Assuming that you’ve decided to pump milk, either to complement breastfeeding or exclusively, the breast milk needs to be stored properly in order to preserve its nutrients and health benefits. When storing breast milk, it’s important to clean your hands and use sterilized containers to avoid contamination. Use glass, plastic, or BPA-free bags specifically designed for breast milk storage.
Storing Breast Milk
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Where
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Temperature (°C)
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Recommended Storing Duration
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Outside the fridge
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16-19
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Optimal: 4 hours
Possible: 6-8 hours in clean conditions and at a temperature lower than 24 °C.
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Fridge
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4
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Optimal: 4 days
Possible: 5-8 hours in very clean conditions.
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Freezer
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-4
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Optimal: 6 months
Possible: up to 12 months, in deep freeze -18° C.
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Make sure not to keep the breast milk on the fridge or freezer door; when you open the door the temperatures change. We recommend storing your milk in the back of the fridge or freezer.
Another Drop of Information
- How can I increase my milk production?
If you’re concerned that you don’t have enough milk, we recommend consulting a lactation consultant and creating a lactation program suited to your needs. But as a rule, we recommend frequently pumping and emptying your breasts in order to boost production. You can also take a look at more ways and information in our article here.
- How can I thaw breast milk?
The best way is to thaw breast milk in the fridge overnight. You can also place the milk container under running lukewarm water. Do not thaw in the microwave. Thawed milk can be stored in the fridge and used up to 24 hours from the moment it has been thawed.
- How can I warm up breast milk?
Make sure to warm breast milk in a container with warm water or under running warm water. Gently turn the bottle every couple of minutes, until the milk is warm enough. Do not warm milk up in the microwave, it might rob the milk of its nutrients, and warm it unequally, resulting in burns.
