Human Milk Storage Guidelines

Countertop Refrigerator Freezer with

or table separate door
These guidelines are
Storage 77˚ F or colder 40˚ F or colder 0˚ F or colder for healthy full-term
Temperatures (25˚ C) (4˚ C) (-18˚ C) babies and may vary for
premature or sick babies.
Freshly Pumped/ Within 6 months is best, Check with your health
Expressed Up to Up to care provider. Guidelines
up to 12 months is
Human Milk 4 hours 4 days are for home use only
acceptable
and not for hospital use.
Thawed Never refreeze human
Up to 1 day
Human Milk 1-2 hours milk after it has been
(24 hours)
thawed

Find more breastfeeding resources at:

United States Department of Agriculture
WICBreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov
Slightly Revised July 2018
cdc.gov/breastfeeding/