How to store colostrum syringes?

They are definitely meant to have caps!

Not all have caps because apparently there were a few people who were forgetting to take the caps off before they fed their babies! Depends on your area. You can just freeze them without the cap x

Some have caps, but like the other have mentioned some don't. Once frozen it won't matter anyway. You just have to be careful not to squirt it out by accident once defrosted. But do make sure to label them, specially if you plan on keeping them at hospital with you so they don't get mixed up.

Not related but why do we need to label them. So you know it’s yours or does it depend on the time you do it ?

@anon ohhh I see thank you that makes sense. I thought you just keep the colostrum in your bag but I guess if it’s a long labour it needs to be in the fridge 😅. Thank you x

@anon ohh 😮 Okayy. I’ll get like a reusable silicone lunch bag so they know it’s mine and put my name on it. As each batch I’ve done so far I’ve put into tinnier bags with dates on them. X

I have been using sticky paper and cutting label sized pieces. I write my name, my NHS identifier, the date I collected that syringe and the amount the syringe has (in case the label covers the bottom so I know exactly how much was in there). Then I wrap it around the syringe in a way that is all legible. I thought about the bag but then you'll either need various bags for each different date or you need to date the syringes separately and then place them in your ziplock bag. Good luck! 💖

@Adriana I’ve only started to collect from Wednesdays. Wednesday collected 7 syringes and it fit all in one thin lock seal baggy as I brought the long ones for syringes then yesterday collected 4. So each bag is only on that certain day so it makes it easier for me. Then I’ll add all my details on the outside of the bigger bag. X

@Ave If you are collecting syringes at different times of the day make sure to write the time as well so you know which syringes should be used up 1st. Sounds like you are doing great already anyways! Good job! 💖

@Adriana yeah I’ve been doing them evening times so don’t have to do with the timings 😅. But If I did try collect morning I will label it morning especially if I try to express twice a day but atm only once x

@Amy you shouldn’t be syringing into baby’s mouth anyway as that’s a huge choking hazard so only professionals should do that. If you’re giving it at home it needs to from a spoon/cup

Just a note to check you can use them in hospital as my midwife told me I wont be able to where I’m birthing and not to take them with me!

@Samantha I was just explaining why some don’t have the caps ☺️

All the caps were removed about 6 months ago after a couple of incidents of choking babies. You can freeze without caps