Storage and handling of Breastmilk

Refrigerated

Breastmilk may be stored in a refrigerator three to five days. If you think that you may not use it within that time period, freeze it. It can be stored in any clean container: plastic, glass or nurser bags.

Frozen

Breastmilk may be stored in a freezer for up to 6 months. The freezer is cold enough if it keeps your ice cream solid. It should be placed in a part of the freezer that will not be subject to changes in temperature as the door is opened and closed. If plastic nurser bags are used, they should be doubled and protected from being bumped and torn in the freezer.

Thawed

Breastmilk can be thawed in a pan of luke warm water in just a few minutes or held under luke warm running water. Then it can be warmed to serving temperature in the same manner. Never make it warmer than body temperature. Never use a microwave to thaw or warm breastmilk. Any milk left in a bottle after a feeding must be discarded.  Thawed breastmilk must be discarded after 24 hours.

Transporting

If you are pumping breastmilk at work, you should chill it either in a refrigerator or a portable cooler bag. A cooler bag can be used to transport it home. Studies have shown that freshly pumped breastmilk keeps well at room temperature for several hours (some studies say up to 8 hours) so if chilling your breastmilk is difficult, it can be stored at room temperature for several hours, and then  refrigerated as soon as possible.

Please remember that this is general breastfeeding information only and does not replace the advice of your health care practitioner.  If you have specific questions, seek the advice of a Certified Lactation Consultant.