Storing and Using Refrigerated Haakaa Breastmilk

Storing Milk in Your Haakaa Pump

If you use a Haakaa breast pump to collect milk while nursing your baby, you may be wondering if you can store the milk in the Haakaa itself in the fridge. The short answer is yes, you can store milk in your Haakaa pump in the refrigerator. However, there are some guidelines you should follow to ensure the milk stays fresh and safe for your baby.

How the Haakaa Pump Works

First, let's briefly go over what exactly the Haakaa pump is and how it works. The Haakaa is a simple, handheld milk catcher that attaches by suction to your breast while nursing on the other side. As your baby stimulates milk production, the Haakaa captures the extra milk that is released. The Haakaa has a 4 oz capacity and collects milk passively, meaning you don’t have to actively pump.

Storing in the Haakaa

Because the Haakaa already collects and contains milk while nursing, many moms wonder if you can simply detach, snap on the lid, and pop it right in the fridge after use. The answer is yes, you can store milk in the Haakaa pump this way. However, there are a few guidelines to follow for safe fridge storage:

• Make sure all parts are washed properly before each use with hot, soapy water.
• Only store 2-4 oz of milk max to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Cool milk in the refrigerator before sealing lid to prevent spillage.
• Label with date collected and use within 3-5 days.
• Transfer to a storage bag if keeping longer than 48 hours.

How Long Can Milk be Stored In the Haakaa?

According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine guidelines, freshly pumped breast milk can be safely stored:

• At room temperature for 4 hours
• In the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• In the freezer for 6-12 months

So, as long as you follow refrigeration guidelines, you can store milk in your Haakaa pump for up to 4 days before needing to freeze or use it.

Using Pitcher Method for Storing Haakaa Milk

While you can store directly in the Haakaa, many lactation consultants actually recommend combining all Haakaa milk for the day into one larger pitcher or bottle first before storage. Here’s why the “pitcher method” is preferred:

• Easier to track total daily output if milk is combined
• Large volumes freeze better than small
• Allows you to mix milk evenly if variability in fat content
• Simpler than lots of small bags cluttering fridge or freezer

The pitcher method is easy - after each nursing or pumping session, detach the Haakaa, cap it and immediately refrigerate. At the end of the day, combine all Haakaa milk into a large pitcher and mix gently. Then pour into storage bags or bottles, label properly with date and amount, and freeze right away.

Tips for Pitcher Method Success

Follow these tips to make the pitcher method with your Haakaa milk easy and safe:

• Wash pitcher thoroughly first and allow to air dry.
• Use only food-grade pitchers, preferably BPA-free plastic.
• Refrigerate Haakaa milk after each use before combining.
• Gently swirl milk before pouring into storage bags.
• Lay bags flat on their side to freeze quickly.

What Bags Should You Use?

You have choices when it comes to milk storage bags. Some options are:

• Reusable silcone bags: eco-friendly choice you can sterilize.
• Disposable breastmilk bags: specifically designed with double zip seal.
• Food storage bags: budget-friendly zip-top sandwich bags.

No matter which type you use, always label carefully with milk amount and date collected. Store flat in freezer according to manufacturer guidelines.

Using Stored Haakaa Breastmilk

The true beauty of the Haakaa is getting that extra milk without extra effort! Follow proper storage methods and soon your freezer will fill up with this "liquid gold" Haakaa milk.

Thawing and Warming Milk

When ready to use frozen Haakaa milk, thaw overnight in the fridge or under warm running water. Avoid microwaving bags as hot spots can develop. Here are some warming ideas once thawed:

• Hold bag under warm tap water
• Place in a bowl of heated water
• Gently swirl bottle/bag in hand
• Use bottle warmer appliance
• Hold skin-to-skin contact before feeding

Test temperature before serving and use within 24 hours after thawing.

Uses for Stored Breastmilk

Besides making bottles, you can use your frozen Haakaa breastmilk stash in many ways:

• Mix into cereals and purees as first foods
• Make toddler smoothies or milkshakes
• Add to bath water for skin soothing
• Eye dropper feed with latch issues
• Donate milk to moms in need

FAQs About Storing Haakaa Milk

How many Haakaa pumps should I own?

We recommend having 2-3 Haakaa pumps on hand so you always have a spare ready to use when the others are dirty or in the fridge. Consider getting a 4 oz and 6 oz size for flexibility.

Do I need special bags for the freezer?

Breastmilk storage bags specially made for freezing are the best choice. But regular food freezer bags can work too - just be sure to label carefully!

Can I combine milk from morning and night?

Yes, combining milk from different times of day into the pitcher is perfectly fine. Gently swirl before pouring into bags to evenly distribute nutrients and fat content.

Storing milk in the Haakaa pump directly is convenient, but using the pitcher method allows you to easily track total daily milk production. Just be sure to follow guidelines for refrigerator times and milk freezing. Your Haakaa liquid gold stash will provide nourishment for your baby for months to come!

FAQs

Can I store milk in the Haakaa longer than 4 days?

No, breastmilk stored in the Haakaa should not be kept longer than 4 days in the refrigerator according to food safety guidelines. At that point, the milk should be frozen for long-term storage.

What is the easiest way to clean the Haakaa pump parts?

The best way to clean your Haakaa is to wash in hot, soapy water after each use. You can use a bottle brush to fully dislodge milk residue stuck inside the container or tubing. Air dry all parts fully before re-assembling.

Which Haakaa size is better?

The 4 oz Haakaa is best for travel or quick, short sessions. The larger 8 oz size allows you to collect and store more milk at once if you have a strong let-down or want to catch multiple feedings' worth.

Can I pump directly into storage bags?

You can pump directly into storage bags, but this can be messy and waste bags if you don't produce much. We recommend pumping into the Haakaa first, then combining into bags for efficient storage.