How Long Does Breast Milk Last at Room Temperature?

If you’re breastfeeding and returning to work or looking to have more flexibility, you may consider using a breast pump. Once you begin to pump, it’s important to know how to store your expressed milk safely. Following the recommended storage techniques can help maintain the quality and safety of expressed breast milk for the baby’s health. In this article, we will discuss questions like how long does breast milk last at room temperature and how long can I store breast milk, among others.

In what kind of container should I keep my expressed milk?

It’s important to wash your hands with soap and water before expressing breast milk. For storage, you can use a clean, capped food-grade glass or hard plastic container that’s not made with chemical bisphenol A (BPA). You may also use a special plastic bag that’s designed for milk collection and storage. However, avoid storing breast milk in disposable bottle liners or plastic bags used for general household use.

How should expressed breast milk be kept?

If you’re storing expressed milk, you should use waterproof labels and ink to label each container with the date when the breast milk was expressed. Make sure to keep the containers where the temperature is the coolest such as the freezer or the back of the fridge. You may also store the breast milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs temporarily.

As far as the amount of breast milk to store is considered, you can fill the container with as much milk as needed for your baby’s single feed. Additionally, you may store 60-120 ml and adjust as required. Breast milk will expand as it freezes so make sure not to fill it to the brim.

Can I mix freshly expressed breast milk with milk that has been stored?

Yes, you can mix freshly expressed breast milk with refrigerated or frozen milk. However, make sure to thoroughly cool the freshly expressed milk before adding it to the previously chilled or frozen breast milk. Adding warm breast milk to frozen milk will cause the frozen milk to partially thaw.

How long is expressed milk preserved?

You can safely preserve expressed breast milk depending on the storage methods.

1. Room temperature

Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature safely for up to six hours. However, it’s recommended to use or store the breast milk within four hours, especially if the room is warm.

2. Insulated cooler

You can store freshly expressed breast milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs for as long as one day.

3. Refrigerator

Freshly expressed breast milk can last for up to four days in clean conditions when stored in the back of the refrigerator. However, it’s recommended to use or freeze the milk within three days.

4. Deep freezer

Freshly expressed milk can preserve in the back of a deep freezer for up to a year. However, it’s recommended to use it within six months.

It’s important to remember that the longer you store the breast milk, the greater the loss of Vitamin C in the breast milk, whether it is stored in the refrigerator or the freezer.

How should I thaw frozen breast milk?

As a rule of thumb, thaw the oldest breast milk first. You can transfer the frozen container to the refrigerator on the night before you intend to use it. You may also warm the milk gently by placing it in a bowl of warm water.

Make sure to not heat a frozen bottle of milk in the microwave or on the stove as it may affect the antibodies in the milk. Avoid freezing and using previously thawed milk or make sure to use it within 24 hours.

Is there a difference between fresh and thawed breast milk in terms of appearance or odour?

The colour of breast milk tends to vary depending on the mother’s diet. Additionally, thawed breast milk may have a different odour or consistency than freshly expressed milk even though it is completely safe for consumption. If your baby refused to drink the thawed milk, you may want to shorten the storage time.

Storage Tips

Here are some storage tips you should keep in mind while storing breast milk:

• Always label the breast milk with the date it was expressed.

• Avoid storing the breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer door as frequent opening and closing may affect the storage temperature.

• If you think you’ll not be able to use the freshly expressed milk within four days, it’s best to freeze it to protect its quality.

• Try to store small amounts of breast milk to avoid any wastage and store in amounts that can be used in single feed.

• If you deliver breast milk to a childcare provider, label the milk with your baby’s name and share the storage instructions with them.

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• If you’re travelling, you can store the breast milk in an insulated cooler along with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours. Refrigerate or freeze it instantly or use the milk right away.