Breast Milk Storage Tips

Monika Pis, PhD, CPNP

First of all, kudos to moms who decide to breast-feed their infants. Even if breast-fed only for a short time, your infant will benefit from that long-term.

Here's what you'll need to store your breast milk:
- Clean container with tight lid, or
- Sterile breastmilk storage bags

Wash containers in the dishwasher, or by hand in hot soapy water. Use only a clean dish towel to dry them. Unused breast milk should be refrigerated immediately and should be used within 48 hours. If you do not plan to use it within 48 hours, freeze it right away. Breastmilk can be stored in a freezer connected to your refrigerator up to 1 month, and in a deep freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with pump date and time. Frozen milk can be thawed under warm water or in the refrigerator.

- Never thaw your milk in the microwave.
- Never let your milk stand at room temperature.
- Use thawed milk within 24 hours.
- Never refreeze your milk after you have thawed it.

Here are a few website resources for breast-feeding:
www.aap.org/breastfeeding
www.bfmed.org
www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
www.4women.gov
www.breastfeeding.com