You should never shake breast milk after warming it. The reason for this is that shaking breast milk can cause it to denature and lose some of its beneficial properties. Instead, it is recommended to swirl the breast milk gently to mix in the fat that may have separated.
When breast milk is stored in the refrigerator or freezer, the fat can rise to the top and create a layer of cream. This is completely normal and does not indicate spoilage. Swirling the breast milk helps to mix the fat back into the milk, ensuring that your baby gets all the nutrients.
To warm breast milk, you can place the bottle of breast milk in a container of warm water. It’s important to use warm water and not boiling water, as excessive heat can destroy the nutrients in breast milk. Leave the bottle in the warm water for about 1-2 minutes, or until the breast milk reaches the desired temperature.
During this time, it’s important to keep the bottle tightly sealed to prevent any water from getting into the breast milk. This is why it’s recommended to use a bottle with a secure screw-on nipple. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the breast milk and bottle to maintain proper hygiene.
After the breast milk has reached the desired temperature, carefully pour it into a clean bottle or use the bottle that it was warmed in. If the breast milk was in a storage bag, you can transfer it to a bottle for feeding. Avoid transferring the milk back and forth between containers too many times, as this can increase the risk of contamination.
Once the breast milk is in the bottle, it’s time to swirl it gently to mix in the fat. Avoid shaking the bottle vigorously, as this can cause bubbles to form and potentially break down some of the beneficial components of the milk. A gentle swirling motion is sufficient to mix in the fat.
It’s worth noting that breast milk can vary in appearance, smell, and consistency. This is normal and can depend on factors such as the mother’s diet and the stage of breastfeeding. As long as the breast milk does not have a foul odor or appear significantly different from usual, it should be safe to feed to your baby.
It is best to avoid shaking breast milk after warming it. Swirling the milk gently is recommended to mix in the fat that may have separated. Remember to always prioritize cleanliness and hygiene when handling breast milk to ensure the health and safety of your baby.