Breastmilk Storage Guidelines

Breastmilk is a valuable source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies. Proper storage is crucial to maintain its quality and ensure your baby’s safety. Below are guidelines for storing breastmilk effectively:

General Tips for Storage

• Wash Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before expressing or handling breastmilk.

• Clean Containers: Use clean containers or breastmilk storage bags specifically designed for breastmilk storage.

• Labeling: Label all containers with the date the milk was expressed, and use the oldest milk first.

• Portion Sizes: Store milk in smaller portions (2 to 4 ounces) to avoid waste and allow for easier thawing.

Storage Method

Room Temperature

• Freshly Expressed Milk-Up to 4 hours at temperatures up to 77°F (25°C)

• Thawed Milk- Use within 1-2 hours

Refrigeration

• Freshly Expressed-Up to 4 days at 39°F (4°C)

• Thawed milk-Use within 24 hours

Freezing

• Freshly expressed- 2 weeks in a freezer compartment inside a refrigerator, 6 to 12 months in a separate freezer unit (0°F or -18°C)

• Thawed milk- Do not refreeze

Thawing and Warming Guidelines

• Thawing: Thaw by placing in the refrigerator overnight or under warm running water. Avoid microwaves to prevent hot spots and loss of nutrients.

• Warming: Warm gently by placing the container in a bowl of warm water.

Safety Precautions

• Avoid Refreezing: Do not refreeze thawed milk.

• Clean Equipment: Ensure all breast pumps and storage containers are thoroughly cleaned after each use.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your breastmilk remains safe and nutritious for your baby.