Storing Breast Milk

To keep breast milk safe from bacteria and prevent damage to key nutrients it is vital that the milk is stored properly. Refrigerate or chill breast milk immediately after expression. You can refrigerate breast milk in a cooler or insulated cooler pack, or freeze milk in small (2-4 ounce) batches. 

• Clearly label milk containers with the date the milk was expressed. 
• If cream rises to the top of the bottle, gently swirl to mix the milk. Do not shake the milk, this causes the nutrients to break down.
• Do not store milk left over from feedings. Use this milk within 2 hours of the finished feeding. Bacteria from the baby's mouth could have entered the milk and can grow when stored. 

Tips for Freezing Breast Milk

• If using BPA free plastic or glass bottles to freeze milk, leave the tops of the container loose. Tighten once completely frozen.
• When freezing breast milk, leave an inch of space in the container, as milk will expand when frozen.
• Store milk in the back of the freezer, away from the door, to assure a steady temperature.
• Do not combine frozen and unfrozen breast milk. This can cause bacteria to grow. 

Tips for Thawing and Warming Milk

• To thaw a frozen container of milk you have three options:
  • Place the container in the refrigerator overnight
  • Hold the container under warm running water
  • Please note: submerging the container in warm water can burn or damage milk and should be avoided. 
• NEVER microwave breast milk. This can cause hot spots that can burn or damage milk.
• NEVER warm the milk container directly above the stove. 
• Swirl the milk and test the temperature by placing a few drops on your wrist. The milk should be comfortably warm, not hot. 
• Thawed breast milk should not be stored for more than 4 hours. Ideally use within 1-2 hours. 
• DO NOT refreeze thawed breast milk.