“How do I handle breastmilk if I want to donate?” is a question we are asked often, especially when someone is new to donating. Following are suggested steps for safely expressing and storing breastmilk:
Always make sure that supplies are clean and wash your hands before handling breastmilk.
- Before beginning, make sure that your supplies are clean and dry.
- Vigorously wash hands, fingers, forearms, and under nails with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, dry hands with a paper towel, and then use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.1
- Inspect your breasts and make sure that the nipples are not cracked and bleeding and that there are no open sores, blisters, and/or bleeding cracks on your breast. If so, do not donate at this time.
- Follow the instruction manual for your pump or consider expressing by hand.
- Properly label the storage container and place it in the freezer or refrigerator.
- After pumping and storing, wash, and properly store your supplies.
Further information can be found in Handling of breastmilk
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