Keeping up with exclusive breastfeeding can be tough, especially if you're heading back to work or seeking more flexibility in your routine. That's where a breast pump comes into play, allowing you to build a supply of breast milk that your baby can enjoy even when you're not around.
However, once you start pumping, knowing how to properly store your expressed milk becomes essential. Safe breast milk storage is key to maintaining its quality and ensuring your baby receives all the nutrients and antibodies needed for healthy growth. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about breast milk storage, from safe practices to handle different situations to tips for thawing and warming milk correctly.
Importance of Proper Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk is often referred to as "liquid gold" for a reason—it's packed with essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support your baby's development and immune system. However, to ensure your baby reaps the full benefits of breast milk, proper storage is critical. When breast milk is stored incorrectly, it can lose valuable nutrients, develop harmful bacteria, or even spoil, posing health risks to your baby.
When stored correctly, breast milk can retain its beneficial properties for varying lengths of time depending on the storage method, whether it's at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen for long-term use.
By following recommended breast milk storage guidelines, you can extend the usability of expressed breast milk while minimizing the risk of bacterial growth or nutrient degradation. Proper storage also ensures that your baby continues to receive the highest quality milk even when breastfeeding isn't possible, such as during travel, work, or unforeseen events.
How to Safely Store Breast Milk
When storing breast milk, the first step is to always use clean, sterilized containers specifically designed for breast milk storage. These could be BPA-free plastic or glass containers, or breast milk storage bags that are intended for freezing.
Fill each container with enough milk for one of your baby's feedings. You can start with about 2 to 4 ounces (60 to 120 milliliters) and adjust as you see fit. Label each container with the date and time the milk was expressed to help you manage your supply efficiently and use the oldest milk first.
Temperature is a key factor in safe storage. Depending on how soon you plan to use the milk, you'll need to store it at the appropriate temperature. Here's the guideline for breast milk storage time and temperature:
Room Temperature Storage
Storing breast milk at room temperature is convenient for short-term use, particularly if you're planning to feed your baby within a few hours. Freshly pumped breast milk can be kept at room temperature, around 77°F (25°C) or cooler, for up to 4 hours.
In cooler conditions, breast milk may last slightly longer, but it's always best to use or refrigerate it as soon as possible to maintain its quality. If the room is warm or you're in a hot climate, consider moving the milk to a refrigerator sooner rather than later.
If your baby doesn't finish a feeding, the leftover milk in the bottle should be used within 2 hours, or if you pop it in the fridge quickly, save it for the next feeding.
Refrigeration Storage
Refrigeration is an excellent option when you need to store breast milk for a longer period but plan to use it within a few days. After pumping, freshly expressed breast milk can be safely stored in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) for up to 4 days.
To ensure maximum freshness, store the milk in clean bottles or breast milk storage bags, placing them at the back of the refrigerator where the temperature is most consistent. If you're not sure whether you'll use the milk within that time frame, consider freezing it to extend its shelf life.
Freezing Storage
For long-term storage, freezing breast milk is your best option. When frozen properly, breast milk can last for up to 6 months, and in some cases, up to 12 months in a deep freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. However, to maintain the best quality, it's recommended to use frozen breast milk within 6 months.
Store the milk in specialized breast milk storage bags or containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion as it freezes. Be sure to label each container with the date of expression so you can use the oldest milk first.
Special Situations and Solutions
Now that you understand the general breast milk storage rules, let's delve into some special situations where storing breast milk can be challenging:
Power Outages
When faced with a power outage, keeping your stored breast milk safe becomes a top priority. If the power is out for a short period (less than 4 hours), try to keep your freezer or refrigerator doors closed as much as possible to maintain a consistent temperature.
For longer outages, placing breast milk in a cooler with ice packs can buy you some extra time. If your milk begins to thaw but still contains ice crystals, it can safely be refrozen. However, fully thawed milk should be used within 24 hours or discarded.
Travel
When you're traveling, having a breast pump with a portable charging case, like the eufy Wearable Breast Pump S1 Pro, can make all the difference. It keeps your pump charged and ready wherever you are. But once you're done pumping, being prepared for proper storage is just as important.
If you're traveling by car, use a high-quality cooler with frozen ice packs to maintain a cold temperature. Freshly pumped breast milk can stay safe in an insulated cooler for up to 24 hours. For air travel, most airlines allow breast milk to be carried in coolers, even if it exceeds typical liquid limits.
Be sure to inform security personnel and consider packing frozen milk to extend its usability during long trips. Upon arrival, promptly refrigerate or freeze the milk to ensure it stays safe for your baby.
Returning to Work
Returning to work while breastfeeding presents its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to pumping and storing breast milk throughout the day. To make the transition smoother, it's important to plan ahead.
Invest in a good quality wearable breast pump for discreet in-bra use and ensure you have access to a private, clean space at work where you can pump comfortably. After pumping, store the milk in labeled containers in a refrigerator if your workplace has one. If refrigeration is not available, bring a cooler bag with ice packs to store your milk during the day.
Tips for Safely Thawing and Warming Breast Milk
Thawing and warming your stored breast milk properly is equally crucial to preserving its nutritional value and ensuring it remains safe for your baby. Follow these simple guidelines:
Thawing Breast Milk
- Refrigerator Thawing: The safest way to thaw frozen breast milk is to transfer it to the refrigerator. Place the frozen milk in the fridge and allow it to thaw slowly over 12 to 24 hours. Once thawed, breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before use. It's important to avoid refreezing milk once it has been thawed.
- Quick Thawing: If you need to thaw breast milk more quickly, you can place the sealed container or bag of milk in a bowl of warm water. Swirl the milk gently to help it thaw evenly. This method can thaw the milk within 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount.
- Avoid Hot Water and Microwaves: Never thaw breast milk using hot water or a microwave. Microwaves can create hot spots in the milk, which can burn your baby's mouth, and they can also degrade the milk's valuable nutrients. Hot water can cause the milk to heat unevenly and lose its beneficial properties. Stick to gentle warming methods instead.
Warming Breast Milk
- Warm Water Bath: The most common method for warming breast milk is to place the thawed or refrigerated milk in a bottle and submerge it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Gently swirl the bottle to evenly distribute the warmth. Test the milk on your wrist to ensure it's lukewarm—not hot—before feeding.
- Room Temperature Option: Some babies are comfortable drinking breast milk at room temperature or even slightly cool. If your baby prefers it this way, warming may not be necessary at all. This can save time and reduce the chance of losing nutrients during the warming process.
Conclusion
As we've learned, ensuring your baby has access to safe, nutritious breast milk, no matter the circumstances, requires careful attention to storage practices. By following the guidelines for storing breast milk at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer, you can rest easy knowing that your baby's milk is always safe and ready to use. Special situations like power outages, travel, or returning to work present unique challenges, but with the right strategies, you can handle them with confidence. With these breast milk storage tips in mind, you can continue to provide your baby with the best nourishment, even when life gets busy.
FAQs
How long can you store breast milk once pumped?
You can store freshly pumped breast milk at room temperature (77°F or cooler) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 4 days. If you want longer storage, keep it in the freezer and use it within 6-12 months.
How soon does breast milk need to be refrigerated?
Breast milk should be refrigerated within 4 hours after pumping if kept at room temperature (77°F or cooler). If the room is particularly warm, it's best to refrigerate it as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours.
Can I store breast milk in a feeding bottle in the fridge?
Yes, you can store breast milk in a feeding bottle in the fridge. Just make sure the bottle is clean and has a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the back of the fridge where the temperature is most consistent, and use it within four days for the best quality
What are the signs that breast milk has gone bad?
You'll notice the milk curdle and form clumps that won't dissolve, even if you stir it. It may develop a fishy smell, and its color, which starts white or yellowish, can darken and look less fresh. Additionally, if the milk has been contaminated by bacteria, it can taste sour.