How should I store breast milk?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Even though the actual pumping is initially an uncomfortable experience -- no way around that -- know these guidelines: You can store breast milk at room temperature for four to eight hours; in an insulated cooler for a day; in the fridge for a week; and in the freezer for three to six months. (Remember to mark the date you pumped it.) We recommend that you use glass storage bottles, especially when freezing, because plastic ones may leach the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA). In fact, make sure that all of your bottles, including water bottles, are free of this chemical used in the production of plastics. Also, always wash your hands before touching your baby's mouth or feeding him . Do not store milk in plastic bottle-insert bags, as they are porous and will increase the chance of your milk going rancid.
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Even though the actual pumping is initially an uncomfortable experience -- no way around that -- know these guidelines: You can store breast milk at room temperature for four to eight hours; in an insulated cooler for a day; in the fridge... More -
Dr. Dawn Marcus answered:Here are some tips on safely storing breast milk:
- Choose a container for breast milk:
- Use sealable containers, such as bottles with screw tops.
- Wash container with soapy water or clean in the dishwasher before
use. - Use plastic when the milk will be used within a few hours or when
refrigerating. - Use glass when freezing.
- Do not store breast milk in disposable bottle liners.
- Store as 2 to 4 ounce portions (1/4 to 1/2 cups).
- You may wish to use a clean ice cube tray for storage -- each cube
is about 1 ounce. Cover the tray while storing milk.
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Here are some tips on safely storing breast milk: Choose a container for breast milk: Use sealable containers, such as bottles with screw tops. Wash container with soapy water or clean in the dishwasher before... More -
Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:Unless you plan to use your milk within one hour, refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible. Follow these tips:
- Breast milk keeps about 48 hours in the refrigerator and about three
months in a freezer. Mature breast milk looks bluish-white and
thin. When refrigerated or frozen, the richer milk rises to the
top and may look layered or curdled, so shake the bottle gently
when defrosted to mix it together. - Store milk in the back of the refrigerator or freezer where it is the
coldest. - Store only breast milk you have just pumped in a clean glass or
plastic bottle with a solid cap to provide an airtight seal. - Do not store or reuse any milk from a previous feeding because of
the risk of bacterial growth. - If possible, pump directly into the bottle; do not fill the bottle all the
way, because milk expands when frozen. - To avoid wasting milk, pump and store it in small amounts.
- Label each container with the date of pumping and, if you are in the
hospital, your name. - To thaw frozen breast milk, place the container in a pan of warm
water ⎯ not on a stove ⎯ making sure the water does not touch
the cap. Never use a microwave, which can destroy nutrients
and create hot spots that can burn the baby’s mouth. Do not
thaw the milk at room temperature.
Unless you plan to use your milk within one hour, refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible. Follow these tips: Breast milk keeps about 48 hours in the refrigerator and about three months in a freezer.... More - Breast milk keeps about 48 hours in the refrigerator and about three
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Intermountain Healthcare answered:Generally, breast milk can be kept at room temperature for four hours. If it is necessary to store your mother's milk for longer periods, certain precautions should be taken.
The following storage guidelines are for healthy newborns. If your baby is hospitalized, you’ll receive special instructions for pumping and storing your milk. For example, milk for most preterm babies should only be stored for 48 hours in the fridge.
You can store your milk in glass or plastic bottles, resealable freezer bags or plastic bags made especially for storing mother’s milk. Disposable bottle liners may also be used, but be aware that freezer odors can seep into the milk and water can evaporate out of the milk. More tips for storing your milk:
- Store milk in 2- to 4-ounce containers. Storing small amounts -- especially at first -- may mean you don’t have to throw away milk when your baby doesn’t drink much.
- Leave some room at the top when filling the container, since milk expands when frozen.
- Label all containers with the date the milk was expressed. If your baby takes your milk in a hospital NICU, a daycare or some other place outside your home, also put your baby’s name on the container. Be sure to check the label before preparing stored milk for your baby or bringing it home from the hospital.
- The storage containers must have an airtight seal. Use screw-on lids, not nipples, on the bottles.
- Never add warm milk to cold or frozen milk. If you need to combine milk to have enough for a feeding, cool the warm milk first.
- If you don’t plan to use the milk within two days, freeze it.
- Chill your milk as soon as possible after it’s expressed.
- Mother’s milk stored in the refrigerator should be used within 7 days -- don’t freeze it after this time.
Generally, breast milk can be kept at room temperature for four hours. If it is necessary to store your mother's milk for longer periods, certain precautions should be taken. The following storage guidelines are for healthy newborns. If your... More
