Breastmilk storage & expiration

Breastmilk storage & expiration

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Room Temperature [60-85°F]

  • 3-4 hours

Refrigerator [LESS THAN 39°F]

  • 72 hours (3 Days)
  • Thawed breastmilk that was previously frozen: 24 hours

Standard Freezer [0°F]

  • 3-6 months

Deep Freezer [ -20°F]

  • 6-12 months

What should we know

  • Once breastmilk is warmed and offered to baby, it is good for 2 hours and should NOT be refrigerated or reused
  • Stored breastmilk will separate into layers—gently swirl to combine layers prior to feeding baby
  • Do NOT microwave or boil breastmilk as it breaks down the nutritional content
  • Breastmilk can be warmed by placing the bottle or bag of milk into a cup of warm water
  • You can thaw frozen breastmilk in the fridge or under warm running water. Do NOT leave at room temperature to thaw.
  • Do NOT express room temperature breastmilk to previously cooled or frozen breastmilk
  • Can store in BPA bottles or breastmilk storage bags -Do NOT fill bag or bottle more than ¾ full as milk expands as it freezes.
  • If on the go, keep pumped milk in bag with ice packs until able to be refrigerated

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