Breast milk does not go stale after long hours - Expert

A Child Health Expert, Dr. Gloria Quansah has debunked myths that breast milk goes stale after long hours without sucking or expressing.

For many new mothers who are working in the formal or informal sectors breastfeeding wanes once they return to work.

They are unable to breastfeed at the WHO recommended four-hourly interval.

For this reason exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana is on the decline.

Though mothers are encouraged to express the milk and preserve in freezers, there are some who question the safety of frozen milk for babies.

Dr Quansah who is also the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Health Service assures that well preserved milk remains safe for babies.

“The breast milk is always safe for the baby. You need to have a clean container, a cup with the lid which will not open and spill and it can stay for eight hours without being in the fridge but when you put it in the fridge it lasts longer.

“It can last for three to six months if it is frozen, that’s if you have good freezing system”, he added.