered. Overall, including the date and time the milk was pumped contributes to the safe and effective management of breast milk in a hospital setting.
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Add the name and birth date of the infant
When labelling breast milk for a hospital stay, it is important to include the name and birth date of the infant. This is crucial for accurate identification and to ensure the milk is correctly matched with the right baby. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this effectively:
Firstly, obtain appropriate labels that are compatible with the hospital's system. Ask the hospital for specific guidelines and requirements. They may provide you with specific labels to use, such as a Children's Wisconsin (CW) bar-code label. These labels are designed to be scanned at the baby's bedside, ensuring accurate tracking of the milk.
When writing the infant's name on the label, be sure to use their full name, including any middle names or initials, to avoid confusion with other patients. Write clearly and legibly to prevent any potential misidentification. Additionally, include the infant's birth date in a clear and standardised format. For example, you could use the format of "Month Day, Year" (e.g., Jan 15, 2023). This ensures consistency and eliminates ambiguity.
It is also important to include other relevant information on the label, such as the date and time the milk was pumped or expressed. This helps hospital staff manage the milk appropriately, ensuring it is fed to the infant within a safe timeframe. Remember to follow the hospital's guidelines on what additional information to include, such as the volume of milk or any specific care instructions.
In addition to labelling the containers, you may also need to label the storage bins or areas where the breast milk is kept. This provides an extra layer of organisation and identification, ensuring that staff can quickly locate and access the milk. Again, clearly write the infant's name and birth date on these labels, following the same guidelines as above.
By following these instructions and paying close attention to detail, you can effectively label breast milk with the infant's name and birth date, ensuring safe and accurate identification and care during their hospital stay.
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Use a new container each time you pump
Using a new container each time you pump is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and quality of your breast milk for your baby's health. Here are some detailed instructions and reasons why using a new container is important:
Firstly, always use a sterile container provided by the hospital each time you pump. This helps maintain the purity of the milk and reduces the risk of contamination. Hospitals usually provide containers specifically designed for breast milk storage, so using a new one with each pumping session follows best practices for hygiene and safety.
Secondly, using a new container allows for accurate measurement and portion control. Each pumping session may yield a different volume of milk, so using a new container allows you to accurately measure and record the amount expressed. This is important for both feeding and storage purposes. You can store it in those containers or pour it into smaller ones. Using a new container each time helps you keep track of how much milk you're producing and ensures that you don't overfill containers, which can cause spillage or waste.
Additionally, using a new container helps with proper labeling and tracking. Each time you pump, you will label the container with the date and time, ensuring that caregivers can easily identify when the milk was expressed. This is crucial for proper rotation and feeding, as breast milk has a limited shelf life. Clear and accurate labeling, including the use of bar codes, helps hospital staff and caregivers provide the correct milk to the right infant, maintaining safety and organization.
Using a new container also reduces the risk of bacterial growth and contamination. Breast milk is highly perishable, and using a fresh container helps maintain its quality and safety. Reusing containers may introduce bacteria or impurities, increasing the risk of the milk spoiling or becoming unsafe for your baby. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly before expressing milk or handling containers to further reduce the risk of contamination.
Lastly, using a new container allows for efficient freezing and storage. Breast milk expands as it freezes, so using a new container each time helps you leave enough space at the top to accommodate this expansion. This prevents containers from cracking or spilling during freezing. It also lets you store milk in portions that match your baby's feeding amounts, reducing waste and making it easier to thaw and use the exact amount needed for each feeding.
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Store in small amounts to avoid waste
To avoid waste, it is recommended to store breast milk in small amounts. This is because breast milk that is brought to room temperature or warmed should be used within two hours. If your baby does not finish the bottle, the leftover milk should be discarded after two hours.
Breast milk should be stored in amounts of 2 to 4 ounces, or the amount offered at one feeding. This is to ensure that there is no waste, as leftover milk cannot be refrozen or reheated. It is also important to leave about one inch of space at the top of the container, as breast milk expands as it freezes.
When freezing milk, it is recommended to use a new container from the hospital each time you pump. You can pump into a larger container and then store the milk in smaller containers. This way, you can choose the size of the container that best fits the amount of milk pumped.
Storing breast milk in small amounts also makes it easier to thaw only what is needed. When thawing breast milk, it is important to do so safely. Do not use a microwave, as this can create hot spots that can burn your infant's mouth and reduce the nutrients in the milk. Instead, you can thaw breast milk overnight in the refrigerator or under lukewarm running water.
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Do not cover the barcode
When labelling breast milk for hospitals, it is important to remember not to cover the barcode. This is a crucial step to ensure the proper handling and storage of breast milk. Here are some reasons why you should not cover the barcode and how to correctly label breast milk:
Firstly, the barcode on the breast milk label corresponds to the patient identification band of the infant. This means that each container of breast milk is specifically linked to the baby it is intended for. Covering the barcode could disrupt this important identification process and potentially lead to mix-ups or incorrect feeding.
Secondly, the barcode is scanned when preparing the feeding, including during thawing, warming, or fortification. Scanning the barcode helps hospital staff verify that they are using the correct milk for the right infant. It ensures that the milk is properly tracked and monitored, maintaining the safety and integrity of the feeding process.
To properly label breast milk, follow these steps:
- Use a hospital-provided label: Obtain a bar-code breast milk label from the hospital. This label should already have the necessary barcode on it, which you should not cover or obscure.
- Write the date and time: Clearly write the date and time the milk was pumped on the label. This information is crucial for proper storage and feeding.
- Include additional information: If you are fortifying the breast milk, note down the time and date of fortification, the type of fortifier used, and the resulting contents.
- Do not write on the barcode: Ensure that you do not write or mark on the barcode itself. Keep it clear and visible for scanning and identification purposes.
- Store properly: Store the breast milk in a refrigerator or freezer, avoiding the door, as temperature changes can affect the milk quality. Use a sealed container and leave some extra room at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Follow storage guidelines: Freshly expressed breast milk should be used within 4 days if stored in the refrigerator. If not, freeze it within 24 hours of pumping to maintain quality.
By following these labelling and storage guidelines, you can ensure that your breast milk is properly handled and fed to the correct infant. Remember, the barcode plays a vital role in this process, so always keep it visible and unscanned.
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Frequently asked questions
All containers and bottles of breast milk must be labelled with a bar-code breast milk label. Write the date and time the milk was pumped on the label. Do not write on or cover the bar-code.
If you are bringing milk from another hospital, it must be relabelled with a new bar-code label. You should also write the date and time the milk was pumped.
Label the container with the time and date the fortifier was added, the type of fortifier, and the contents after fortification. For example, you could write "1 teaspoon of SSC to 4 ounces of breast milk = 22 cal breast milk".
