How to Store Breast Milk Safely: A Complete Guide for New Moms

How to safely store breast milk? This is a question every first time mom thinks about during and often after pregnancy. There comes a time when you will have to start storing your milk supply, but you may wonder how, when, and for how long it should be stored at room temperature. How many days can it be in the fridge/freezer, or how should it be thawed? You will get all the answers here. 

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What is the best way to store breast milk?

Well, it is true when they say that direct breast milk is a better option than formula, but again, freshly expressed milk is better than refrigerated milk. Still, then again, refrigerated breast milk is better than frozen one. That’s because freshly pumped milk has the best antibacterial properties and contains more antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats than refrigerated or frozen milk.

How long can expressed breast milk be stored?

Firstly, get these breast milk storage bags from Amazon and this Philips Avent bottle warmer, it will be beneficial in these situations. Also, on the go, a portable bottle warmer is necessary.

• At room temperature (16-25 °C): Best to use the milk within 4 hours, but it can last up to 6 hours if expressed in a very high-hygiene style. 
• In the fridge (4 °C or colder): Best used within 3 days, but can last up to 5 days if stored under high hygiene standards.
• In the freezer (-18 °C or colder): Best used within 6 months, but can last up to 9 months if stored under high hygiene standards. 

If you’re storing breast milk in the fridge or freezer, always remember to label the bottles or storage bags with the amount and the date it was expressed, so you can keep track of the order in which to use the milk.

Storing breast milk on the go

If you need to transport milk between home, work, or daycare, use a cooler bag with ice packs to keep it cold. This Madela cooler bag is a great option. You have four 150ml bottles, and they can stay cold for up to 10 hours.

How to thaw breast milk?

You have three options: either leave it at room temperature for 2 hours, refrigerate it for 24 hours, or, if you are in a hurry, defrost the milk in warm water. DO NOT RE-FREEZE THE MILK! And do not use a microwave! 

How to safely start breast pumping or expressing

It’s basically food that you are giving your baby, so treat breast milk pumping like an actual food. How do normal people prepare before starting to cook? By washing hands and making sure the environment is clean and sanitized.

Before pumping or expressing, wash your hands with soap and water. If there’s no water and soap available, use hand sanitizer that is high in alcohol (60-70%). It is also essential to thoroughly wash and sanitize all storage containers.

Pumping milk in the hospital

If you’re pumping in a hospital with hospital breast milk pumping gears, make sure that everything is clean and sanitized. That includes the power switch, countertop, and pump dials. Use a disinfectant wipe to make sure everything is clean before you begin. I don’t know how things are where you live, but here in Finland, the pumps are single-use and usually clean. Also, make sure you’re using the correct flange size for a more comfortable experience. 

After you’re done using the pump kit, clean and sanitize everything. Store your pump kit, feeding items, and baby bottles away once they’re clean. Cleaning and storing everything can help protect your milk from potential contamination. 

You are doing great

Storing breast milk doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand how to store, freeze, label, and thaw it properly, it becomes part of your daily routine. If you’re pumping occasionally or every day, following these steps will help you protect your milk’s quality and keep your baby healthy and happy.