8 Best Practices for Breast Milk Storage

As a breastfeeding parent, you know how precious breast milk is. Whether you're pumping for convenience, returning to work, or simply want to build up a supply, proper breast milk storage is essential to preserve nutrients and ensure safety. Here are some best practices to help you navigate the world of breastmilk storage:

1. Cleanliness is Key: Before expressing or handling breast milk, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use clean containers, bottles, and breast pump parts that have been sterilized or washed with hot, soapy water and rinsed well.

2. Choose the Right Containers: Opt for containers specifically designed for breastmilk storage, such as BPA-free bottles or breastmilk storage bags. These are designed to withstand freezing and are space-efficient.

3. Label and Date: Always label each container or bag with the date the milk was expressed. This ensures you use the oldest milk first, following the first in, first out (FIFO) principle. Include the time if you're storing milk expressed on the same day, especially if storing in a shared fridge.

4. Storage Temperatures: Freshly expressed breastmilk can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours (ideally in a cooler with ice packs if the temperature exceeds 77°F or 25°C). In the refrigerator, it can be stored for up to 4 days at 40°F (4°C) or lower. If you're freezing breastmilk, it can be stored for up to 6 months ideally, but 12 months is acceptable (especially if using a deep freezer). It can be helpful to print out the CDC’s guidelines for the fridge or somewhere easy to refer to.

5. Avoid Microwaving: Never microwave breast milk as it can destroy valuable nutrients and create hot spots that could burn your baby's mouth. Instead, thaw frozen milk by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, letting it sit in warm or lukewarm water, or by running it under warm water. Swirl the container gently to mix any separated fat.

6. Minimize Transfer: Limit the number of times you transfer breast milk from one container to another to minimize the risk of contamination and nutrient loss.

7. Hygiene During Pumping: Ensure your breast pump is clean and sanitized before each use. After pumping, disassemble the pump parts and wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Allow them to air dry completely before storing.

8. Follow Guidelines: Keep abreast of any updates or guidelines from reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) regarding breastmilk storage and handling.