Breastfeeding Resources and Support

Your breast milk should be stored in a way that keeps it clean and safe. You can use BPA-free plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids, or special bags designed for storing breast milk. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s clean before you use it.

Storage times can feel confusing, but following these research-based guidelines will ensure your milk remains safe for your little one. These recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are for healthy, full-term infants.

At Room Temperature
Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours. If you don’t plan to use it within this time, it’s best to refrigerate it right away. If your milk was previously chilled, try to use it within two hours of it being at room temperature.

In the Refrigerator
You can store breast milk in the refrigerator (at 40°F or 4°C) for up to 4 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests storing it at the back of the fridge where the temperature is most stable, away from the door. If you don’t think you’ll use the milk within four days, freezing it is the best option.

In the Freezer
For longer storage, the freezer is your best friend. Breast milk can be stored:

• In a standard freezer (at 0°F or -18°C) for up to 6 months for best quality, though the CDC notes up to 12 months is acceptable.
• In a deep freezer or chest freezer for up to 12 months.

To protect your milk, store it in the back of the freezer where the temperature is coldest and won’t be affected by the door opening and closing. If you’re using freezer bags, consider double-bagging or placing them in a hard container to prevent tears.

• Freeze in Small Batches: It’s a good idea to freeze milk in small, feeding-sized amounts, like 2 to 4 ounces. This minimizes waste, as you won’t have to thaw more than your baby will drink. You can always thaw more if needed.

To safely thaw your stored milk, follow these steps:

• Thaw in the Refrigerator: The safest method is to let the milk gradually thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use Warm Water: If you need a faster option, gently warm the container by holding it under lukewarm running water or placing it in a bowl of warm water.
• Avoid the Microwave: Never use a microwave to thaw breast milk. It can create uneven hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth and destroy essential nutrients.

Once thawed, the milk can be served at room temperature or warmed up. Remember to swirl the milk gently to mix the fat, which may have separated.

• Time Limit: Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours.
• 24-Hour Rule: If milk is thawed in the refrigerator, it must be used within 24 hours.
• Do Not Refreeze: Never refreeze breast milk after it has been thawed.
• Discard Leftovers: Any milk left in the bottle after a feeding should be discarded.

If you’re pumping at work or out and about, using an insulated cooler bag with ice packs is key to keep your milk chilled. This will keep it safe until you can get it home to your refrigerator or freezer.

• Compared to alternative sources for baby’s milk, the nutrients in breastmilk are better absorbed and used by your baby. These include sugar (carbohydrate) and protein.
• Breastmilk has the nutrients that are best for your baby’s brain growth and nervous system development. Studies of breastfed babies have found that they do better on intelligence tests when they grow older (Isaacs et al., 2011).
• A breastfed baby’s eyes also work better. This is mostly because of certain types of fat in breastmilk.

• Breast milk has many disease-fighting factors. They help prevent mild to severe infections and hospitalization.
• Breastfed babies have far fewer digestive, lung, and ear infections.
• Babies born early (premature) who are breastfed are also less likely to get a serious infection of the intestines called NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis).
• If your baby gets an infection when breastfeeding, the infection is likely to be less severe.

• A lower risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) than babies who are not breastfed.
• A lower risk of getting asthma and skin problems related to allergies. Formula-fed babies are more likely to have milk allergies.
• Less diarrhea and a lowered chance of getting some digestive conditions. Formula can actually change healthy bacteria in a baby’s intestines. The bacteria help with digestion and fighting disease.
• A lower risk of developing leukemia.
• Fewer long-term health problems as they grow up. These include diabetes and obesity.

• Your baby has certain health problems. Breastmilk only is usually recommended, but you may need to add formula or other liquids. For example, your baby may need this if he or she has low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or loss of body fluids (dehydration).
• You have or have had certain health problems. There are few reasons why you should not breastfeed your baby. Some infections can be passed through your breastmilk. Also, women taking certain medicines or using drugs or alcohol should not breastfeed.