Storing & Handling Breastmilk
Check with your hospital for specific storage instructions.
When freezing, do not fill containers more than 3/4 full to allow space
for expansion. Label containers with the date of pumping.
Thawing frozen breastmilk:
•
Thaw frozen breastmilk by holding the container under warm water.
Milk may be defrosted in the refrigerator overnight. Gently shake
the container to blend any fat that has separated.
Caution:
•
Do not thaw frozen breastmilk in a microwave or in a pan of
boiling water. Microwaving can cause severe burns to baby’s mouth
from hot spots that develop in the milk during microwaving. It can
also change the composition of breastmilk.
•
If adding expressed breastmilk to container of already frozen
breastmilk, make sure to add a lesser amount than the already
frozen amount.
7
Important Note:
If the temperature in the room, car or outdoors exceeds
77 °F / 25 °C, chill milk immediately to preserve freshness.
References: www.BreastmilkGuidelines.com
Room
Temperature
Cooler with
3 Frozen
Ice Packs
Refrigerator
Thawed
Breastmilk
Freezer
Freshly Expressed Breastmilk
Storage Guidelines
(For Healthy Term Babies)
4–6 hours
at 66–78 °F
(19–26 °C)
24 hours
at 59 °F
(15 °C)
3–8 days
at 39 °F
or lower
(4 °C)
use within
24 hrs
6–12
months
0–4 °F
(-18–-20 °C)
