Q-Breast milk

[Hero]

Which one of the following statements about breast milk is true?
A. Breast milk that has separated and has fat floating on top is unsafe to use
B. Breast milk should not be stored in plastic bottles
C. Frozen breast milk can be thawed in a microwave oven
D. Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 1 to 2 days

[Oak]

A. Breast milk that has separated and has fat floating on top is unsafe to use
=> During defrosting frozen breast milk Fat in breastmilk will separate and rise to the top. By gently swirling the container, you can mix any fat that may have separated and can be use.

B. Breast milk should not be stored in plastic bottles
=> Plastic bags, plastic bottles are used to store the breast milk.

C. Frozen breast milk can be thawed in a microwave oven
=> No because Microwaving can destroy valuable proteins in breast milk.

D. Once thawed, breast milk should be used within 1 to 2 days
=> Thawed milk must be used within 24 hours for a baby in the NICU. And it is safe to give milk that has been thawed for 24 to 48 hours after the baby is home. Most of the literatures says it should be used within 24 hours.

Since D is the only probably true statements about breast milk I will go with it.

[Hero]

You r right--(D) is correct

*Daily portions of breast milk can be stored in either plastic or glass containers.

*When breast milk is stored, it separates, and the fat layer rises to the top.

*Heating breast milk in a microwave oven can destroy valuable protein. It is better to thaw frozen breast milk under cool, than warm, running water or in a pan of warm water (after the pan has been removed from the stove).

*Once thawed, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and it should not be refrozen.

How long breast milk can be stored then???
up to 10 hours at room temperature,
up to 8 days in a refrigerator,
up to 2 weeks in a freezer compartment inside of a refrigerator,
up to 3 to 4 months in a freezer compartment with a separate door, and
6 months or longer in a separate deep freeze.

[Vishal]

thanks for the information Hero, i really didn't know this....n lots of students like me r unaware of these facts....thanks to Oak also for nice discussion.....u guys r giving us valuable medical informations.