Hey breastfeeding moms! One of the most important aspects of breastfeeding is making sure that your breast milk is stored properly to maintain its freshness and nutritional value. In this blog post, we’ll get into the ins and outs of breastmilk storage, offering you tips and guidelines to make the process as easy as possible.
Understanding Breastmilk Storage: Breast milk is a precious resource that provides essential nutrients and antibodies to your baby. Proper storage is crucial to preserving these benefits. Here’s what you need to know:
How Long Can Breast Milk Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
In the refrigerator, freshly expressed breast milk can stay good for about 4-5 days. It’s best to keep it at temperatures between 32-39°F (0-4°C) to maintain its freshness and nutrients. Remember to store it towards the back of the fridge where it’s coldest and away from the door where temperatures can fluctuate.
How Long Can Breast Milk Be Stored in the Freezer?
In the freezer, breast milk can be stored for a longer period of time. It can stay good for up to 6-12 months when stored in a deep freezer at temperatures of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Make sure to use special breast milk storage bags or containers designed for freezing, and label them with the date so you know when it was pumped.
Can I Mix Freshly Expressed Breast Milk with Previously Refrigerated or Frozen Milk?
Yes, you can mix freshly expressed breast milk with previously refrigerated or frozen milk.Â
Temperature Matching: Ensure that the temperature of the freshly expressed milk matches that of the previously refrigerated or frozen milk before combining them. For example, if you’re adding freshly expressed milk to refrigerated milk, let it cool in the refrigerator before mixing.
Same-Day Combining: It’s generally safe to combine breast milk expressed on the same day, even if it has been stored at different temperatures. For instance, you can add freshly expressed milk to previously refrigerated milk from earlier in the day.
Labeling: Clearly label the container with the date and time of expression for all milk that you plan to mix. This helps you keep track of the freshness of the combined milk.
Use Within 24 Hours: Once you’ve combined breast milk from different batches, use it within 24 hours. This ensures that it remains fresh and maintains its nutritional integrity.
Avoid Refreezing: Once frozen breast milk has been thawed, do not refreeze it. Use any mixed milk within the recommended time frame and discard any leftovers
What Containers Should I Use for Storing Breast Milk?
For storing breast milk, it’s best to use BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags specifically designed for this purpose. These containers are safe for storing breast milk and are usually sterile and leak-proof, which helps to maintain the quality and safety of the milk. Make sure to choose containers that are easy to seal tightly to prevent leaks and spills. Label each container with the date and time of expression to keep track of freshness.
How Should I Thaw Frozen Breast Milk?
Thawing frozen breast milk should be done carefully to preserve its nutrients. The safest way to thaw frozen breast milk is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the milk’s quality. You can also thaw it more quickly by placing the sealed container or bag of frozen breast milk in a bowl of warm water. Avoid using hot water or microwaving the breast milk, as this can destroy valuable nutrients and create hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth. Once thawed, gently swirl the container to mix the milk layers before feeding it to your baby.
How Do I Know If Breast Milk Has Gone Bad?
You can tell if breast milk has gone bad by using your senses. Here’s how:
Smell: Fresh breast milk typically has a slightly sweet smell or may have no odor at all. If it smells sour, rancid, or has a strong odor, it may have gone bad.
Appearance: Fresh breast milk is usually white or bluish-white in color. If it looks clumpy, chunky, or discolored, it might be spoiled.
Taste: While adults typically don’t taste breast milk, if you notice a sour or unpleasant taste, it could indicate spoilage.
Discard any breast milk that has been left out at room temperature for more than 4 hours.
Can I Refreeze Thawed Breast Milk?
No, it’s not recommended to refreeze thawed breast milk. Once breast milk has been thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Refreezing thawed breast milk can affect its quality and safety, potentially leading to a loss of nutrients and changes in taste. It’s best to thaw only the amount of breast milk you anticipate using within a day and to discard any leftovers after that time.
How Should I Store Breast Milk at Work or on the Go?
Storing breast milk at work or on the go requires some planning to keep it safe and fresh for your baby. Here’s how:
Insulated Cooler Bag: Use an insulated cooler bag with ice packs to store pumped breast milk while you’re at work or traveling. This helps maintain the temperature of the milk and keeps it cool until you can refrigerate or freeze it.
Preparedness: Before leaving home, make sure you have enough breast milk storage bags or containers to store the milk you’ll pump throughout the day. Also, consider bringing a small cooler bag or insulated lunch bag to transport the milk home.
Refrigeration: If possible, refrigerate pumped breast milk as soon as you can after pumping. Many workplaces have refrigerators where you can store your milk during the workday. If you’re on the go, aim to refrigerate the milk within a few hours of pumping.
Labeling: Always label your breast milk storage bags or containers with the date and time of pumping. This helps you keep track of the freshness of the milk and ensures you’re using the oldest milk first.
Common Breast Milk Storage Mistakes:
Not Using Proper Containers: Using containers that are not specifically designed for storing breast milk, such as regular plastic bags or bottles, can lead to leaks, contamination, and loss of nutrients.
Overfilling Containers: Overfilling breast milk storage bags or containers can lead to spills and leaks when freezing or thawing, resulting in wasted milk.
Not Labeling: Failing to label breast milk storage bags or containers with the date and time of expression can lead to confusion about the freshness of the milk and may result in using outdated milk.
Improper Thawing: Thawing frozen breast milk using hot water or microwaving it can destroy valuable nutrients and create hot spots that could burn your baby’s mouth.
Refreezing Thawed Milk: Refreezing breast milk that has been previously thawed is not recommended, as it can affect its quality and safety.
Storing Milk Too Long: Storing breast milk in the refrigerator for longer than recommended (4-5 days) or in the freezer beyond its recommended storage time (6-12 months) can result in spoiled milk.
Not Rotating Stock: Failing to use the oldest milk first (first in, first out) can result in wasted milk if stored milk reaches its expiration date before use.
Not Cleaning Pumping Equipment: Using dirty or improperly cleaned pumping equipment can contaminate breast milk and lead to spoilage.
Ignoring Signs of Spoilage: Ignoring signs such as off smells, unusual appearance, or sour taste can result in feeding spoiled milk to your baby, potentially causing digestive issues.
Not Following Guidelines: Ignoring proper breast milk storage guidelines from reputable sources can result in decreased nutritional value and potential health risks for your baby.
Breastmilk Storage Methods
The best milk storage method for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some popular options:
Breast Milk Storage Bags: These are convenient for storing breast milk in the freezer. They are typically pre-sterilized, leak-proof, and space-saving. Look for bags that are BPA-free and designed specifically for breast milk storage.
Breast Milk Storage Bottles: These are reusable containers designed to store breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer. They are often made of BPA-free plastic or glass and come in various sizes to suit your needs.
Breast Milk Storage Trays: These trays allow you to freeze breast milk in pre-portioned cubes, making it easy to thaw only the amount you need. They are convenient for storing small amounts of breast milk and can be stacked to save space in the freezer.
Breast Milk Storage System: Some brands offer comprehensive breast milk storage systems that include bottles, bags, and trays designed to work together for efficient storage and organization.
When choosing a breast milk storage method, consider factors such as convenience, space limitations, and compatibility with your pumping equipment.
Thanks for reading our blog on breast milk storage! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A helpful article! thank you for shaing it 🙂
I didn’t realize breast milk could last in the refrigerator 4-5 days or even know about the freezing option to preserve. Thanks so much for relaying such great info!
Very informative post that will be really useful to one of my friends that just had a baby. Thanks for sharing!
This is such a helpful post with all the important details; thanks for putting this together!
Very informational, thanks for sharing!
Such great info!!
It is a very detailed article! I have two sons, and I am still breastfeeding the youngest one over 3 years. We both enjoy the process.
It’s amazing to hear that you and your son are still enjoying breastfeeding even as he’s grown older! Your bond must be really special. Keep up the great work, and enjoy every moment with your little one!