The Truth About Plastics in Breast Milk Storage and Feeding- and Why Going Plastic-Free Protects What Matters Most
As moms, we pour our hearts into doing everything right: eating well, hydrating, pumping on schedule, sanitizing bottles, and giving our babies the healthiest start we can. But what if one of the most common items in our feeding routine could be silently working against that goal?
Recent research has uncovered something every parent deserves to know: microplastics have been found in breast milk and formula. A 2024 study found that nearly 39% of human breast milk samples contained microplastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), indicating that exposure is now widespread. Scientists also found that heating or shaking milk in plastic containers can increase the release of these microscopic particles.
It’s a shocking reality but also an empowering one. When we know better, we can do better. Choosing plastic-free alternatives for pumping and feeding is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect our babies, our bodies, and our planet.
The Hidden Dangers of Plastic in Pumping and Feeding
Plastic is convenient: lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. But when it comes to feeding our babies, convenience should not come at the cost of safety.
Many plastics, even those labeled “BPA-free,” can still leach harmful chemicals under heat, pressure, or prolonged use. Substances like BPS, phthalates, and microplastics are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are compounds that interfere with the body’s natural hormone system and can affect growth and development.
“BPA-free” does not mean toxin-free. Research shows that BPA alternatives (like BPS and BPF) can exhibit similar or even stronger hormonal activity.
Breast milk, being rich in natural fats, can pull chemicals from plastics more easily than water or formula. When plastic bottles or bags are heated, shaken, or sterilized, the risk of chemical leaching increases significantly.
Moms deserve transparency and products that don’t make them choose between safety and convenience.
BPA-Free vs. Plastic-Free: What’s the Real Difference?
The terms can be confusing and aren’t the same.
|
Feature |
BPA-Free Plastic |
Plastic-Free (Glass/Stainless Steel/Silicone) |
|
Chemical Leaching |
May leach under heat |
None |
|
Durability |
Scratches, warps over time |
Long-lasting and strong |
|
Environmental Impact |
Non-recyclable, waste-producing |
Recyclable, reusable |
|
Safety for Baby |
Moderate |
Highest |
BPA-free is a marketing promise; plastic-free is a standard of purity. When you choose materials like borosilicate glass, stainless steel, or medical-grade silicone, you eliminate plastic contact entirely. These materials are inert- they don’t react with heat, fat, or milk composition. They are also easier to sterilize and reuse for years.
At Mila’s Keeper, we didn’t just design a safer way to store breast milk; we reimagined the entire process so moms no longer have to compromise.
Plastic-Free Solutions That Work for Real Moms
Motherhood is already full of enough decisions. Transitioning to a plastic-free feeding routine doesn’t have to be complicated.
Plastic-Free Breast Milk Storage
Mila’s Keeper glass storage bottles are made from durable, lab-grade borosilicate glass and protected by an insulated stainless steel keeper that keeps milk at a safe temperature for hours. This means your milk never touches plastic, maintaining its natural nutrients and flavor while you’re on the go or at work.
Feeding Bottles
Look for glass or stainless steel bottles with natural-flow nipples to make transitions smoother for your baby. Glass retains milk’s warmth better and doesn’t absorb odors, while stainless steel offers durability for families on the move.
Pumping Accessories
Choose medical-grade silicone or stainless steel components that fit your pump model. They last longer, clean easier, and eliminate the hidden risks of plastic contact in milk pathways.
Plastic-free doesn’t have to mean perfection. It means making one better choice at a time, in a way that fits your life.
A Win-Win for Moms, Babies, and the Planet
Switching to plastic-free feeding isn’t just about health; it is a powerful act of sustainability and self-care.
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For Baby: Cleaner milk, free of microplastics and harmful chemicals.
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For Mom: Long-lasting, easy-to-sterilize materials that save money and reduce mental load.
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For the Planet: Every glass bottle and stainless steel container means fewer plastics ending up in oceans and landfills.
Every plastic-free choice is an act of love, not just for today but for generations to come.
How to Transition to a Plastic-Free Feeding Routine
Here are small, realistic steps toward a safer setup:
-
Start with Storage: Replace your plastic milk storage bags or bottles with glass or silicone containers. One study found that single-use plastic milk storage bags can release measurable amounts of microplastics during typical use.
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Upgrade Your Feeding Bottles: Once you’re comfortable, switch to glass or stainless steel bottles for feeding.
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Check Pump Parts: Review your pumping system and consider silicone or steel alternatives for tubing connectors, flanges, and adapters.
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Simplify Cleaning: Plastic-free gear is less likely to warp or trap milk residue during sterilization, making cleaning easier and more effective.
Many Mila’s Keeper moms start small and end up transforming their whole routine because once you feel the difference, it’s hard to go back.
Real Talk: Why This Movement Matters
We started Mila’s Keeper because we lived through this struggle. We pumped in bathrooms, cried over spilled milk, and juggled jobs, families, and sleepless nights- all while trying to do what was best for our babies.
Doing our best shouldn’t mean accepting outdated, plastic-heavy products that compromise our values or our health.
Our goal has always been to rewrite the status quo for breastfeeding moms- with products that are as strong, beautiful, and sustainable as the women who use them.
Every time you choose plastic-free, you’re not just making a healthier choice; you’re standing for something bigger. You’re showing the world that moms deserve better design, better safety, and better respect.
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Plastic-Free Motherhood
Choosing plastic-free isn’t just a trend; it’s a return to what is natural, safe, and enduring. It’s about honoring your body, protecting your baby, and caring for the planet they’ll inherit.
At Mila’s Keeper, we’re proud to be part of this shift- one mom, one bottle, one feeding at a time.
While there may be copycatters out there, as a certified B Corp, they will never be able to replicate the kind of integrity we put in each product that you can trust, and our purpose: to protect what is most precious, with every drop of milk and every ounce of heart.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Explore our plastic-free breast milk storage system choosing stainless steel, glass or silicone, designed for modern moms who refuse to compromise on safety or style.
Shop the Collection | Learn More About Plastic-Free Feeding
A female-designed and female-run company, Mila's Keeper is on a mission to empower women to thrive during their breastfeeding journey by offering reusable, eco-friendly breast milk storage solutions for their day-to-day needs. Get the latest tips and info on Mila's Keeper products by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
