The phrase, “Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk” is well meaning, but as any lactating parent knows, any drop that is lost can be devastating. There is so much work put into pumping and maintaining milk supply. Making sure that breastmilk is stored correctly can help to ensure that no milk goes to waste. Check out our breastmilk storage guidelines below.
When reviewing guidelines on milk storage, there are two primary resources that we recommend to our clients, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) The CDC revised their guidelines in 2017, thus making the guidelines differ slightly. While the CDC’s guidelines tend to be more conservative, ABM guidelines cite their sources and are safe to follow, provided the family has practiced proper hygiene practices.
Hygiene
When handling breast milk, it is important to always have clean hands washed with soap and warm water. Also make sure your using clean bottles and pump parts. You can learn more about cleaning pump parts on our blog linked here.
Freshly Expressed Milk:
It is recommended to feed your baby freshly expressed milk at room temperature within 4 hours. Under optimal (room temp lower than 80 F) and very clean conditions, 6 to 8 hours is acceptable, but it is best to chill or refrigerate as soon as possible if the milk will not be used during that time.
Refrigerated:
Freshly expressed milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-8 days under clean conditions, but it is optimal that you feed it to your baby within the first 4 days. Not many studies have been done on the change in composition of milk over time. The studies that we do have found that many factors are not diminished for 4-5 days.
Freezer:
Breastmilk can be stored for up to 12 months in the freezer, but it is optimal that it is used within 6 months. Be sure to store frozen milk in the coldest area of the back of a side by side freezer or in a deep freezer to avoid rewarming when the door of the freezer is opened.
Freezing milk does impact the amount of fat, calories, proteins and bioactive factors. Freezing expressed milk is still a safe option for families that are wanting to build a stash and is preferred over infant formula. We recommend using single use milk storage bags or clean food grade containers. If you use glass or plastic containers, make sure they have tight fitting lids. Frozen milk does expand so do not overfill your containers. Freezing in 2-4oz quantities is best.
Previously frozen, thawed milk at room temperature should be fed to your baby within 1 to 2 hours. In the Refrigerator, it should be fed to your baby within 24 hours and it should never be refrozen once it has been thawed.
Leftover milk:
Leftover milk from a feeding can be used within two hours from when the baby is finished feeding.
Visit the CDC website or the ABM Human Milk Storage Protocol for more details and related studies.
Need more help with pumping and milk storage? Book a visit with Wisco Lactation on our website. We offer home & office visit in SE Wisconsin and NE Illinois. We also offer virtual visits worldwide.