Pumping Survival Guide: Power Outage Edition
Are you concerned about your breast milk during a power outage? Find some helpful tips below:
Monitor the temperature!
BUY
A temperature sensor to continuously
monitor and be alerted to any issues.
IMPROVISE
Fill a plastic cup of water and let it freeze
Once frozen, place a coin on top.
(If the coin is at the bottom of the cup,
you know the freezer didn't stay cold)
Maintain the temperature!
EMPTY SPACE IN THE FREEZER?
If you have a lot of open space in your freezer,
put in containers of water or frozen food to fill empty space .
DON'T FORGET!
Water expands so leave room in the container
Double check your container is freezer safe
Keep in mind the 'container'
could be an old jumbo breastmilk storage bag
Keep the milk flowing!
BUY
Depending on your pump and your situation
look into a battery operated backup pump,
car adapter, manual pump or generator
IMPROVISE
Hand express into a breast milk collector.
Avoid galactagogues or anything you know will increase your supply until you're able to pump
Keep your cool!
Limit opening the fridge/freezer
If your breast milk still has ice crystals
it can safely stay in the freezer & refreeze
If your breastmilk is fully defrosted
it is not deemed safe for consumption after 24 hours
HOWEVER, it's perfect for baths, lotions, breastmilk jewelry, and more.