Can You Microwave Breast Milk?
As a busy new parent, you’re always looking for ways to make your life easier with a new baby.
You might be thinking, "Can I zap breast milk in the microwave to save time?"
Well, let's check it out together... 🍼🤔
(this post may contain affiliate links)
Can you microwave breast milk?
The short answer is: NO! You should never thaw or warm up breast milk in a microwave.
The long answer:
Microwaves don't warm things up evenly, which means they can make some parts of your baby's milk super hot, like a volcano! 🌋
You might end up surprising your little one with a scalding sip. No one wants that!
Not only that, as living nourishment breast milk is affected by temperature.🌡️
Science tells us that when it hits temperatures higher than 104 degrees, it starts losing its magical powers. Microwaving breast milk simply heats it up too high which destroys valuable nutrients, vitamins, and immunological properties.
How Breast Milk Deteriorates In The Microwave
Germ Fighters Weaken
Microwaving makes important germ-fighting components less effective.
Probiotics Say Bye
Good bacteria your baby needs for a happy tummy get zapped.
White Blood Cells Vanish
Microwaving takes out the infection-fighting white blood cells.
Less Fat for Growth
The fat, important for baby's growth, decreases when microwaved.
Digestive Enzymes Inactivated
Microwaving can turn off the enzymes needed for digestion.
3 Ways to safely heat breast milk
Slow, gentle warming is best to protect and preserve the healthy qualities of the milk.
Hold container of milk under cool running water and gradually adding warmer water until the milk is warmed to room temperature.
Place the bottle in a container of warm water.
Use a breast milk bottle warmer. Our favorite is THIS ONE because it heats up bottles in a warm water bath, which is better than steaming.
Our 3 Fav Breastfeeding Products
🌛 1. This nursing bra is the absolute BEST for breastfeeding at night. It’s super comfy and made of the softest material ever.
💪 2. Boost supply and tone up postpartum. Grab this 28-day plan made just for breastfeeding moms — 50+ slimming, milk-boosting recipes and quick 20-min workouts (yep, even baby-wearing + pelvic floor ones!). Get 10% off Milky Mama’s Postpartum Plan using the code STACEY10 at checkout
🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.
Related Post: What To Do If You Leave Your Breast Milk In Bottle Warmer Too Long