Proper storage of breast milk is crucial for maintaining its nutritional quality and safety. Whether you're planning to use it immediately or save it for later, follow these practical tips to ensure your milk stays fresh and ready for your baby.
Guidelines for Safely Storing and Preparing Breast Milk
Before Expressing or Pumping:
Wash your hands and sterilize all storage containers thoroughly.
Clearly label each container with the date the milk was expressed. If the milk is for a child care provider, include your baby’s name and discuss their storage requirements.
Storage Tips:
Divide breast milk into small batches (2 to 4 ounces) to reduce waste.
Use any leftover milk in a bottle within 2 hours of your baby’s feeding, or refrigerate immediately for the next use.
Chilling Milk:
Freshly expressed milk can sit at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for 4 hours, or up to 6-8 hours if expressed very cleanly. However, refrigerating it as soon as possible is recommended.
Store breast milk at the back of the refrigerator (39°F or 4°C), away from temperature fluctuations, and use it within 4 days.
Warming Milk:
Warm refrigerated milk by placing the bottle in warm water or running it under warm tap water. Avoid microwaving breast milk, as it can create dangerous hot spots.
Freezing Milk:
Freeze milk if it won’t be used within 48-72 hours. Leave space in storage containers, as milk expands when frozen.
Store milk at the back of the freezer, not the door, where temperature changes are more frequent.
Freezing guidelines:
In a refrigerator freezer with a separate door (0°F or −18°C): Store for up to 9 months.
In a chest or deep freezer (−4°F or −20°C): Store for up to 12 months.
Thawing Frozen Milk:
Thaw milk overnight in the refrigerator, or use warm running water or a bowl of warm water to defrost it.
Once thawed, refrigerate and use within 24 hours for optimal freshness, though it can last up to 48-72 hours.
Quick Tip: The “Rule of 4s”
For simplicity, follow the "rule of 4s": Breast milk can be stored for 4 hours at room temperature and 4 days in the refrigerator.
Breastfeeding Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months. After introducing solid foods, continue breastfeeding for as long as you and your baby desire, even up to 2 years or beyond.
At the Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, we are committed to supporting your breastfeeding journey. Our team offers guidance and resources to help you navigate breast milk storage, feeding schedules, and more. If you have questions or concerns, contact us today for personalized support tailored to you and your baby’s needs.
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