Bacterial growth in breast milk expressed under hygienic control: a pilot study

In this pilot study, we verified safe practices for breast milk expression, storage, and duration, based on bacteriological results.

We collected breast milk samples from three healthy lactating volunteers and analyzed the bacterial flora and changes in the viable bacterial counts (including those of Staphylococcus) of the samples. Although no consistent change could be observed in the abundance of a particular bacterial group in samples expressed under hygienic control conditions, viable bacterial counts were higher in self-expressed milk than in milk expressed under hygienic control conditions. In conclusion, increased hygiene awareness is vital during breast milk expression and storage.