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Storing breastmilk

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When it comes to storing breastmilk, safety is paramount, and convenience is also important. These following “storing breastmilk tips” will help you ensure that your breastmilk is safe for your baby and that the process of storing and using your breastmilk is as easy as possible:

Room temperature – you must use your breastmilk within four hours (preferably less) if it is at room temperature. If you are planning on refrigerating it, chill it immediately.

Refrigeration – There are many numbers out there as to how many days breastmilk can safely be stored in a refrigerator. The numbers range from a maximum of 3 days to a maximum of 8 days – much of this can depend on your refrigerator and the temperature you keep it at. If you are unsure, it is best to err on the side of safety! Also, if you are not going to use the milk within that time, be sure to place it in the freezer.

Freezer – How long you can keep storing breastmilk in the freezer depends greatly upon your freezer’s temperature and how and where you store it inside. In general, you can keep your breastmilk in the freezer anywhere from 3-6 months. It can be kept in a deepfreeze for 6 months or longer.

Defrosted milk – First of all, never refreeze thawed milk! Store this for no more than a day in the fridge.

Date – Date and label your it before storing your breastmilk – as you can see, it is important to be able to tell how long the milk is stored for.

Small amounts – Freeze the breeastmilk in 2-4 ounce portions – these are normal feeding sizes. Not only will they thaw faster, but you will end up wasting less. Also have a few 1 ounce servings on hand in case your baby is especially hungry. Sterilized baby food jars work well as containers.

Space – Breastmilk will expand as it freezes, leave a little space at the top of the container.

To thaw – Do not microwave! Doing so could create hot spots that could burn your baby. Do not boil. Instead, place the milk container in a pan of warm water or under warm running water.

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