Thank You Thursdays: Milkmakers
categories: Giveaways
October 2012 archive
Gorgeous mompreneur Emily got the idea of Milkmakers after she realized that she needed help with her milk supply after returning to work when her daughter was born. She turned to her kitchen to see if she could make something yummy that would help with her low milk supply…turns out she did.
Liquid Gold: How To Store Breast Milk
categories: Blog
If you have to pump and store breast milk for the first time, you probably have an array of questions. You have to balance safety and convenience, so it’s important to know how to best preserve the nutrients and antibodies in milk.
What should I store my breast milk in? There are three primary types of containers that work for storing breast milk: glass containers, plastic containers and breast milk storage bags. Most moms agree that the storage bags made specifically for breast milk are most convenient because they come in a few different sizes and can be placed in both refrigerator and freezer safely. Make sure that your container is sealed tightly to prevent spoilage, leakage or freezer burn (DiSanto, Joseph; DiSanto, Karin Y. , 2012).
How much should I store in each bag (bottle)? It is wise to store the amount that you expect your baby to drink during each feeding. If your baby doesn’t drink a consistent amount of milk, store 2 ounces in each bag. Remember that milk expands when frozen, so don’t overfill the storage bag.
How long can I store my breast milk safely? Here are the guidelines from Dr. Sears:
- Milk can be stored at room temperature (77F) for 4 to 8 hours.
- Refrigerated breast milk is good for 3-8 days. Transfer unused refrigerated milk to the freezer before it is 8 days old and discard all milk that has been stored for longer than 8 days. Never store it in the refrigerator door – make room in the back of the refrigerator instead.
- Breast milk can be stored in the back of the freezer for 3 months. Thaw it for 24 hours before feeding it to your baby. Never refreeze thawed milk. Use thawed milk within 24 hours. Freezing destroys some of the properties of breast milk, and bacteria grows fast what it is thawed (Ask Dr. Sears, 2011).
Be sure to address any concerns with your pediatrician before expressing and storing breast milk.
References
Ask Dr. Sears. (2011). Storing and Transporting Breast Milk. Retrieved July 9, 2012, from Ask Dr. Sears:
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/while-working/storing-transporting-breast-milk
DiSanto, Joseph; DiSanto, Karin Y. . (2012, January). Breastfeeding FAQs: Safely Storing Breast Milk. Retrieved July 10, 2012, from Kids Health:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/breastfeed_storing.html
Thank You Thursdays: Ness Bags
categories: Giveaways
We cannot believe that it is October already!! We are stoked that October’s first Thank You Thursdays giveaway is from our friends at Ness Bags (YAHOOOO!!!!!!!). I am sure that most of our mama’s already know just how GORGEOUS these diaper bags are, but what you might not know is how inspiring the story behind how beautiful mompreneur Crystal Goss invented Ness Bags.
In 2009, Crystal Goss got frustrated. She loathed carrying the awful, black canvas breast pump tote that every nursing mother recognizes. She couldn’t find a bag that had plenty of storage for a pump and didn’t look like a traditional diaper or pump bag. She wanted a diaper bag with a cooler, to preserve her precious breast milk aka “liquid gold” but that was also discreet with a stylish presentation. But it was too much to ask of the market. So, with the encouragement of her husband, she set out to design her own and it had everything that all nursing mother crave. It was a functional and fashionable diaper bag she could share with other stylish mothers that were always on the go.
A passionate volunteer to premature babies, each bag design is named for a special baby and its journey to survive birth or an organization devoted to helping newborns and families in their struggle. Ness Bags exists to inspire and encourage mothers while raising awareness and educating about issues like prematurity, stillbirth and birth defects.
One lucky mama will win one gorgeous Eli bag which features –
• Three interior & three exterior pockets
• Adjustable straps allow you to carry the bag three different way and it comes in 4 colors – black, red, dark brown and camel brown
We are swooning at this super chic Ness bag! This is the Eli bag in camel color