FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Milk Storage Bags
About the Product
- How is this different from a general-purpose, zippered plastic bag for food?
- The Betta breast milk storage bags are significantly different because they are sterilized using electron beam sterilization, providing a high level of sterility. Since babies have weaker immunity compared to adults, it is necessary to use dedicated, sterilized storage bags. Another feature of this product is that the unique curve at the top of the bag securely catches the breast milk during pumping, allowing you to store the milk without using a breast pump.
- What is electron beam sterilization? Is it safe?
- Electron beam sterilization is a radiation sterilization method that uses absolutely no radioactive material, as the electron beams are generated artificially by an electron accelerator (device). Furthermore, the bag's material (a two-layer structure of polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate) is compliant with the Food Sanitation Act, so please use it with peace of mind.
- I smell an odor from the storage bag. Is this okay?
- The odor is likely either a smell generated during the sterilization process or a raw material odor from the materials (polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate). If the bags are unused and have been stored in a place away from moisture and direct sunlight, there is usually no particular problem. However, if you notice a distinct, unusual odor (such as mold), please refrain from using them.
- Can it be attached to a breast pump?
- This product is designed for storing breast milk pumped by hand. It cannot be attached to or used with a breast pump.
- Are there any compatible bust sizes?
- This product is designed to accommodate various bust sizes. While it may vary depending on the amount of milk and the shape of the bust, leaning slightly forward when pumping will help prevent spills.
- Does the product have an expiration date?
- If stored unopened in a place away from moisture and direct sunlight, we manufacture our products to be safe for use for up to five years from the date of manufacture. Once opened, please use them as soon as possible.
About Usage
- Can you tell me the basic way to use it?
- Detailed instructions are provided on this page
- Is it okay to fill the bag with breast milk up to the zipper?
- Please do not exceed the maximum capacity marker (120ml) indicated on the bag. Breast milk expands when frozen, and overfilling can cause the bag to rupture or leak.
- Are there any precautions for storage?
- Ensure the zipper is closed securely. The bags can be stored upright or laid flat in the refrigerator or freezer. For peace of mind, store them away from foods with strong odors.
- Can I use a microwave or boiling water for thawing?
- Please avoid thawing with boiling water, microwave, or direct heat, as this may destroy breast milk components or cause burns. Also, avoid natural thawing at room temperature as it may compromise hygiene. Detailed warming methods are introduced on this page.
- Breast milk collects in the zipper area of the bag. Should I wipe it off?
- If breast milk remains in the zipper area when freezing, the airtight seal of the zipper may weaken, leading to leakage. Please wipe off any breast milk remaining in the zipper area with a clean cloth before freezing.
- The milk level seems to change depending on how I open the bag. In what state should I read the marker?
- When reading the marker, be sure to fully open the bottom of the bag. However, please note that the capacity markings are a guideline, so if precise measurement is required, use a digital scale.
- * The weight of one storage bag is approximately 6g.
- * Do not exceed the maximum capacity marker (120ml). The milk will expand when frozen, which may cause the bag to tear.
- Can I wash and reuse the storage bag?
- Betta pump-free breast milk storage bags are single-use disposable products. From a hygiene standpoint, please do not repeatedly pump into the same bag or add fresh milk to stored milk. (This may cause bacteria to multiply.) Also, since they are disposable, please do not wash and reuse them.
- I'm worried about spilling milk when cutting the spout after thawing. Are there any tips?
- Keep the bag level, hold firmly with your dominant hand just above the tear line, and slowly tear it open. It's recommended to have a clean towel ready so you don't panic if any milk spills.
- Can I use scissors or a cutter to cut the bag?
- Please do not use scissors or a cutter. Although the product is sterilized, using scissors or other tools may cause bacteria to adhere and compromise the hygiene of the breast milk. Please use clean hands to carefully cut along the tear line.
- My hands become sticky after use. What should I do?
- If breast milk gets on your hands, the fat content may make your hands feel sticky. If you are pumping away from a water source, we recommend having a wet wipe ready to clean your hands after pumping.
About Breast Milk and Pumping
- I would like to know tips for pumping milk effectively by hand.
- Tips on how to pump are introduced in the Betta Blog ”I asked midwife #50”, so please refer to it.
However, some parts may be difficult to understand with text and illustrations alone. If you did not receive guidance at the hospital at the time of delivery, it is also recommended to consult your nearest breast milk clinic, midwife, or public health nurse. Some local governments also have breast milk consultation services. - I don't have enough breast milk to store. What should I do?
- Generally, if the interval between feedings (or pumping) is too short, a sufficient amount of milk may not be secreted. Try again after a little more time. Also, the amount of secretion often increases gradually as you repeat feeding your baby, rather than having a lot of milk right after birth.
Since individual differences are significant, it is recommended to consult a breast milk clinic if you are worried. Some local governments also have breast milk consultation services. - Is it okay to mix breast milk stored in several bags and feed it to my baby?
- Yes, it is fine. It is not a problem to combine breast milk from several storage bags to achieve the amount needed for your baby.
However, please do not mix breast milk and powdered formula.
If you are going to give both in one feeding, please use separate baby bottles. - What is the guideline for the storage period of frozen breast milk?
- We recommend using frozen breast milk stored in the freezer (below -18°C) within three months as a guideline. When storing, write the pumping date on the label and manage them so that you use the oldest milk first.
- * Stricter expiration dates and management rules may be set for babies hospitalized in NICUs or similar facilities. Please follow the instructions of the doctor at the hospital.
- Does storing breast milk change its composition?
- It is said that freezing breast milk hardly changes its nutritional value or immune components. Utilize frozen (or refrigerated) breast milk to continue breastfeeding without overstraining yourself.
Please be mindful of the following to preserve the components of breast milk as much as possible:- ● When thawing or warming stored breast milk, avoid using water hotter than 40°C.
- ● Be careful not to warm breast milk with boiling water, as this will destroy the breast milk components.
- ● If thawed breast milk is separated, gently shake and mix it before feeding.
- Can breast milk that has been thawed once or leftover breast milk be reused?
- Re-freezing breast milk that has been thawed once, or reusing leftover breast milk, should be avoided from a hygiene standpoint. Please discard any leftovers.
- The breast milk in the storage bag looks separated. Is it okay to feed it?
- It is common for the fat component of breast milk to separate during storage. When warming the breast milk in the baby bottle, gently shake it side-to-side to mix before feeding it to your baby.
- After transferring breast milk from the storage bag to the baby bottle, there are cream-like lumps or grainy particles left in the bag. Is this okay?
- These are likely fat components of the breast milk that separated during storage and solidified when chilled. If lumps remain in the bag, warm the breast milk sufficiently in the bag before transferring it to the baby bottle, and gently shake the bag side-to-side to mix.
- * When warming the breast milk, be careful not to exceed 40°C.
- The thawed breast milk smells slightly fishy. Is it okay to feed it?
- When breast milk is frozen, fat is broken down and fatty acids increase, which may make the breast milk smell different. If it has been stored properly, it is safe to give to your baby.
Also, to prevent odors from other foods in the freezer from transferring, avoid storing it near strong-smelling foods.- * If there is a foul odor (smell of decay), there is a possibility that it was not stored properly (bacteria have multiplied), so please avoid using it.
- The breast milk was leaking from the bag when I tried to thaw it. What could be the reason?
- Please check the following points:
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● Did you put more milk than the maximum capacity marker?
Even if it looks fine when you close the zipper, the breast milk can expand and overflow when frozen. -
● Did you wipe the breast milk from the zipper area?
If breast milk accumulates in the zipper, the zipper may open during freezing. Wipe off the breast milk and make sure to close the zipper securely. -
● Is there any excess air inside?
When closing the zipper, press the bag to squeeze out any excess air.
* It is okay if it is not a complete vacuum seal. -
● Was the bag hit or dropped after freezing?
Strong impact can damage the bag.
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● Did you put more milk than the maximum capacity marker?
- I'd like to know if there is any reference information about breast milk and pumping.
- The topic of breast milk has been covered several times in the Betta Blog "I asked midwife". We will introduce the related back issues, so please take a look.
"I asked midwife"
Back Issues
