Introduction

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It contains all the necessary nutrients and antibodies that help protect babies from infections and illnesses. However, handling breast milk can be tricky, and many new moms wonder if they can shake breast milk to mix it. In this article, we will explore the dos and don’ts of handling breast milk to ensure your baby gets the best nutrition.

Why You Shouldn’t Shake Breast Milk

Shaking breast milk is not recommended because it can damage the proteins and nutrients in the milk. Breast milk contains delicate proteins and enzymes that can be destroyed by vigorous shaking. This can affect the nutritional value of the milk and reduce its effectiveness in protecting your baby from infections and illnesses.

Shaking breast milk can also cause air bubbles to form, which can lead to colic and gas in babies. This is because the air bubbles can get trapped in the baby’s digestive system, causing discomfort and pain.

Instead of shaking breast milk, it is recommended to gently swirl the bottle to mix the milk. This will help preserve the nutrients and proteins in the milk while ensuring that it is well mixed.

How to Mix Breast Milk

To mix breast milk, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Place the bottle of breast milk on a flat surface.
3. Gently swirl the bottle to mix the milk. Do not shake the bottle vigorously.
4. Check the temperature of the milk by placing a few drops on your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot.
5. Feed the baby immediately or store the milk in the refrigerator or freezer.

It is important to note that breast milk can separate when stored in the refrigerator or freezer. This is normal and does not affect the nutritional value of the milk. Simply swirl the bottle gently before feeding the baby to mix the milk.

Conclusion

Handling breast milk can be tricky, but it is important to ensure that your baby gets the best nutrition. Shaking breast milk is not recommended because it can damage the proteins and nutrients in the milk. Instead, gently swirl the bottle to mix the milk. This will help preserve the nutrients and proteins in the milk while ensuring that it is well mixed. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your baby gets the best nutrition from breast milk.