Breast milk is an important source of nutrition for your baby. Whether you’re a new mother or an experienced one, understanding the proper storage routine for breast milk is needed to make sure it stays fresh and safe for your baby to drink. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of storing breast milk to keep its nutritional value and decrease the risk of it going bad.

• Choose the Right Containers:

Before handling breast milk, wash your hands with soap and water to stop the spreading any germs to the milk. Selecting good containers is the first step in proper breast milk storage. Use BPA-free plastic bottles or breast milk storage bags that are made for this purpose. These containers are safe for freezing and won’t contain any harmful chemicals that can leak into the milk.

• Label and Date:

Always label each container with the date you pumped it. Use the oldest milk first. This helps you avoid any milk from going to waste.

• Pumping and Storing:

If you’re using a breast pump, make sure all its parts are clean. After pumping, store the milk right away in its storage container or bag. When freezing, remember to leave some space at the top of the container or bag for when the milk expands.

• Fresh Milk vs. Refrigerated Milk:

According to the CDC, freshly expressed (pumped) breast milk can be stored at room temperature (around 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours. For longer storage, place the milk in the refrigerator at 32-39°F (0-4°C) for 3 to 4 days.

• Freezing:

If you want to store milk longer than 4 days, freezing breast milk is the way to go. Frozen breast milk is best for up to 6 months. However, the longest it can last is 12 months. Keep in mind these rules:

– Refrigerate the milk before freezing to lower its temperature slowly.

– Store milk in small quantities (2-4 ounces) to avoid waste.

– Use breast milk storage bags designed for freezing.

– Put milk in the back of the freezer, where the temperature stays the same.

– Avoid storing milk in the freezer door, as temperature changes can happen when the door is opened a lot.

• Thawing and Using Frozen Milk:

Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator. For quicker thawing, place the sealed container or bag in a bowl of warm water. Never use a microwave to thaw breast milk, as it can create hot spots that may burn your baby’s mouth and destroy important nutrients. Once thawed, gently mix the milk.

• Handling Leftover Milk:

If your baby doesn’t finish a bottle of breast milk, it can be used for up to 2 hours after feeding begins. If the milk has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, throw it out. Never reheat or refreeze breast milk that has already been thawed.

For more information about proper breast milk storage, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm