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Storing breastmilk?

Jenn524 Posted:

Storing breastmilk?

I'm having a hard time finding a definite answer so I thought I'd ask BTDT moms.

How long can I keep breastmilk in the fridge?
If I have milk in the fridge can I put it in the freezer later or should I go straight to the freezer?
How long can I keep milk in the freezer?

TIA
Rainmama Posted:

Re: Storing breastmilk?

STORING
-Fresh pumped milk can be stored at room temperature for up to ten hours. Once breast milk has been refrigerated or frozen and then brought to room temperature, it will only be good in room temperature for ½ hour.

-Fresh pumped milk may be refrigerated for up to five to seven days. Smell or taste your milk for freshness before offering it to your baby.

-Fresh pumped milk can be stored in the average freezer for up to six months depending on the freezing capacity of your refrigerator. If ice cream stays frozen solid, your freezer is adequate for storing milk for six months. If ice cream stays soft, your freezer is adequate for storing milk for only three months. Milk can be stored in a deep freeze (20 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to 12 months. Store milk in the coldest part of the freezer, away from the door.

-Fresh pumped milk that has been refrigerated for up to 48 hours may be frozen. (DO NOT FREEZE milk that has been refrigerated for longer than 48 hours.)
Breast milk expands when it freezes. Fill the bottle or bag to within one inch of the top to allow for this expansion. If using a bag, fold the top of the disposable bag over and fasten with a twist tie or rubber band.

-Label the milk container with the date and time expressed.

-If large quantities of milk are easily expressed, fill several plastic bottles or bags rather than one big bottle. The baby will only be taking a few ounces in the beginning, so do not waste your precious milk.

-When transporting breast milk for use away from home, keep it cold until just before use. A small cooler with ice or frozen packs may be used to keep the milk cold during transport.

-Use the oldest milk first.


Defrosting

-Thaw breast milk at room temperature, or in a bowl of hot tap water. Defrost using the least amount of heat possible. NEVER MICROWAVE BREAST MILK as it may create hot spots and destroys some beneficial vitamins and enzymes.

-Breast milk will often separate when cooled as the cream rises to the top. Mix the milk by gently shaking.

-Do not feed defrosted milk to your baby until it is completely thawed.

-Discard any milk that smells or tastes sour.
Once frozen milk is thawed, it is only good in the refrigerator for 24 hours.





jpsgirl Posted:

Re: Storing breastmilk?

wow, great answers! I have done some of the stuff wrong, but luckily the baby survived!!

Jenn524 Posted:

Re: Storing breastmilk?

Wow, thanks for all of the info. It was really helpful.

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