Breastfeeding Pump 'n' Go

Breast Milk Storage Information Sheet

Fresh expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (72 degrees F) for up to ten hours.  It is always best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.

Fresh expressed milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days.  If you don’t use it during that time it may be frozen.

Frozen breast milk can be store in the freezer for up to six months.  Be sure to keep it in the middle of the freezer with frozen foods around it to maintain the temperature when your refrigerator self defrosts.  It can be stored in a zero degree deep freeze for up to one year. 

Milk can be stored in clean glass or plastic containers. Plastic disposable bottles meant for freezing breast milk work well.  Always leave a ½ inch airspace to allow for expansion when freezing.  This will prevent breakage or splitting of bags.  Label  with date of collection. Use stored milk from oldest date first.

Thaw frozen breast milk or refrigerated breast milk with the least amount of heat possible as extreme heat will destroy the protective nutritive components of the milk and could cause burns in the baby’s mouth.

Thawed breast milk is good for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.  Do not refreeze.

Appearance of breast milk varies from expression to expression.  It will separate after thawing or sitting in the refrigerator.  Rotate gently to mix.

If you have further questions please do not hesitate to call Doris.

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