Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

If you are planning to pump breast milk you will want to know how long it can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Breast milk can be stored in special freezer bags designed for breast milk or any hard plastic or glass container. If you have extra baby food jars these are the perfect size to store breast milk in.

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
Room Temperature	Refrigerator	Freezer compartment	Freezer	Deep Freezer
4-8 hours (May be left at room temperature for up to 10 hours if the temperature is below 72°F, 22°C)	Three to eight days	Up to 2 weeks	3-4 months	6-12 months
66-72°F, 19-22°C	32-39°F, 0-4°C	Temperatures vary	4°F, 20°C	0°F, -19°C
Use at next feeding or discard	Transfer to freezer within 8 days, use, or discard	Once frozen breast milk is thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Do not refreeze.	Once frozen breast milk is thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Do not refreeze.	Once frozen breast milk is thawed, it should be used within 24 hours. Do not refreeze.

Frequently asked questions about storing breast milk

Can you add pumped breast milk to already frozen breast milk?

Yes but it is best to cool in the refrigerator first. If you add pumped milk to already frozen milk it can cause the frozen breast milk to thaw and refreeze. The other problem with adding fresh breast milk to frozen breast milk is that you will have to use it by the date on the already frozen milk. It makes it harder to keep track of how old your breast milk is.

How can you tell if breast milk is spoiled?

If you are properly storing your milk you should not have a problem with spoiled milk. Breast milk will separate. The fat will rise to the top. This is normal it does not mean your milk is spoiled. You may sometimes have thinner looking or blue colored milk, this is still okay. Another concern comes along when moms or caregivers smell breast milk. Sometimes breastmilk that is frozen or stored in the refrigerator will smell soapy or have a strange taste to it. This does not mean it is spoiled. Before you toss out perfectly good breast milk consider how it was stored. If it was refrigerated after pumping and stored properly, it probably doesn't need to be tossed. However, if you are concerned, if the milk smells rancid or sour go ahead and toss it.

What size portions should you store breast milk in?

It is better if you store breast milk in small portions (around 3-4 oz per freezer bag or storage container). Once frozen milk is thawed you can not refreeze it. If you store breast milk in 8-10 oz portions you may end up wasting breast milk if your baby does not drink it within 24 hours.