Breast Milk Storage Made Easy: Why Moms Love Breast Milk Bricks

Breast milk is packed with all the good stuff your baby needs, from essential nutrients to immune boosters. But once you've pumped your liquid gold, how do you store it without taking over your entire freezer? Breast milk bricks are a great solution. Breast milk bricks are a space-saving way to store your breast milk, stack neatly, and maximize your freezer space. This is especially handy when you’re prepping for your return to work and need to build up a solid stash.

So, what exactly are breast milk bricks? Freezing your milk in flat, stackable bags instead of bulky bottles. This method saves space and makes it super easy to organize and keep track of how much milk you have on hand.

Here’s the scoop on why breast milk bricks rock (see what we did there 😉). This storage method is popular among moms for a few reasons.

Space-Saving Solution

Breast milk bricks maximize your freezer space. Their compact size means you can easily stack and organize them, turning your freezer into an efficient storage machine. 

If you really want to save on freezer space, consider freeze-drying your breast milk. Freeze-dried breast milk turns into a powder that can be easily stored in airtight containers without taking up any freezer space. It’s perfect for long-term storage and incredibly convenient – just rehydrate the powder with water when you need it. Your milk still retains all its nutrients and is ready whenever your baby needs it.

Convenient Portion Control

Bricks typically hold a specific amount of breast milk, making it easy to control portions when you’re thawing and feeding. No more guesswork – just the right amount every time, ensuring minimal waste and perfect measurements.

Quick and Easy Thawing

Thanks to their thin and flat shape, breast milk bricks thaw much faster than traditional storage containers. This is a lifesaver for busy moms who need to get a bottle ready for their baby in a hurry.

Long-Term Preservation

Breast milk bricks are made from durable, freezer-safe materials that keep your milk safe and nutritious for long periods. They’re designed to maintain the quality and nutritional value of your breast milk, so your baby gets all the benefits, even after extended storage.

Ready to prepare breast milk bricks? Here are some tips to get started.

Let’s get everything you need ready:

Breast Milk Storage Bags: Go for high-quality, BPA-free bags designed for breast milk. Make sure they have a secure seal to keep your milk safe from leaks and contamination.

Permanent Marker: This is for labeling your bags with the date you expressed the milk. It helps keep things fresh and organized.

Express and Store Breast Milk

1. Wash Your Hands: Clean hands are a must before you start expressing breast milk.
2. Express Your Milk: Use a clean and sterilized breast pump or hand expression technique to collect your milk.
3. Fill the Bags: Pour the expressed breast milk into your storage bags. Leave a little space at the top for expansion when the milk freezes.
4. Seal the Bags: Get all the air out before sealing the bags tightly to prevent freezer burn.
5. Label the Bags: Write the expression date on each bag with your permanent marker.

Freezing Breast Milk Bricks - Keep them flat

1. Lay Them Flat: Put the filled bags flat on a baking sheet or tray.
2. Freeze Them Flat: Place the tray in the freezer and keep the bags flat and not stacked until they’re fully frozen.
3. Store the Bricks: Once frozen, you can remove the tray and store the bricks as you like.

Best Practices for Storage and Usage

Keep your breast milk bricks safe for babe with these tips.

Storage:

1. Transfer and Store: Move the frozen breast milk bricks to a designated storage container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
2. Keep Them Cold: Store the bricks in the coldest part of your freezer, away from the door to maintain a consistent temperature.
3. Label Everything: Label the storage container or bag with the expression date so you use the oldest milk first.

Thawing and Feeding

1. Thaw When Needed: When you’re ready to use the frozen breast milk, take out the number of bricks you need.
2. Thaw Properly: Thaw the bricks in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a warm water bath. Don't use the microwave or boiling water — it can destroy the good stuff in your liquid gold.
3. Mix and Check: Once thawed, gently swirl the milk to mix the layers. Always check the temperature before feeding your baby.
4. Use Promptly: Use the thawed milk within 24 hours and discard any leftovers. Never refreeze thawed breast milk.

Breast milk bricks are a fantastic way to keep your breast milk organized and ready for your little one They’re a convenient and space-saving solution for storing breast milk while maintaining its quality and nutritional value. Remember to follow best practices for storage and usage, including proper labeling, storage temperature, and thawing methods. Happy breastfeeding and milk storing, mama!

Want the research behind breast milk storage options? Check out these resources.

Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Components in Human Breast Milk

This research explores the impact of storage time and temperature on various components in human breast milk, emphasizing the importance of proper storage to maintain milk quality​.

How does the storage of breast milk affect its quality?

This study investigates how different storage conditions affect the cell viability and nutritional quality of breast milk. This research aims to determine the best practices for storing breast milk.

Evaluation of Freezing, Ultra-Cold Freezing, and Freeze-Drying Conditions on Human Breast Milk

This research aimed to evaluate the changes in human breast milk composition under various freezing and freeze-drying conditions, focusing on carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutritional aspects​.

Impact of Freezing and Thawing on Mature Human Milk's Macronutrient Content

This study examines the effects of freezing at -20°C on the macronutrient content of human milk, noting changes in protein, carbohydrate, and fat content over different periods.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity and Aroma Quality of Breast Milk Under Different Storage Conditions

This study analyzes the antioxidant activity and quality of breast milk when stored fresh, refrigerated, or frozen, providing insights into how these methods affect milk quality.