Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

2. Davanza. Storage of Human Milk: Accepting Certain Uncertainties (Davanzo,
Travan et al. 2010)
Davanza reviewed the recommended storage periods under refrigeration (0-4C) and found a
wide range of recommendations.
2 Days - Hanna 2004, Lawrence 2005, Silvestre D 2006, Martinez 2007
3 days - Jocson 1997, Ogundele 2000, Santiago 2005a
5 days - Sosa 1987, Academy Breastfeeding Medicine 2004, American Academy of Family
Physicians 2008, CDC 2009
8 days - Pardou 1994, Biagioli 2003, La Leche League International 2010, UNICEF/WHO
2009
Different factors concur to determine such an uncertainty, among them the shortage of studies
and different biochemical and microbiological criteria used to fix a cut off point beyond
which stored human milk is no longer good/safe. Arbitrariness mainly derives from different
attitudes of authorities and health workers in defining an expiration date that, at the current
state of the art, continues to be the result of a compromise; we do not want babies consume
human milk judged as biologically inadequate, while still promoting breastfeeding and
therefore mother-infant health.
He then describes the ethical difficulties of further research: we should not have great
expectations on future research on this topic. In fact, it would be unethical to perform a
controlled study to find out side effects of “expired human milk” on newborns.
3. ABM Clinical Protocol #8: Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for
Full-Term Infants (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 2010)
Milk Storage Guidelines (ABM)
Location of storage Temperature Maximum recommended
storage duration
Room temperature 16–29C (60–85F) 3–4 hours optimal, 6–8 hours
acceptable under very clean
conditions
Refrigerator