Breastmilk Storage Guidelines
Check with your healthcare provider or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for specific storage
instructions. This information is based on current research and applies to mothers who have healthy, full-term babies
who are storing their milk for home use.
Important Notes:
● STORAGE CONTAINERS: The best option for storing human milk is glass or hard-sided plastic containers with
well-fitting tops. When you are freezing your breastmilk, do not fill the container more than 3/4 full to allow for
expansion from freezing. Store milk in the main refrigerator or freezer compartment, away from the door, to avoid
changes in temperature that may compromise the milk.
● RE-WARMING THE FROZEN MILK: Frozen milk can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight or under cool running
water. Gradually increase the temperature of the water to heat the milk to feeding temperature. Be sure to use
thawed milk within 24 hours. Discard any leftovers.
● RE-WARMING THE REFRIGERATED MILK: Refrigerated milk can be warmed by running under warm water for
several minutes. ALWAYS test the temperature of the milk on the inside of your wrist before feeding it to your baby.
The milk should feel warm, not hot.
● WHAT TO DO: Storing milk in 2 to 4 oz amounts may reduce waste. Write the date you expressed your milk on the
container (include your baby's name on the label if your baby is in a daycare setting). Use the oldest milk first. Throw
away previously frozen milk that is not used within 24 hours.
● WHAT NOT TO DO: Do NOT heat milk directly on the stove. Do NOT thaw in hot or boiling water. Do NOT microwave
milk, as microwaving alters the composition of the milk and may create hot spots that may burn your baby. Do NOT
refreeze thawed milk.
● THAT'S WEIRD: Human milk may separate into a milk layer and a cream layer when it is stored. This is normal.
Gently swirl to redistribute the cream before giving to baby. Sometimes thawed milk may smell or taste soapy. This is
due to a breakdown in the milk fats. The milk is safe and most babies will still drink it.
● IS IT DANGEROUS: Expressed milk can be kept in a common refrigerator at the workplace or day care center. The
US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) agree that
human milk is not among the body fluids that require special handling or storage in a separate container.
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