Breast Milk Storage

Do’s

Don'ts

• Do wash your hands before handling your milk
• Do label all containers with dates of expression
• Do store in 1-2 ounces (This is to make sure you do not waste your precious milk)
• Do store in the back of the refrigerator or freezer
• Do label all milk with your child’s name if your are taking it to a daycare
• Do only put what you need for one feeding in the bottle, you can easily defrost 1-2 ounces more if needed

× Do not defrost in the microwave

× Do not add fresh milk to already frozen milk

× Do not save milk from a used bottle

× Do not refreeze previously thawed milk

Milk location

Temperature

How long will it last

Additional Information

On table or counter

Room Temperature (up to 77⁰F or 25⁰C)

6-8 hours

Keep containers covered and out of direct sunlight

Insulated bag or cooler

5 to 39⁰F or -15 to 4⁰C

24 hours

Use more than one ice pack in larger bags and keep containers in contact with ice packs.  Limit opening cooler bag

Refrigerator

39⁰F or 4⁰C

5 days

Store milk in back of refrigerator. If milk is close to the door the temperature will change too much

Small Freezer located inside Refrigerator

5⁰F or -15⁰C

2 weeks

Store in back of freezer compartment

Freezer compartment with separate door in refrigerator

0⁰F or 18⁰C

3-6 months

Store in back where temperature is more constant

Deep Freezer or separate Freezer Chest

-4⁰F or -20⁰C

6-12 months

Milk stored for longer ranges listed is safe, some fats  may lose some of it’s quality

Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm