Power outages due to bad weather or technical work can be stressful for those with breast milk in the fridge. Here are a few solutions for storing frozen breast milk during power outages.
- What is the first rule?
First of all, do not panic. Panicking will increase your stress levels, and increased stress can cause your milk to decrease. Therefore, try to stay calm. If you experience frequent and prolonged power outages, you may want to consider having a backup generator. Although it can be costly, you can keep your freezer running at the right temperature without the need for ice supplements. However, keep in mind that many generators run on petroleum-derived fuels and need to be refueled when needed. You can make a fuel backup for this.
- You can use dry ice to preserve frozen breast milk.
If you do not have a generator, you can use dry ice to prevent frozen breast milk from thawing. You can usually buy dry ice from gross markets. Do not forget to ask the place where you buy dry ice about the proper use and storage methods of dry ice.
- You can contact the family health centers in your area.
Hospitals, family health centers and some pharmacies may have storage facilities for your stored breast milk.
- Keep your refrigerator door closed.
To ensure that your freezer keeps its temperature longer, do not open the door often. The freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours and the icebox for up to 24 hours. This may not be a long-term solution, but it will help you save time without using a generator. If you need to continue milking with a breast pump during a prolonged power outage, here are some tips for you.
- You can buy an automobile adapter or an additional battery for the electricity supply.
- You can get long-lasting batteries.
- You can get a spare manual breast pump to keep milking in case the electric power runs out.
- You can find out when you should milk your breasts.
- Find out if you can ask a trusted neighbor who does not have power outages if you can store expressed breast milk in their freezer.
- Remember that thawed breast milk should be used within 24 hours. Do not refreeze thawed breast milk. For more information: Thawing frozen breast milk