How do I store my milk?
• Put your breast milk in clean bottles or breast milk storage bags that are labeled “BPA Free.”
• Store about 2-4 ounces per bottle or bag for the first 6 months.
• Once your baby starts solid foods the amount that you will need to store for your baby may decrease.
• Label containers with the date pumped and the baby’s name.
• Use the oldest milk first.
• At work or school, store breast milk in a cooler with ice packs or in a refrigerator.
• If your stored breast milk smells sour, throw it out.
• Thaw breast milk in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of warm water.
• Never microwave breast milk.
Breast milk storage guidelines for healthy full-term babies
Location
Fresh Breast Milk
Thawed Breast Milk
Temperature
Countertop
3-4 hours
1-2 hours
Room temperature must not be higher than 85°F or 29°C. Containers should be covered and kept as cool as possible.
Insulated cooler bag
24 hours
For transport only
Keep ice packs in contact with milk containers and limit opening the cooler bag.
Refrigerator
3 days
24 hours
At or below 39°F or 4°C
Freezer section inside a refrigerator
2 weeks
Do not refreeze
At or below 5°F or minus 15°C
Freezer with separate door or deep freezer
6 months
Do not refreeze
Below 0°F or minus 18°C
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee (2010). ABM clinical protocol #8: human milk storage information for home use for full-term infants. Breastfeeding Medicine, 5 (3), p. 127-130.