Listed below are some tips and tricks for properly storing breast milk. If you have any questions or need help with this topic, you can always contact a Family Support Navigator at navigation@familyfutures.net.
How to store breast milk:
- Wash your hands before starting the storage process and always use clean and dry bottles.
- Store milk in 2 or 4-ounce increments. This will make it easier to thaw the right amount of milk needed so that you are not wasting milk.
- Use a bottle to measure the amount of milk needed and then pour it into a storage bottle or bag. NOTE: Only use bags and bottles that are designed for breast milk storage. If you have questions about how to find those items, contact us at the email above.
- You can stack the bags on top of each other to save freezer space. You should also store milk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer where it is the coldest. You can combine milk if it is at the same temperature. For example, if you pumped one ounce each after four feeding sessions you can put all those bottles in the refrigerator after you pumped. At the end of the day when all the bottles are chilled, you can combine them and freeze them. Make sure you are always dating and labeling your milk when you freeze it!
How long to store breast milk:
- Freshly-expressed breast milk can be out at room temperature for four hours, in the cooler with an ice pack for 24 hours, or in the refrigerator for five to seven days. If you have not used your milk in the refrigerator, you can put it in the freezer or deep freezer. Milk can be in the freezer for 3-6 months or in the deep freezer for 6-12 months.
- If you have thawed breast milk, your baby must consume it – do not store it. Make sure you are only thawing milk you plan on using. Never refreeze thawed milk.
How to warm or defrost milk:
- Always defrost milk with a “first in first out” method, meaning that the oldest breast milk gets used first.
- From the refrigerator: Place milk in a bowl of warm water or put it under warm running water.
- If frozen: Place in the refrigerator overnight. You should use this milk within 24 hours. Never refreeze breast milk.
- The fat from the milk will rise to the top so you should gently swirl the milk. Do not shake the milk.
- Never put breast milk in a microwave.
