Breast milk storage guidelines are important to ensure the safety and quality of breast milk for your baby. Here are some general recommendations on breast milk storage guidelines:
Storage Containers
Use clean, BPA-free containers specifically designed for breast milk storage, such as bottles or breast milk storage bags.
Labeling
Clearly label each container with the date when the milk was expressed. If you plan to use different batches of milk, label them with the time of expression as well.
Freshly Expressed Milk
Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for up to 4 hours. If the room is warmer (above 25°C or 77°F), it is best to refrigerate the milk within 1-2 hours.
Refrigeration
Breast milk can be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days at a temperature of 4°C (39°F) or below. Place the containers at the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more consistent.
Freezing
If you want to store breast milk for a longer period, freezing is recommended. It can be frozen in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator with a separate door for up to 3-6 months. If you have a deep freezer, breast milk can be stored for up to 12 months. Use the coldest part of the freezer for optimal storage.
Thawing and Using Frozen Milk
To thaw frozen breast milk, place it in the refrigerator overnight or hold the container under warm running water. Avoid using a microwave or boiling water as they can destroy some of the milk’s beneficial components. After thawing, gently swirl the container to mix the fat that may have separated. Use the thawed milk within 24 hours and never refreeze it.
Remember to always practice proper hygiene when handling breast milk and wash your hands before expressing or handling containers. If you have any concerns or specific medical conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
This is great advice for breast milk storage. I had to do this sometimes!
This is great info! I never had enough to need storage, but I know so many Mamas that do!
This is great information for new moms and those who need a reminder!
This is some great information. I wish I would have known this when my kids were babies. I’m going to have to pass this info along.
This info is so important to know. New moms need to see this.
Great tips! My sister-in-law used to do this back when my niece was still an infant. She was lucky to have been able to breastfeed exclusively for almost a year.
Your article provides clear and concise guidelines on how to safely store breast milk, which is essential for maintaining its quality and ensuring the well-being of my baby.
This is a really great and very informative post, I’m gonna share this with my friend
This article is really perfect to new mom’s out there. This is a great information to know
The breast milk storage guidelines provided in the article are informative and helpful for new mothers. It’s important to follow proper storage practices to ensure the safety and quality of the milk for the baby. Thank you for sharing this valuable information!
Definitely can’t support labeling enough!!! It helps keep your milk better organized and cycle through the older milk first and keep you sweet babies safe!
These tips can help a lot of working moms. It’s important to know these storage rules especially now, that it’s hot outside!
These are wonderful tips; it is so important to learn about how to store breast milk. I think freezing it would be the best option. because it lasts longer.
such useful tips for new moms who are breastfeeding.. i recall my own days of pumping and storing breastmilk (now seems so long ago with my kids in college and almost finishing highschool too)
My daughter in law froze her breast milk. Whatever extra she had she donated. There was like a club or something at the hospital and it was thoughtful of her to do so.
This is really important information. I never made enough to store ahead but if you can, this is awesome.