Breastfeeding Tools You Won't Want to Be Without

Nursing moms can purchase plastic bags designed specifically to safely store and freeze breast milk. These bags often have special seals and space to clearly mark the date the milk was expressed and when it should be used by. The bags are also often pre-sterilized and lined with nylon to prevent fat from sticking to the sides and losing antibodies in the milk. Many companies offer these products including Medela and Avent^®.

Hard plastic containers can also be used to store milk in the freezer and should be kept towards the back rather than in the front or on the side door. It is recommended that you store milk in two- to four-ounce portions because they're easier to thaw and warm. Frozen breast milk should never be refrozen or warmed on the stove or in a microwave as it can burn the baby. Fresh milk can be frozen anywhere from three to six months and can last in the refrigerator for eight days.

Bottles can also be used to store milk in the refrigerator for up to eight days. The Dr. Brown's brand bottles have become a popular because they offer a patented system that reduces colic, spit-up, burping and gas, while a vent pump in the bottle helps prevent bubbles from forming.

Avent^® and Playtex^® are also popular brands among nursing mothers.