While expressed breast milk is always best used fresh it can be safely stored for use at a later time.
Storage:
- Commercial storage bags are popular but other hard plastic or glass containers can also be used.
- Ensure they are sturdy, well-sealed and labelled with the date and time of expression.
- Containers do not need to be sterilised if they have only had breastmilk in them.
- Rinse containers in cool water, then give them a hot soapy wash, followed by a hot rinse and leave to air dry upright on a clean surface such as paper towel.
Defrosting:
- Never defrost frozen breastmilk in the microwave as it causes uneven heating and possible damage to the nutritional benefits of breastmilk.
- Slowly defrost in the fridge overnight or in a container of warm water.
- Defrosted milk cannot be refrozen and any remaining milk not consumed must be discarded 1-2 hours after the baby is finished feeding.
Transporting:
- Use an insulated container with ice-bricks.
- Once at your destination place the breastmilk in the freezer if still frozen or in the fridge if already defrosting.
- Use within 24 hours once defrosted in the fridge.
- Use within 4 hours or less once defrosted milk is at a room temp of 26 degrees or lower.
How long can I store breastmilk for:
|
Breastmilk |
Room Temperature |
Refrigerator |
Freezer |
|
Freshly expressed into a closed container |
6–8 hrs (26ºC or lower). If refrigeration is available store milk there |
No more than 72 hours. Store in back, where it is coldest |
2 weeks in freezer compartment inside refrigerator (-15°C) 3 months in freezer section of refrigerator with separate door (–18°C) 6–12 months in deep freeze (–20°C**) |
|
Previously frozen— thawed in refrigerator but not warmed |
4 hours or less (ie the next feeding) |
Store in refrigerator 24 hours |
Do not refreeze |
|
Thawed outside refrigerator in warm water |
For completion of feeding |
Hold for 4 hours or until next feeding |
Do not refreeze |
|
Infant has begun feeding |
Only for completion of feeding, then discard |
Discard |
Discard |
Jillian Eadie - LACTATION CONSULTANT & MIDWIFE
