In a message dated 1/12/00 7:39:04 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Just finished searching the archives for info on breastmilk storage
 containers, and still didn't find what I'm looking for.  Could those of you
 working in hospitals let me know what kind of containers you use to store
 breastmilk?  >>

Linda,
I do remember this discussion on Lactnet a while ago. In our Level II
nursery, we use the volufeeds - they are sterile. We then open a sterile
disposable nipple unit, place the inside of the clear, flexible cover over
the volufeed, then screw the nipple collar on top. You now have an airtight
unit. I seem to remember someone saying that they do sterilize the metal caps
that come from the individual-feed bottles to use for mom's milk storage.

Our guidelines for storing milk in the refrigerator is 48 hrs for freshly
pumped milk, 24 hrs for thawed milk. We do not have a separate freezer for
milk on our unit, therefore any milk that we won't be using within 48 hrs,
goes home to the mom's freezer. Most of our babies stay for less than 7 days,
so storage is not a big problem. We primarily have a middle class clientele
that live within several miles of the hospital & rarely have transportation
problems.

you also said:
  I do realize hospitals have a long way to go, but many of us are out there
trying to make a hospital birth as personalized as possible.

You are so right about that, but someone has to hang in there to help make
those little changes over the years. It's not easy, but I do enjoy my work at
the hospital and it's so nice to have the opportunity to give some good
information to women who might not seek it.

Laura Hart
Hospital nurse, childbirth educator & lactation consultant in Winter Park,
Florida

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