What is the Purpose of Breast Milk
The mother must express her breast milk if routine breast emptying is not carried out by the baby's sucking, especially if the mother is separated from the baby because the mother is working, the mother/baby is separated because of illness, or if the baby is not directly breastfed (Direct Breastfeeding) for some reason/ certain conditions. Expressing breast milk is done so that the baby still gets breast milk even though the mother is not with the baby. Apart from that, expressing breast milk also aims to help empty the breasts and can also be used to stimulate increased milk production.
When should a working mother start preparing breast milk
- Start providing reserves (stock) of breast milk about 1 month before work
- Expressing between feedings (around 30-60 minutes after breastfeeding)
- Can be done 1-3 times a day outside of breastfeeding time
Breast Milk Storage Guide
The ASIP Storage Guide used is in accordance with the recommendations of IDAI (Indonesian Pediatrician Association) and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
- Room temperature around 16-29°C 4 hours (OPTIMAL) 6-8 hours is still allowed if handling conditions are very clean.
- Refrigerator Approximately 4°C 4 DAYS (OPTIMAL) 5-8 days in very clean handling conditions.
- Freezer Around <-18°C 6 Months (OPTIMAL) 12 Months in deep Freezer conditions.
- Cooler Box (Ice Packs) Around 15°C Max 24 Hours.
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This article was written by dr. Margaret Mutiaratirta Sugondo, IBCLC, CIMI (Lactation Counselor at Grha Kedoya Hospital).