Day Care's new Policy

[milly5]

Hi Ladies,
I am no longer BF or EBM feeding our DD, but I am planning to with number 2 when I go back to work.
DD day care have just revised their policy and it states:

* Check that all breast milk is clearly labelled with the name of the child and the date and time the milk was expressed; and
* Use the Breast Milk Storage Guidelines to ensure the breast milk is suitable for consumption

OK - I haven't got a copy of their Breast Milk storage guidelines yet, but will do.
My concerns are:
1 - I have never written the time I expressed on my EBM. I would express after each feed, and then at the end of the day freeze. Lactation consultant told me this was OK (yes I know your milk changes over the day, but my volumes were so small it wasn't worth freezing after each feed).
2 - So I have to write when I expressed it (as in time) but not how I stored it or how I defrosted it? Are they going to see a date that is 3 weeks ago and chuck it out?


I want to write a bit of a letter "correcting" them, but want to ensure I have the facts correct (and worded correctly).
Any thoughts? All input welcome!

[Babyluv]

Can you Print out some info from the ABA and take it in.

[M D]

I know in the hospital I was required to do the same thing. It is to ensure your child is not given the incorrect milk or milk which is off.

[Kazbah]

Hi Milly,

Check out https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-...ing-breastmilk for information. Basically it's following Food Standards Australia guidelines as to the storage - for how long it's stored etc.

I think it's a good thing actually, as it's putting breastmilk on the same level as every other food out there. and good luck!

[OceanPrincess]

But how are they to know if it is off? Correctly stored EBM can last for up to 6mths - some mums will express like a madwoman in the first few weeks when you are really full and can easily get lots of milk out and then use that over the next few months. I put the date on my EBM but I know how it will be defrosted and stored and used so it doesn't concern me. I think it is a valid concern that milk from a certain period of time might be thrown out.

Definitely get their new storage guidelines and check them out. ABA has a really good booklet about expressing and storing breastmilk, the info is also on the website, so you can refer to that if you need any ammunition!

[HotI]

DO they require use by dates/manufacturing numbers on all foods provided to feed children? I would be asking why the change in policy, and probably wouldn't comply anyway. If you are happy that the milk is fine for your baby, they should not be able to veto it.

Here is ABA info on expressing & storing https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-...ing-breastmilk.

[onthefly]

honestly, I'd just put a date that works for you on it. it's your risk to take.
You could certainly supply them with the ABA's guidelines, or even suggest they get in contact with the local group. they could think about working toward a breastfeeding friendly workplace or just a breastfeeding welcome here status.

[luna moth]

Just ask them. It's probably not a big deal to take in something that's 3 months old if it's been frozen. Write on the bag "Frozen at 5:50pm, 3/3/12" so that it's clear, and if you can find a pen that will hack it, later write "Thawed on 4/5/12" or whatever.

Give them the chart from Breastfeeding Naturally to stick on the fridge where it's stored, and then all your bases should be covered.

[Livinthedream]

Maybe they are assuming that it is fresh? (not frozen) and therefore, knowing how old it is may be of importance.
I dunno, seems to me that these measures are just there to protect your child and thier staff. Is it really such a big deal to put a date on it?
I dont think that a letter is warranted. JMO