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Tips for Storing Breast Milk Safely
by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D.
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
In many instances, feeding directly from the breast is the most convenient way to give your baby breast milk; however, some circumstances may require that you express and store your milk. Breast milk is quite perishable, though, so certain safeguards are necessary. Here are some guidelines:
- Cleanliness is key. Before beginning, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, and make sure the containers and the area in which you do this are clean.
- Use appropriate, labeled containers. Glass or plastic bottles, tiny hard plastic containers, resealable plastic bags, plastic bottle liners, and ice cube trays are all suitable. If you decide to use plastic bags or liners, double them up for extra protection. Label each container with the date and, if she attends day care, your child's name.
- Store in handy portion sizes. After expressing, put the breast milk in single-serving portions--that is, 2 to 4 ounces. Anything more will be a waste of valuable milk if your baby doesn't drink it all in one feeding. If you plan to freeze the milk, leave a half-inch space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
- Refrigerate or freeze. After filling the labeled containers, chill them as soon as possible. You can do this by using a cooler with frozen gel packs, a refrigerator, or freezer. To protect against mishaps, store containers inside another hard plastic container before placing in the refrigerator or freezer. If you use an ice cube tray, carefully place it in a plastic bag before freezing to avoid the milk picking up odors and flavors from other foods.
- Use within the recommended time frame. Breast milk stored in a cooler with frozen gel packs should be used within 24 hours; if stored in a refrigerator, use within 48 hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using breast milk stored in a standard freezer at zero degrees within six months. Do not refreeze any milk that has been thawed.
- Thaw or warm with warm water. To thaw or warm breast milk, simply hold the container under warm--not hot--running water. To break up the small lumps of fat that may have separated from the rest of the milk during chilling, shake the container gently. Don't use the microwave to thaw or heat your milk because they often heat unevenly, causing "hot spots." The high temperatures also might damage important substances in the milk.
- Discard leftover milk. Don't think twice about it--throw out any milk that your baby doesn't drink. Drinking from the bottle introduces bacteria from your baby's mouth and can contaminate the milk.
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Created January 13, 2001
Reviewed September 18, 2004
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