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Methods for Securely Storing Breast Milk

Storing breast milk is possible in glass, plastic, or freezer-bag containers for differing periods, either in refrigerators or freezers, to ensure availability for subsequent feedings.

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Storing breast milk is possible in glass, plastic, or freezer-bag containers in refrigerators or...
Storing breast milk is possible in glass, plastic, or freezer-bag containers in refrigerators or freezers, allowing for extended periods of storage to accommodate future feedings.

Methods for Securely Storing Breast Milk

Whether you've stumbled upon spilled milk for your little one or considering a breast milk donor bank, understanding the ins and outs of milk storage is crucial. Stashing that liquid gold helps ensure your baby's constant nourishment. Plus, counting on those immune-system boosters in breast milk is essential, especially during those initial six months.

Pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist Dr. Heidi Szugye, DO, IBCLC, lays out the lowdown on the perks of storing breast milk and how to do it safely.

The Good Side of Storing the Gold Liquid

Hand-expressing your breast milk or pumping requires knowing how to store the hard-earned gold liquid. By storing your milk, you'll have some on hand for whenever your child needs their next feed. Proper storing also maintains the milk's freshness, nutritional properties, and immune-system properties.

Even past the colostrum stage (those earliest feedings), breast milk offers just as much nutritional value as formula for your baby. If you can't produce enough on your own, breast milk banks are a great resource for parents in need.

How to Keep Your Liquid Gold Fresh

Breast milk can be stored at room temperature, the fridge, or the freezer, and what containers you use impacts safety and freshness. Stash 2 to 4 ounces at a time for an average baby feeding, or go for smaller amounts for babies younger than six weeks or quick thawing.

You've got options when it comes to containers:

  1. Glass preserves milk components best but can pose breakage problems when dealing with daycares.
  2. Hard-sided plastic containers are a good second choice when searching for BPA-free and opaque or clear plastic options. Avoid any containers labeled with the recycle symbol number 7 as they contain BPA.
  3. Breast milk freezer bags or nursing bags provide a convenient, space-saving option for the freezer. Just make sure to avoid leaks by packing bags in firm plastic containers or double-bagging if using thinner bags.

Label each container with a smudge-proof marker and the date expressed. The oldest milk should be used first to keep your stash fresh and prevent expired milk. If you're giving stored milk to childcare, also mark it with the child's name to avoid any mix-ups.

How Long Can You Keep Your Milk?

The amount of time you can keep your breast milk depends on its location and the container.

Milk can:

  • Keep for up to four days in a standard refrigerator.
  • Last for three to four months in a standard freezer.
  • Hang out for six to 12 months in a separate deep freezer.
  • Stay fine for up to 24 hours while traveling in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs.

Keep milk away from the door of your refrigerator or freezer. If you're freezing milk, expect it to change color; this is normal. If the color ever concerns you, consult with a lactation consultant.

Hold breast milk at a room temperature of 77°F (25°C) for up to four hours if it's freshly expressed or up to two hours if it's previously frozen and then thawed. Never keep milk at temperatures above 77°F (25°C) due to the risk of bacterial growth.

Discard any previously frozen milk after one to two hours if heated and served to your baby. Be cautious when refreezing since it increases the risk of contamination.

How to Thaw Frozen Breast Milk

Your child can drink cold or room-temperature milk, but if they prefer warmer milk, you've got options to thaw it safely.

To thaw frozen milk, you can:

  • Place the frozen container under warm running water or soak it in a pan of warm water (ensuring the water doesn't exceed the milk level or contaminate the seal).
  • Use a bottle warmer if you've got one.

Once milk has been warmed, swirl the layers together, and check the temperature by placing a few drops on your wrist. Warm milk should feel slightly warm, not hot. Use leftover milk within two hours of warming.

Simultaneously, handle milk with clean hands, wash containers after use, and ensure liquescence before feeding to your little one. Happy feeding!

  1. The health benefits of storing breast milk extend beyond just convenience, as proper storage maintains the milk's freshness, nutritional properties, and immune-system properties, making it essential for a baby's constant nourishment, especially during the initial six months.
  2. In addition to its nutritional value, breast milk serves as a valuable resource for parents who may not be able to produce enough on their own, as breast milk banks offer an option for parents in need.
  3. To ensure the safety and quality of stored breast milk, it's important to use the right containers, such as glass, hard-sided plastic containers, or breast milk freezer bags, and to label each container with the date expressed to keep the stash fresh and prevent expired milk.

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