Hello there! Are you a new mom who is dealing with a baby who has allergies? Is your little one unable to consume regular formula or breast milk? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, we’re going to talk about how to store breast milk for babies with allergies, so they can still enjoy all of the benefits of breast milk without any of the discomfort.

Understanding the Allergy

Before we get into the storage tips, let’s take a moment to understand what an allergy is. Typically, an allergy is when a person’s immune system reacts negatively to a specific substance. In the case of a baby with allergies, it could be something in the mother’s breast milk that is causing a reaction. It’s important to identify the root of the issue as soon as possible, whether it’s a food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity.

A baby being comforted by a parent

Expressing and Storing

When it comes to storing breast milk for babies with allergies, it’s important to follow the same guidelines as storing regular breast milk. Make sure to express milk after feeding or pumping, and label the containers with the date and time. However, when pumping breast milk for babies with allergies, it’s essential to use a separate set of pump parts and bottles that have not been used for regular milk. This will ensure that there is no cross-contamination.

A breast milk pump and containers

Freezing the Breast Milk

Once the breast milk has been expressed, it should be stored in a sterilized bottle or breast milk storage bag. It’s important to note that once breast milk has been frozen, it can lose some of its allergenic qualities. However, it’s still important to freeze the milk in a sterile environment, as improper storage can lead to contamination and spoilage.

A bag of breast milk in a freezer

Thawing the Breast Milk

When it’s time to thaw out the frozen breast milk, do not use a microwave, as this can cause hot spots and uneven heating that can destroy the enzymes in the milk. Instead, place the frozen breast milk in the refrigerator the night before you need it. If you need it sooner, put the bag or container of breast milk in a bowl of warm water, or under running warm water until it has thawed completely.

A container of breast milk being thawed in a bowl of warm water

Final Thoughts

Storing breast milk for babies with allergies can be a bit tricky, but with the right guidelines, you can ensure that your baby can still enjoy all of the benefits of breast milk without any adverse reactions. Remember, it’s important to identify the allergy and take the necessary precautions to ensure that breast milk is not contaminated.

A happy baby drinking breast milk from a bottle

And that’s it! We hope that this blog has been helpful to you. With these tips, you can rest easy knowing that you’re providing your baby with the best possible nutrition. Happy breastfeeding! 🤱🏼❤️

A photo of a mother breastfeeding her baby