Breast Milk Handling

[Blackcat31]

I do the same as BC... I have had parents in the past send formula bottles prepared AND DONE WRONG... moms wouldn't put in enough formula because it's too expensive, then baby gets sick because it's not getting proper nutrients; I've also had moms add Tylenol to fresh milk and tell me just as they walk out the door (big NO NO for licensing reasons alone). It's a liability issue not a fear that we have these policies

@happymom. I totally understand and agree with what you are saying but the choice to "have to" freeze is on the parent (when they choose to enroll).

I have to protect myself and my business first and foremost.

After 2.5 decades in the business I'd like to say every parent puts their child's needs ahead of their own, is honest and knows better but I'd be lying.

[Solandia]

Although I personally believe it to be minimal, did you know that "freezing destroys some of the immune properties in human milk, so it’s best if your baby is given fresh milk–milk that has been expressed and then refrigerated." (dr sears)?

I'm sorry I am completely at a loss to relate to your fear that someone will (poison?) their child via breastmilk while they are in your care. I mean, I suppose if this was someone's intentions they could also mix and then freeze?

Sending fresh can be so much easier on moms for a few reasons. First, it's easier to manage pumping output vs what baby drinks when you can see it right away and make changes accordingly. Next, measuring breastmilk in a plastic bag is highly inaccurate. Last, just the waste of those expensive plastic bags/more plastic in the landfill that can be easily avoided by simply serving fresh bottles of breastmilk and saving the frozen plastic bags for an extra stash of milk.

Not saying you're wrong for protecting yourself in this way, by the way, I just can not fathom this fear.

Not poison, but add drugs...absolutely. It happens frequently. I had one mom who would add Motrin or benedryl to the lunchtime baby food jar for teething/better nap/sniffles...One mom who would add formula to boost the calories in the breastmilk...or add water to "make it go further". Same with formula..either mixing it less concentrated to cost less...or more to give extra vitamins. It was all with good intentions, nothing nefarious about it...but not on my clock, and my liability. I HAVE to know what is in the food, and no...I cannot trust the parent to be honest on this, my experience tells me i cannot.There are no signs on which wonderful parent will do this without telling you.

I didn't take me but a year or two into the daycare scene to not allow opened foods & I prepped formula bottles myself. Especially leary of parents who would label certain bottles for specific times of the day.

[happymom]

@happymom. I totally understand and agree with what you are saying but the choice to "have to" freeze is on the parent (when they choose to enroll).

Very true, and from what I can see you run a fantastic program and are likely at capacity so it's working out well for you!