Safe breast milk storage: What you need to know
- milc. lactation
- Sep 14, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2024
Whether you’re returning to work, going out for a few hours, or simply building up a supply for the future, knowing how to store breast milk safely is essential. Proper storage ensures that your baby continues to receive all the valuable nutrients and immune-boosting properties of your breast milk. Here’s everything you need to know about expressing and storing breast milk.
How to store breast milk safely
The key to storing breast milk is keeping it in a clean, safe environment to maintain its quality and prevent contamination. Whether you’re storing milk in the fridge, freezer, or at room temperature, here are some general guidelines:
Room temperature
Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 4 hours.
If the room is cooler (around 15-20°C), milk can last for 6-8 hours, but it’s always safer to store it in the fridge as soon as possible.
Refrigerator
Breast milk can be stored in the fridge (at 4°C or colder) for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s placed at the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most consistent, rather than in the door where it’s subject to more temperature fluctuations.
If you don’t plan to use the milk within 4 days, transfer it to the freezer.
Freezer
In a standard freezer compartment inside a fridge, breast milk can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
In a separate, self-contained freezer, milk can last up to 3-6 months.
In a deep freezer (at -18°C or colder), breast milk can be stored for 6-12 months. For the best quality and to preserve the milk’s nutrients, it’s recommended to use the milk within 6 months.
Thawed breast milk
Once frozen breast milk has been thawed in the fridge, it should be used within 24 hours.
If thawed at room temperature or in warm water, use the milk immediately and discard any leftovers after feeding.
Do not refreeze thawed milk.
Tips for expressing and storing breast milk
When expressing and storing breast milk, cleanliness and proper handling are crucial to maintaining its safety and quality.
Wash your hands
Always wash your hands with soap and water before expressing milk or handling breast milk storage containers. This helps prevent contamination and keeps your baby’s milk safe.
Use clean containers
Breast milk should be stored in clean, BPA-free containers designed for breast milk storage. You can use glass bottles, hard plastic containers, or breast milk storage bags. Make sure they are sealed tightly and properly labelled.
Label your milk
Always label each container with the date and time the milk was expressed. This helps you keep track of when it should be used or discarded. If you’re storing milk for childcare or a caregiver, consider labelling it with your baby’s name as well.
Store in small portions
To avoid wasting breast milk, store it in small portions (around 60-120 ml), as babies often don’t finish larger amounts in one sitting. This way, you can defrost only what you need.
Cool milk before combining
If you’re adding freshly expressed milk to an already refrigerated or frozen batch, make sure to cool the new milk in the fridge first before combining. Adding warm milk to cold milk can cause the stored milk to partially warm, which can affect its quality.
How to thaw and use stored breast milk
When it’s time to use your stored breast milk, it’s important to handle it carefully to preserve its nutrients and keep it safe for your baby.
Thawing in the fridge
The safest way to thaw frozen breast milk is by placing it in the fridge overnight. This allows it to thaw slowly and safely. Once thawed, use the milk within 24 hours and don’t refreeze it.
Thawing in warm water
If you need to thaw breast milk quickly, you can place the sealed container in a bowl of warm water or hold it under warm running water. Be sure not to use hot water, as this can destroy the milk’s nutrients. Never thaw breast milk in the microwave, as it can create hot spots that could burn your baby and damage the milk.
Handling and warming breast milk
Warming breast milk is optional—some babies are happy to drink it at room temperature or chilled. If you do decide to warm the milk, here’s how to do it safely:
Warming the milk
To warm breast milk, place the container or bottle in a bowl of warm water or use a bottle warmer. Gently swirl the milk to mix the cream that may have separated. Avoid using the microwave to warm breast milk, as it can create hot spots that might burn your baby’s mouth and degrade the milk’s nutritional value.
Check the temperature
Before giving the milk to your baby, test the temperature by placing a few drops on your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot. If the milk is too warm, let it cool down a bit before feeding.
Storing milk when away from home
If you’re expressing milk while out and about, it’s important to store it safely until you can transfer it to the fridge or freezer.
Use an insulated cooler bag with ice packs to keep expressed milk cool while you’re out.
Transfer the milk to the fridge or freezer as soon as you return home.
This will help ensure the milk stays fresh and safe for your baby.
How to know if breast milk has gone bad
Breast milk naturally separates into layers when stored, with the cream rising to the top. This is normal and doesn’t mean the milk has gone bad. Simply swirl the container gently to mix the layers back together.
However, breast milk may spoil if not stored properly. Signs that your milk has gone off include:
A sour or rancid smell.
A strange or off taste.
Refusal by your baby to drink it (some babies may be more sensitive to changes in taste).
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the milk and avoid feeding it to your baby.
You’re doing a great job
Expressing and storing breast milk can be a convenient way to ensure your baby always has access to the nutrients they need, even when you’re not around. By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your milk safe and fresh for your little one. And remember, every mum’s breastfeeding journey is unique—if you ever feel unsure or need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. You’ve got this!
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