Storing Breast Milk

Moms choose to breastfeed because they believe this is the most nutritive, safe choice for their precious babes. Breast pumps make it possible to store this liquid gold, but some storage containers are better than others.

Containers made of polycarbonate or PVC (vinyl) plastics have been shown to leach toxins such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, chemicals associated with hormone disruption, prostate and breast cancer, and other damaging health effects. Those sealable plastic nursing bags designed for storing breast milk are made of polyethylene. Studies published in Early Human Development and Nutrition Review showed no chemical leaching into the milk, but did indicate that milk stored in these bags may lose some nutrients because they cling to the plastic.

The answer is glass jars, any kind as long as it’s cleaned out very well—preferably in the dishwasher on high heat.

Heavy glass canning jars are ideal for canning breast milk. These jars, available in 8-ounce sizes, can withstand cold and heat. This means they can be refrigerated and placed in hot water for heating milk. After pumping, immediately pour breast milk into one of these wide-mouth jars and refrigerate. Be sure to fill the jar only halfway in order to provide room for glass expansion.

Read more: Family, Babies, Pregnancy

By Terri Hall-Jackson, contributing writer to Care2's Green Living

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Nona E.

7:38AM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

Good advice to discuss with others later.

March 23
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Magda V.

11:32AM PST on Feb 8, 2013

thx:))

February 8
send a green star

11:31AM PST on Feb 8, 2013

Danuta W.

1:39AM PDT on Oct 11, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

October 11
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Angela N.

11:09AM PDT on May 3, 2012

thanks =D

May 3
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Arifiana W.

9:50PM PDT on Jun 19, 2011

thanks for the information, and the comments give me more advice :)

June 19
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Walter F.

11:25PM PST on Feb 25, 2011

Noted , very good advice

February 25
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Teresa P.

2:23PM PST on Feb 25, 2011

I breast fed my children but was not a working mother so I was usually there in person for my kids but this is a good article due the nature and danger of using the plastic containers that we have been blindly using for years.

francesco c.

12:42PM PST on Dec 18, 2010

noted

December 18
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Steven G.

4:34PM PDT on Apr 11, 2010

Wonderful advice. When our children were young that is way my wife did was store her milk in mason jars so that if we went out that our child was given the nutrition designed especially for our child.