To ensure that colostrum is well preserved, mothers should use a refrigerator with a separate freezer compartment and divide it into small compartments or separate storage bags. This will prevent the refrigerator from being opened too many times and avoid fluctuations in temperature. It is recommended to avoid using mini refrigerators or poor-quality refrigerators, especially during the summer months.
Colostrum should be kept in the freezer of a large capacity refrigerator to maintain a stable temperature. The milk storage compartment should only be opened when taking milk for immediate use to minimize temperature fluctuations. It is important to avoid frequent opening of the refrigerator door, as this can affect the quality of the milk.
When defrosting milk, it is best to move it from the freezer to a cooler first before using it. Avoid defrosting milk in the microwave or boiling water, as the high temperatures can lead to loss of important nutrients in colostrum, which is not beneficial for the baby. If you need to defrost the milk quickly, you can soak the milk bag in warm water, making sure the water temperature does not exceed 37 degrees Celsius. Remember to submerge and turn the milk bag regularly to ensure even thawing, avoiding letting it stand still as the core may still be cold.