Breastmilk Storage

Written By Regina Lawless

By following recommended storage and preparation techniques, nursing mothers and caretakers of breastfed infants and children can maintain the safety and quality of expressed breast milk for the health of the baby.

These are general guidelines for storing human milk at different temperatures. Various factors (milk volume, room temperature when milk is expressed, temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator and freezer, and cleanliness of the environment) can affect how long human milk can be stored safely.

Freshly Expressed or Pumped Milk

  • Countertop ( 77°F (25°C) or colder (room temperature) - up to 4 hours

  • Refrigerator (40°F (4°C)- up to 4 days

  • Freezer 0°F (-18°C) or colder- within 6 months; however, 12 months is acceptable

Thawed- Previously Frozen

  • Countertop ( 77°F (25°C) or colder (room temperature) - 1 to 2 hours

  • Refrigerator (40°F (4°C)- up to 1 day (24 hours)

  • Freezer 0°F (-18°C) or colder- NEVER refreeze after thawing

Leftover from Feeding

  • Use within 2 hours after the baby has finished feeding

Free download- https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/HumanMilk-en-508.pdf

Please consult with your Primary Care Physician/OBGYN for specific recommendations.

Regina Lawless
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