As a new mom, you have a lot on your plate – feeding your baby, taking care of yourself, and managing the household. And if you’re breastfeeding, you’re also producing milk around the clock. As you pump and store your milk, you’ll want to be sure that it’s safe for your little one to drink. Here are some tips on how to store breast milk properly, how long it lasts, and how to tell if it’s still good.
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How long can breast milk stay out?
Breast milk is a perfect food for your baby, but it can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. To prevent contamination, handle milk under very clean conditions and follow the guidelines for storage times. The rule of 4 is a helpful way to remember how long pumped breast milk stays good: 4 hours at room temperature and 4 days in the refrigerator.
It’s safest to use freshly pumped breast milk that’s sitting at room temperature (up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) within 4 hours. If the milk is pumped under very clean conditions – and especially if the room temperature is on the cool side – it may be good for up to 6 to 8 hours. If your baby starts a bottle of breast milk and doesn’t finish it, you have less time. During a feeding, bacteria enter the bottle from your baby’s mouth and will eventually spoil the milk. The problem is, there’s no way to tell exactly how fast that happens. Experts recommend giving your baby two hours to finish a bottle they’ve started. If they don’t, throw the milk out.
Related: Breast Milk Storage Bottles Glass
How long does breast milk last in the fridge?
Breast milk can be saved in the fridge (at a temperature of 39 degrees F or colder) for up to 8 days. However, for the best quality – as far as nutrient content and immunity-boosting properties – use breast milk that’s in the refrigerator within 4 days. Store breast milk in the back of the refrigerator, not on the door, where the temperature fluctuates when the door is opened and closed.
If you have more milk than you think your baby will drink in four days, freeze the extra. Don’t fill the bottles or containers to the top; the milk needs room to expand as it freezes. Though it can be stored in the freezer for 9 to 12 months, for the best quality use milk that’s been frozen within 6 months. Store milk in the back of the freezer, not on the door, where the temperature isn’t steadily maintained. Before stockpiling frozen milk, make sure your baby is willing to drink thawed milk. Sometimes thawed milk smells or tastes soapy when the enzyme lipase starts to break down the milk fats. The milk is still safe, though, and most babies will drink it.
How to defrost breast milk?
To thaw frozen breast milk, hold the milk container under warm running water, or put it in a bowl of warm water. You can also thaw it by putting it in the fridge for about 12 hours. Thawed breast milk will keep in the fridge for 24 hours from the time it’s completely thawed (not from the time you took it out of the freezer). Remember to thaw and use the oldest milk first, because the quality of frozen breast milk can decrease over time.
Caution: Don’t thaw breast milk by leaving it out at room temperature, because that can allow harmful bacteria to grow. And never use a microwave to thaw frozen breast milk because it can create hot spots, which can burn your baby’s mouth. It also destroys some of the milk’s quality.
How long can breast milk be stored in a cooler?
If you need to store breast milk in a cooler for more than 24 hours, use frozen ice packs. Frozen ice packs can keep breast milk at a safe temperature for up to 24 hours. Place the frozen ice packs in direct contact with the breast milk containers, and make sure to seal the cooler tightly.
It’s important to note that breast milk should never be refrozen once it has been thawed. Once breast milk has been thawed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but it should not be refrozen.
In conclusion, storing breast milk properly is important to maintain its nutritional and immune-boosting properties. Remember to always handle breast milk under very clean conditions and follow the guidelines for storage times. Use “the rule of 4” to remember how long pumped breast milk stays good: 4 hours at room temperature and 4 days in the refrigerator. Frozen milk is best within 6 months but can last up to a year. If your baby starts a bottle and doesn’t finish it, use it or toss it within a couple of hours. When in doubt, throw it out.
By following these breast milk storage tips, you can ensure that your baby is getting the best possible nutrition from your breast milk. If you have any concerns about storing or feeding breast milk, be sure to speak with your baby’s doctor or a lactation consultant for personalized advice.
