Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

Are you breastfeeding? Storing breastmilk correctly is essential for maintaining its quality and ensuring your baby receives safe and nutritious feedings. Whether you’ve freshly expressed milk, thawed previously frozen milk, or have leftover milk from a feeding, understanding the proper storage guidelines is key to protecting your little one from harmful bacteria. Let’s dive into some important tips to keep your breast milk safe and healthy for your baby!

Guidelines for Storing Freshly Expressed or Pumped Milk

Room Temperature: Freshly expressed or pumped milk can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Make sure to keep it in a clean, cool place away from direct sunlight.

Refrigeration: Freshly expressed milk can be kept for up to four days in the refrigerator. Store it in clean, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags, and place it at the back of the fridge where temperatures are most consistent.

Freezing: If you need to store milk longer, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. However, storing it for up to 12 months is also acceptable especially if using a deep freezer. Use specialized breast milk storage bags or containers designed for freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing: Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water. Never refreeze thawed milk, and always use it within 24 hours after thawing.

Guidelines for Thawed or Previously Frozen Breast Milk

Room Temperature: Once breast milk has been thawed from the freezer, it can be safely kept at room temperature for 1-2 hours before it should be discarded.

Refrigeration: If you store thawed milk in the refrigerator, it can be safely used within 24 hours.

Refreezing: Thawed breast milk should never be refrozen. Refreezing can compromise the milk’s quality and increase the risk of bacterial growth, so always use thawed milk within the designated timeframes to ensure your baby’s health.

Guidelines for Leftover Milk from a Feeding

Leftover breast milk from a feeding should be used promptly. It is recommended that you use any remaining milk within 2 hours after your baby has finished feeding.

FAQs on Storing Breast Milk

1. How long can freshly expressed or pumped breast milk be stored at room temperature?
   Freshly expressed or pumped breast milk can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
2. How long can thawed breast milk be kept in the refrigerator?
   Thawed breast milk can be safely used within 24 hours when stored in the refrigerator.
3. Is it safe to refreeze thawed breast milk?
   No, thawed breast milk should never be refrozen. It can compromise the milk’s quality and increase the risk of bacterial growth.
4. What should I do with leftover breast milk from a feeding?
   Discard any leftover breast milk within 2 hours after your baby has finished feeding to prevent bacterial growth.
5. How long can breast milk be stored in the freezer?
   Breast milk can be frozen for up to 6 months, but storing it for up to 12 months is also acceptable for optimal quality.
6. I have extra breastmilk, is there somewhere I can donate my milk in Charlotte, NC.
   If you are located in Charlotte, NC and are looking to donate your extra breastmilk you can do so here through the WakeMed Mother’s Milk Bank.

Additional Reading:
Breast Milk Storage and Preparation
Breast Milk Storage Questions and Answers

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