Proper storage of breast milk depends on when you plan to use it. Here are some tips to ensure safe storage of your breast milk.
Safe Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk
Before Expressing or Pumping: Wash your hands and thoroughly clean all storage containers. Label each container with the date the milk was expressed (and your child's name if it will be given to a child care provider). Consult your child care provider about their specific requirements for storing and labeling breast milk.
Storage Recommendations: Store breast milk in small batches, ideally 2 to 4 ounces, to minimize waste. Any leftover milk after feeding should be used within 2 hours or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw additional milk if necessary.
Refrigeration: Chill or refrigerate milk immediately after expression. Freshly expressed milk can stay at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours, or up to 6-8 hours if expressed very cleanly. However, it's best to chill it as soon as possible. Store breast milk at the back of the refrigerator (39°F or 4°C) to avoid temperature fluctuations and use it within 4 days.
Warming Milk: To warm milk from the refrigerator, place the bottle in a bowl of warm water or run it under warm water. Do not microwave breast milk as it can cause uneven heating and scalding.
Freezing Milk: If you won't use the milk within 48-72 hours, freeze it. Leave some space in the container for the milk to expand as it freezes. Store the milk at the back of the freezer, not in the door.
If using a refrigerator freezer with a separate door (0°F or −18°C), milk can be frozen for up to 9 months.
In a chest or deep freezer (−4°F or −20°C), milk can be frozen for up to 12 months.
Thawing Milk: Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight, under warm running water, or in a container of warm water. Do not microwave breast milk. Once thawed, it can be refrigerated and is best used within 24 hours, but may be used within 48-72 hours.
Simplified Rule for Breast Milk Storage
To simplify, remember the "rule of 4s": breast milk can be stored for 4 hours at room temperature and 4 days in the refrigerator.
Note on Hospital Guidelines
These storage guidelines are suitable for premature and hospitalized babies, but hospitals may have their own rules. Consult your baby's pediatrician or hospital for specific guidelines.
AAP Breastfeeding Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises exclusive breastfeeding as the primary source of nutrition for about the first 6 months. After introducing solid foods, continue breastfeeding for as long as desired, up to 2 years or beyond.