I originally learned of the studies on leaving breastmilk out longer
through La Leche League. Of all of the breastmilk collection pamphlets
out there, LLL's is based on this research and is the most liberal. One
of the explanations that I was given is that they wanted to address the
plight of the women who don't have easy access to refrigeration, such as
migrant field workers. If breastmilk can be safely kept out for several
hours, then we could empower these women to pump and save for their babies
instead of having to opt for ABM. The good outweighs the risks, right? To
balance this out, we do also specify that this info is good for milk that
has been kept at a reasonable room temperature. It does not apply to milk
left out in the sun, or in a hot car, etc. Personally, I think that the
smell & taste tests are good criteria when in doubt, because
environmental conditions can and do influence perishability.

As for the discussion of the individual environment's of client's homes,
well, we cannot control for that. All we can do is emphasize that the
research defends longer sitting times for milk that is cleanly collected
and not exposed to excessive heat; the rest is up to the mother. I give
the moms this extended storage information, and also caution them not to
purposely leave milk out or keep for 5 days; I tell them that this info
is a guideline for those times that she forgets or miscalculates, and
that otherwise prompt refrigeration or freezing is the best choice.
-Lisa

******************************************************************************
Lisa A. Marasco, IBCLC                                /  [log in to unmask]
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant    /  [log in to unmask]

******************************************************************************