Storing Breast Milk

As a new mother who is nursing, you undoubtedly have questions about storing breast milk. Breast milk is the healthiest thing you can feed a child, and proper storage is essential for providing the best possible milk.

Expressed breast milk can be stored up to six hours at room temperature, which averages 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If the room temperature averages between 66 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the milk will be good for up to 10 hours. However, good rule of thumb to follow is to not leave breast milk exposed to room temperature for more than four hours since the quality of milk varies from mother to mother and room temperature differs.

The refrigerator is a good way to store breast milk that you plan to use soon.  As long as the temperature in the refrigerator is between 32 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit, the milk will be good for up to eight days. Do not store breast milk in the door of the refrigerator; every time the door opens, the milk will retain warmth.

Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for three to six months. The storage time varies depending on the temperature of the freezer and the number of times the door opens. The best type of freezer for storage is a chest freezer since it usually has a lower temperature. Breast milk should never be stored in the door because the temperature varies there.

Breast milk should never be stored in a plastic bag. Milk sometimes adheres to the bag, which reduces the amount that your baby has to eat. Plastic storage bags also leak, which can cause milk to become contaminated. The best kind of container for is glass. If a glass storage container is unavailable, a hard, clear plastic container will also work.

You should always label the milk with the date it was pumped. Use the oldest milk first. If your baby attends daycare and you must supply the milk, write your child's name on the label. This will avoid any chance that your child will receive someone else's milk.

Only store enough milk in each bottle for one feeding. Newborns will typically consume one to two ounces of breast milk. As your baby grows, you will be able to store more milk for each feeding. Once milk has been warmed, discard any leftover milk. The chances of the milk spoiling increased once it has been heated and the baby has used the bottle.

Following these easy tips will give your baby healthy breast milk and make your job as a parent easier.