How do I store my breast milk?
You can store breast milk in the fridge or freezer in a clean lidded container or a breastmilk storage bag. Make sure the container or bag is well sealed so milk can’t escape or take on the odour or taste of other foods.
Breast milk Room temperature Refrigerator Freezer
Freshly expressed into a clean container 6-8 hours (in a room 26℃ or cooler) or store in the fridge if you can No more than 72 hours and store in the back of the fridge 2 weeks in the freezer of a fridge/freezer combination — (-15℃). 3 months in the freezer with a separate door — (-18℃). 6-12 months in a deep freeze — (-20℃)
Thawed EBM (not warmed) 4 hours or less e.g. the next feed In the refrigerator for 24 hours Do not refreeze EBM which has already been thawed
Thawed EBM in warm water Don’t reoffer; throw out what the baby doesn’t drink Hold for 4 hours or until the next feed Don’t refreeze
When baby has started feeding Throw out what the baby doesn’t drink Throw out Throw out
5 important tips about storing breast milk
Only add cold breast milk to cold. Cool your breast milk in the refrigerator before adding it to another lot of EBM.
Write the date and time you expressed on the container — this will help you keep track.
Use the oldest EBM first.
Never refreeze EBM which has already been thawed and offered to your baby.
Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 6-8 hours, but ideally keep your EBM in a fridge where it can be stored safely for up to 72 hours.
What’s the safest way to defrost frozen breast milk?
If you have frozen breast milk, the safest way to defrost it is in the fridge. If you don’t have time and your baby is hungry, you can defrost the EBM in a jug of warm water or under a running tap.
Source: This is part of an article which was first published by Pregnancy Birth and Baby Organization
Link: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/expressing-and-storing-breast-milk
