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Sole Expressions
™
Single Electric Breast Pump
Milk Storage
Breast Milk
Room Temperature
Refrigerator
Freezer
Freshly expressed into
closed container
6–8 hour (78˚F or lower)
3–5 days (39˚F or lower)
• 2 weeks in freezer
compartment inside
refrigerator.
• 3 months in freezer
section of refrigerator
with separate door
• 6–12 months in deep
freeze (0˚F or lower)
Previously frozen—
Thawed in refrigerator
but not warmed or used
4 hours or less
(i.e. next feeding)
Store in refrigerator
24 hours
Do not refreeze
Infant has begun feeding
Only for completion of
feeding; then discard
Discard
Discard
From:
Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Professional
, by Ruth A. Lawrence, page 894
Tips for Freezing Milk
• Only fill container ¾ full before freezing to allow for milk expansion.
• Freeze milk in quantities of 2 to 4 ounce portions. This allows milk to thaw quicker and
creates less waste if your baby does not drink it all.
•
Always
use thawed milk within 24 hours of thawing.
•
Never
refreeze milk once it has been defrosted.
•
Do not
use a microwave oven to thaw frozen breast milk.
• Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator for several hours or with warm water. If
thawing with warm water, you may need to gently shake the container to blend any
fat that has separated.
