Medical Moms Frontline


Moms are incredible …

and continue to show up in the ways the world needs them most, especially during truly challenging times.

We always want to take the time to let our moms in the medical field know how much we appreciate and value their work, so here's to the moms who are grinding it out every day. The moms with incredibly long shifts. The moms who sacrifice for us, who care for the vulnerable, who work to serve their communities. 

We see you!

 We do this for moms like you, so that you never have to worry about safely storing your milk at work. 

Returning to work?

We got you! We've put together a ton of helpful resources that'll help take the stress out of your epic days.

I work in a clinic setting for 12-16 hour days and I'm worried about not having access to a fridge.  What is my best option for breastmilk storage? 

Working in a hospital can be such a rewarding experience but also comes with different challenges, like a 12-hour shift (so often turning into 13+ hours) in addition to your commute. The OG Chiller is the perfect answer to this challenge, providing 27 oz of milk with up to 20 hours of safe storage with just a handful of ice.

Can I combine warm milk with chilled milk?
Most Ceres Chill moms do! 

It's all about what makes you feel comfortable - you know what's best for your baby and your family, but in case it helps, here's some information on mixing milk temperatures:
The recommendation to avoid mixing warm milk with cold milk doesn't come from any breastmilk research. It's apparently based on how regular foods react to temperature change...and we know that breastmilk, a live substance with incredible antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, is so unlike a bowl of soup or a chicken wing. 
There have been more recent published studies that show that mixing your milk in this way doesn't increase bacteria counts at all and can be beneficial in balancing nutritional counts of your mixed milk.  

We have a ton of information for you here, along with tutorials on how to chill first if you'd prefer to do so! The most important thing is that you do what you feel comfortable with. Knowledge is power so we want to give you everything you need to make an informed decision!

How should I clean my pump parts at the hospital?

A portable washbasin or pump wipes are the way to go! You can either wipe all your parts down in between uses and store them in a Ziploc or wet/dry bag until your next pump, or you can use a washbasin bag to clean your parts with soap and water after each use. The official CDC recommendation is to use warm water and soap to wash in between uses, and if you need to wash your pump parts quickly, utilize the pump wipes until you can do a full wash with warm water and soap. Depending on your shift flow, it would depend on which method works best for you! 
Some moms prefer to do the fridge hack, which is the practice of rinsing your parts with water and then placing them in a Ziploc bag in the fridge. The thought behind this is that the cold temperature will help prevent bacteria growth. Please know that this is not a CDC-recommended cleaning practice, and it is not ideal for all situations. If your baby is under two months or has a compromised immune system, the CDC strongly recommends cleaning your parts between uses. 
All of these methods are for on-the-go cleaning, so you will still need to clean all parts thoroughly with warm water and dish soap (or follow the proper instructions for your specific pump) when you get home. 

I work 12 hour shifts and have an hour commute. What should I do with my milk?

Working in a hospital can be such a rewarding experience but also comes with different challenges, like a 12-hour shift (so often turning into 13+ hours) in addition to your commute. The OG Chiller is the perfect answer to this challenge, providing 27 oz of milk with up to 20 hours of safe storage with just a handful of ice.

How can I keep my breastmilk from cross contamination if I work in a hospital?

Keeping your breastmilk (and by extension—your baby!) safe is always a priority, especially at a hospital where the likelihood of germs is much higher. The OG Chiller is a closed container system that can stay in your bag or your locker, eliminating the need to put your milk in a shared fridge. 

Be sure to practice good hand hygiene before and after you pump, and keep your pump parts clean between uses. You can even pump directly into the Chiller to avoid extra bottles or bags. 

But remember - breastmilk has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that actively fight bad bacteria. Aside from normal hand hygiene and clean parts, you don't have to go crazy!
Do you have a discount code for healthcare workers?

Is this FSA/HSA eligible?

Yes! Ceres Chill is FSA and HSA approved and reimbursable because we fall under the breast pump and lactation supplies category as a medically necessary product. The Chiller, Milkstache, Shield Maidens, and more are eligible expenses for use of these special medical funds. You can use your card directly on the website or get reimbursed by your provider!
To see all our products that are FSA/HSA eligible, click here. 

Is the Chiller compatible with wearable pumps?

Many of our moms use wearable pumps—hands-free pumping and 20 hours of chilling are a busy mom's dream! If you're using a wearable, you can pump as normal into the cups and then pour your milk into the Chiller for safe storage.