How Long is Breast Milk Good for?
Storing Breast Milk
Breast milk is a valuable source of nutrition for newborns, and it’s important to store it properly to ensure its safety and quality. The length of time breast milk can be stored depends on various factors, such as the temperature at which it’s stored and whether it’s been previously frozen.
It’s essential to use clean containers to store breast milk, as bacteria can grow quickly in dirty or contaminated containers. Before expressing milk, make sure your hands and pumping equipment are clean. It’s also important to label the container with the date the milk was expressed to ensure that the oldest milk is used first.
To ensure the safety and quality of stored breast milk, follow the guidelines for storage based on the temperature at which it will be kept. Generally, breast milk can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer for varying amounts of time. Proper storage of breast milk can help ensure that your baby gets the nutrients they need while minimizing the risk of contamination or spoilage.
Room Temperature Guidelines
Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for a certain amount of time, depending on the temperature of the room. The general rule of thumb is that breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours if the room is at 77°F (25°C) or lower.
However, if the room temperature is higher than 77°F (25°C), breast milk can only be stored for up to two hours. It’s important to note that the time limit starts from the moment the milk is expressed, not from the time it’s put in the container or the time it’s removed from the refrigerator or freezer.
To store breast milk at room temperature, use a clean, tightly sealed container made of glass or hard plastic that’s specifically designed for storing breast milk. Avoid using bags or containers that are not designed for breast milk storage. Label the container with the date and time the milk was expressed, and place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
If breast milk is left at room temperature for too long, it can spoil and become unsafe for your baby to consume. Always check the temperature of the room and the length of time breast milk has been stored before offering it to your baby. If in doubt, throw it out.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Refrigerating breast milk is a popular method of storing breast milk, as it can extend the shelf life of breast milk for several days. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days if it’s kept at a temperature of 39°F (4°C) or lower.
To store breast milk in the refrigerator, use a clean, tightly sealed container made of glass or hard plastic that’s specifically designed for storing breast milk. Label the container with the date and time the milk was expressed before placing it in the refrigerator.
It’s important to note that breast milk should be stored in the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is the coldest. Avoid storing breast milk in the refrigerator door, as it’s more likely to be exposed to temperature fluctuations when the door is opened and closed.
When it’s time to use refrigerated breast milk, gently swirl the container to mix the layers of milk, as the cream tends to rise to the top. Do not shake the container vigorously, as this can denature the proteins and affect the quality of the milk.
Always check the breast milk for signs of spoilage before offering it to your baby. If the milk has a sour smell or unusual color, it may have gone bad and should be discarded.
Freezing Guidelines
Freezing breast milk is a convenient method of storing breast milk for longer periods of time. Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to six months if it’s kept at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
To freeze breast milk, use a clean, tightly sealed container made of glass or hard plastic that’s specifically designed for storing breast milk. Do not fill the container to the top, as breast milk expands as it freezes. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion.
Label the container with the date and time the milk was expressed before placing it in the freezer. It’s a good idea to use the oldest milk first, so be sure to rotate the containers in the freezer.
When it’s time to use frozen breast milk, thaw it in the refrigerator or by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. Do not thaw breast milk in the microwave or on the stove, as this can cause hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth.
Once breast milk has been thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Do not refreeze breast milk that has been thawed. Always check the breast milk for signs of spoilage before offering it to your baby. If the milk has a sour smell or unusual color, it may have gone bad and should be discarded.
Thawing Breast Milk
Thawing breast milk properly is essential to maintain its nutritional value and quality. Breast milk can be thawed in the refrigerator, under running water, or in a bowl of warm water.
To thaw breast milk in the refrigerator, take the container out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This method is the safest and most convenient, but it can take up to 12 hours for the milk to thaw completely.
To thaw breast milk under running water, place the container of frozen breast milk under a stream of warm water. Do not use hot water, as this can damage the nutrients in the milk. Once the milk has thawed, use it within 1-2 hours.
To thaw breast milk in a bowl of warm water, fill a bowl with warm water and place the container of frozen breast milk in it. Do not use boiling water, as this can damage the nutrients in the milk. Once the milk has thawed, use it within 1-2 hours.
Do not thaw breast milk in the microwave or on the stove, as this can create hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth and can also destroy some of the important nutrients in the milk.
Once breast milk has been thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Do not refreeze breast milk that has been thawed. Always check the breast milk for signs of spoilage before offering it to your baby. If the milk has a sour smell or unusual color, it may have gone bad and should be discarded.
