Dr Shana-Kay Fraser says breast milk can also be warmed in a pot on the stove with hot water and placed in either steam or a warm bath to bring the milk to room at room temperature without the need for a microwave. Photo: Internet Source

Working mothers who may opt to store breastmilk for another time to feed their newborns are being encouraged to never microwave breast milk before feeding it to their babies according. This is according to Shana-Kay Fraser, the lead clinician in Primary Care Services for Virgin Gorda and Anegada. Photo: GIS/Facebook

The advice came as part of a panel discussion on Monday, October 2, 2023, on topics that included the benefits of breastfeeding and how babies can get long-term benefits, including more resilience to common bugs and viruses. 

Dr Shana-Kay Fraser, the lead clinician in Primary Care Services for Virgin Gorda and Anegada, said while breastmilk can be expressed and stored, mothers have to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly, and the expressed milk can be stored at room temperature on a counter for up to four hours.

“But once, refrigerated, it can last up to four days if you defrost or remove it from the refrigerator, we do not encourage mothers to microwave it to heat it up. We don't encourage that at all, you can use your warm bath.” 

No microwaving milk - Dr Fraser 

By warm bath, Dr Fraser said the milk can be heated in a warm or hot-water bath which will bring the milk up to room temperature once frozen; however, it should never be returned to the fridge. 

The milk can also be warmed in a pot on the stove with hot water and placed in either steam or a warm bath to bring the milk to room temperature without the need for a microwave.

“You do not refreeze thawed breastmilk for sure, In essence, freshly expressed breastmilk can stay on the counter in a clean, dry place for up to four hours. If it's refrigerated in a sterile container [it can last] up to four days.” 

She added that once removed from the refrigerator, the milk can be warmed for the babies to use.

Dr Fraser added that breastmilk is the ideal food for newborns since it contains naturally occurring antibodies, minerals, and vitamins that children need to grow healthy and strong.