Breast milk storage guidelines can be incredibly complicated to decipher. With each pump company and breastfeeding website having its own storage and handling recommendations, how's a mother to know which one to follow? Plus, throw in whether the baby is full-term, pre-term, healthy, or in the NICU, and we have quite a confusing situation.
After delving into our lactation consultant guidelines for human milk storage, I think I have the definitive list for you….at least for this year!
How long does my breast milk stay fresh?
Here are the recommendations, for a healthy infant, according to the Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice, 2012:
Room Temperature 72 º: 6 -10 hrs.
Refrigerator: 5-7 days
Insulated cooler with ice pack: < 24 hrs.
Completely thawed in the refrigerator: < 24 hrs.
Freezer compartment in 1-door refrigerator: 2 weeks
Freezer door in 2-door refrigerator (not in door): 3-6 months
Deep freezer: 6-12 months
Here are the recommendations for a hospitalized infant, according to the Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice, 2012:
Room Temperature 72 º: < 4 hrs.
Refrigerator: up to 7 days
Insulated cooler with ice pack: < 24 hrs.
Completely thawed in the refrigerator: < 24 hrs.
Previously frozen, brought to room temperature: <4 hrs.
Freezer compartment in 1-door refrigerator: not recommended
Freezer door in 2-door refrigerator (not in door): < 3 months
Deep freezer: < 6 months
How should I store my breast milk?
- Glass or plastic baby bottles
- Clean food storage containers with tight-fitting lids
- Disposable feeding bottle liners and mother’s milk bags
How do I warm my stored breast milk?
- Never use the microwave to warm up breast milk. Not only does the milk heat unevenly in the microwave (which could cause unintentional burning), but it decreases the anti-infective quality of the milk and reduces its overall health properties (ABM Protocol #8)
- Defrost frozen breast milk in either the refrigerator overnight, by running under warm water, or setting it in a container of warm water. (ABM Protocol #8)
- There have been no studies done to provide recommendations for how long milk can be kept at room temperature after a baby has partially fed from the cup or bottle. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends using the milk within 1-2 hrs after baby finished feeding. (ABM Protocol #8) Many lactation consultants and pediatricians recommend using the rest of the milk at the next feeding sessions and then throwing any leftovers away.
Do I need to sterilize my bottles and nipples?
- Bottles, nipples, and pump pieces need to be sterilized before you first use them.
- Once a bottle, nipple, or pump piece has been used, sterilizing is unnecessary. Instead wash everything in hot, soapy water and then rinse, or throw them in the dishwasher.
Less complicated, right?
I hope that I was able to clarify a few of those difficult-to-figure-out questions you had.
Now go.... breastfeed, pump, and give that delicious goodness to your child! And, definitely check back in a few years to see if anything has changed!