How To: Breast Milk Storage and Use
Safe Breast Milk Storage and Use
This article covers breast milk storage guidelines and how to reheat and use breast milk. The source for these guidelines is a combination of the Department for Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Storage Containers for Breast Milk
The best storage device for breast milk is normal baby bottles or specialized milk storage bags. The easiest way is to store breast milk that will be used the same day in a standard baby bottle and if the breast milk will need to be stored for a longer period of time, use the storage bags in the freezer. This way you have bottles ready in case you need them and the bags are easier to defrost.
A few types you can buy on Amazon:
Lansinoh 20435 Breastmilk Storage Bags, 25-Count Boxes (Pack of 3) -$16.76
Medela Pump & Save Storage Bags 50-pk.
Medela Breastmilk Bottles 6-Pack – 5oz – $18.99
Playtex Nursing Necessities One Step Breast Milk Storage Kit -$8.95
Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags, 50-Count – $8.06
Philips Avent BPA Free Breast Milk Storage Set – $29.99
View all Breast Milk Storage Products
How to Store Breast Milk
- It is best to store breast milk in 2-5 ounce servings (depending on how much you baby normally drinks, store in serving size amounts). This way you are only heating the milk you will be using.
- You can combine breast milk from different pumping sessions into one bottle or storage bag.
- Be sure to date each batch and use or throw away before it expires. (See chart below for expiration).
- Breast Milk should be frozen within two days of pumping. When freezing, leave room for expansion in the bottle or bag. (Do not refreeze breast milk.)
Breast Milk Storage Lengths & Expiration
Breast Milk at Room Temperature:
- Up to four hours at 80 degrees F
- Up to 10 hours at 70 degrees F
Breast Milk in a Cooler with Ice
- Up to 24 hours (at 60 degrees F)
Breast Milk in the Refrigerator:
- Five days (39 degrees F)
Breast Milk in the Freezer:
- Two weeks in a freezer of a refrigerator
- Six months in a deep freezer at a constant 0 degrees F
Heating, Thawing and Reusing Breast Milk
How to Heat a Bottle or Thaw a Breast Milk Storage Bag
If the bottle is already at room temperature you do not need to heat it.
Heating a bottle from the Refrigerator:
1. Fill a bowl with water
2. Heat water in microwave, 2 minutes 30 seconds.
3. Place bottle in hot water for 30-60 seconds or until room temperature.
4. Swirl
5. Test temperature on inside wrist. Should be body temperature not hot.
(Use can also use a bottle warmer. )
Thawing breast milk storage bag from the freezer:
1. If time permits place bag in refrigerator to defrost and then heat according to the instructions above. This typically takes 12 hours so you may want to put it in the night before you need it.
2. If time does not permit thawing in a refrigerator run under warm water or swirl in a bowl of warm water until it is defrosted and room temperature.
3. Avoid letting milk sit at room temperature to thaw.
Learning curve makes this contraption which helps to thaw breast milk storage bags:
A few other items to help with breast milk:
Playtex Fridge-To-Go Bottle Holder – Single
Playtex Fridge-To-Go Bottle Holder – Double
Commonly asked Questions:
- Can I microwave breast milk? No. Microwaving breast milk can remove some of the anti-infections properties and nutrient qualities in the milk or create hot spots which can burn your baby’s throat. The same goes for heating directly on the stove.
- If my baby doesn’t finish the milk at one feeding can I reuse it for the next feeding? Opinions on this are mixed. I do it. Just be sure not to refreeze the milk after it has been thawed.
- My breast milk looks weird after refrigerating. Is it bad? The fat in the milk will separate when refrigerating. This does not mean the milk has gone bad. Just swirl it to mix it together again.
Links for more information on breast milk storage:
La Leche League International
Department of Health and Human Services Breastfeeding Page
American Academy of Pediatrics Website
Related posts:
I love to write, learn, and share what I know - all while taking lots of pictures. I live in Los Angeles and am married to a very handsome man named Stan. We have a 5 year old Vizsla, a 3 year old daughter, and one on the way (due Aug, 2011). Thanks for stopping by!
Where were you a year and a half ago?
I could have used these tips when I was nursing my little guy. I’ll save these for the next one…whenever that is. I like that learning curves thing.
(visiting from MBC)
Does anyone else have any experience with this?
[...] more information on Breast Milk Storage, visit BabyBumpDiaries.com – a resource for everything related to pregnancy and [...]
[...] more information on Breast Milk Storage, visit BabyBumpDiaries.com – a resource for everything related to pregnancy and [...]
Breast Milk Storage Guidelines | Storage of Breast Milk http://bit.ly/7wU7gd
New Blog Post: How To: Breast Milk Storage and Use http://www.babybumpdiaries.com/how-to/breast-milke-storage-and-use/
This is very informative.
Great post!
Thanks