Frozen breast milk stays fresh for two weeks in a

refrigerator that has a single door to the freezer and

refrigerator compartments.
In a refrigerator that has a separate door to the freezer,
frozen breast milk lasts for 3 to 6 months.
And in a deep freezer or chest, frozen breast milk keeps for
6 to 12 months. (A deep freezer keeps breast milk fresh
longer because you generally don't open it as frequently as
you do a refrigerator that has a freezer.)

Breast milk storage: Do's and don'ts

Breast milk storage can be confusing. Follow these
practical tips on choosing containers, freezing breast
milk, thawing breast milk and more.
If you're breast-feeding your baby and going back to work or
looking for more flexibility, you're probably considering using a
breast pump. Once you start pumping, it's important to know
how to safely and properly store your expressed breast milk.
Consider these do's and don'ts for breast milk storage.
What kind of container should I use to store expressed
breast milk?
Before expressing or handling breast milk, wash your hands
with soap and water. Then store the expressed milk in a clean,
capped glass or hard plastic container. You can also use
special plastic bags designed for milk collection and storage.
Keep in mind that breast milk storage bags aren't generally
recommended for long-term storage because they might spill,
leak and become contaminated more easily than hard-sided
containers. For extra protection, you can place the bags in a
hard plastic food storage container with a tightly sealed lid.
Also, certain components of breast milk might adhere to the
soft plastic bags during long-term breast milk storage, which
could deprive your baby of essential nutrients.
Don't store breast milk in disposable bottle liners or plastic
bags designed for general household use.
What's the best way to store expressed breast milk?
Using waterproof labels and ink, label each container with the
date you expressed the breast milk. If you're storing expressed
milk at your baby's child care facility, add your baby's name to
the label. Place the containers in the back of the refrigerator or
freezer, where the temperature is the coolest. If you don't
have access to a refrigerator or freezer, store the milk in a
cooler or insulated bag until you can transfer the milk to the
refrigerator or freezer.
To minimize waste, fill individual containers with the amount of
milk your baby will need for one feeding. You might start with
2 to 4 ounces (59 to 118 milliliters), and then adjust as
needed. Also consider storing smaller portions 1 to 2 ounces
(30 to 59 milliliters) for unexpected situations or delays in
regular feedings. Keep in mind that breast milk expands as it
freezes, so don't fill containers to the brim.
Can I add freshly expressed breast milk to already
stored milk?
You can add freshly expressed breast milk to refrigerated or
frozen milk you expressed earlier in the same day. However,
be sure to thoroughly cool the freshly expressed breast milk in
the refrigerator or a cooler with ice packs before adding it to
previously chilled or frozen milk. Don't add warm breast milk to
frozen breast milk because it will cause the frozen milk to
partially thaw. Keep milk expressed on different days in
separate containers.
How long does expressed breast milk keep?
How long you can safely keep expressed breast milk depends
on the storage method. Consider these general guidelines for
healthy infants:
Room temperature. Freshly expressed breast milk can
be kept at room temperature for up to six hours. If you
won't use the milk that quickly or the room is especially
warm, transfer the milk to an insulated cooler, refrigerator
or freezer.
Insulated cooler. Freshly expressed breast milk can be
stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one
day. Then use the milk or transfer the containers to the
refrigerator or freezer.
Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be
stored in the back of the refrigerator not the door for
up to five to eight days.
Freezer. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in a
standard refrigerator freezer for up to three to six months
and in a chest freezer for up to six to 12 months. Place
the milk in the back of the freezer not the door.
Expressed breast milk is an ideal way to feed your baby when
you're apart. Still, some research suggests that the longer you
store breast milk whether in the refrigerator or in the
freezer the greater the loss of vitamin C in the milk. Other
studies have shown that refrigeration beyond two days might
reduce the bacteria-killing properties of breast milk and long-
term freezer storage might lower the quality of fat in the
breast milk. It's also important to note that breast milk
expressed when a baby is a newborn won't as completely meet
the same baby's needs when he or she is older.
Keep in mind that storage guidelines might differ for preterm,
sick or hospitalized infants.
How do I thaw frozen breast milk?
Thaw the oldest milk first. Simply place the frozen container in
the refrigerator the night before you intend to use it. You can
also gently warm the milk by placing it under warm running
water or in a bowl of warm water. Before offering the milk to
your baby, gently swirl it to evenly distribute the creamy
portion of the milk that rises to the top of the container during
storage. Don't vigorously shake the container or stir the milk.
Never thaw frozen breast milk at room temperature, which
enables bacteria to multiply in the milk. Also, don't heat a
frozen bottle in the microwave or very quickly on the stove.
Some parts of the milk might be too hot, and others too cold.
Some research suggests that rapid heating can affect the
milk's antibodies as well.
Use thawed breast milk within 24 hours. Discard any remaining
milk. Don't refreeze thawed or partially thawed breast milk.


Does thawed breast milk smell or look different from
fresh breast milk?
The color of your breast milk might vary, depending on your
diet. Also, thawed breast milk might seem to have a different
odor or consistency than freshly expressed milk. It's still safe
to feed to your baby. If your baby refuses the thawed milk, it
might help to shorten the storage time.
Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
If you are planning to pump breast milk you will want to know
how long it can be stored at room temperature, in the
refrigerator, or in the freezer. Breast milk can be stored in
special freezer bags designed for breast milk or any hard
plastic or glass container. If you have extra baby food jars
these are the perfect size to store breast milk in.
Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
Room Temperature Refrigerator Freezer compartment Freezer Deep Freezer
4-8 hours
(May be left at room
temperature for up to 10
hours if the temperature is
below 72F, 22C)
Three to eight days Up to 2 weeks 3-4 months 6-12 months
66-72F, 19-22C 32-39F, 0-4C Temperatures vary 4F, 20C 0F, -19C
Use at next feeding or
discard
Transfer to freezer
within 8 days, use,
or discard
Once frozen breast milk is
thawed, it should be used
within24 hours. Do not
refreeze.
Once frozen breast milk
is thawed, it should be
used within 24 hours.
Do not refreeze.
Once frozen breast milk
is thawed, it should be
used within 24 hours.
Do not refreeze.
Frequently asked questions about storing breast milk
Can you add pumped breast milk to already frozen breast milk?
Yes but it is best to cool in the refrigerator first. If you add pumped milk to already frozen milk it can cause the frozen breast milk to
thaw and refreeze. The other problem with adding fresh breast milk to frozen breast milk is that you will have to use it by the date on
the already frozen milk. It makes it harder to keep track of how old your breast milk is.
How can you tell if breast milk is spoiled?
If you are properly storing your milk you should not have a problem with spoiled milk. Breast milk will separate. The fat will rise to the
top. This is normal it does not mean your milk is spoiled. You may sometimes have thinner looking or blue colored milk, this is still
okay. Another concern comes along when moms or caregivers smell breast milk. Sometimes breastmilk that is frozen or stored in the
refrigerator will smell soapy or have a strange taste to it. This does not mean it is spoiled. Before you toss out perfectly good breast
milk consider how it was stored. If it was refrigerated after pumping and stored properly, it probably doesn't need to be tossed.
However, if you are concerned, if the milk smells rancid or sour go ahead and toss it.
What size portions should you store breast milk in?
It is better if you store breast milk in small portions (around 3-4 oz per freezer bag or storage container). Once frozen milk is thawed
you can not refreeze it. If you store breast milk in 8-10 oz portions you may end up wasting breast milk if your baby does not drink it
within 24 hours.